Plastic surgery can improve your appearance, but not everyone does. Learn what to think about before surgery, how to find the right surgeon, and what questions to ask.
Cosmetic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery that includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures, may seem like an easy way to change your appearance, erase several years of age or improve your physique.
But there are risks and limitations to plastic surgery. If you''re considering plastic surgery, here''s what you should know.
Factors to consider
Plastic surgery changes your appearance by changing parts of your body that function normally but don''t look the way you would like. Before starting plastic surgery, the following should be considered:
Your Expectations: Expect improvement, not perfection. If you expect plastic surgery to turn you into a movie star, you will be disappointed. Don''t count on surgery to keep a strong relationship, get a promotion, or improve your social life.
Cost: Most health insurance plans do not cover plastic surgery. The cost varies depending on the surgery and ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. You should also consider the cost of any follow-up medical care or additional corrective procedures.
Risks: It is possible to experience dissatisfaction after any type of plastic surgery. Surgical complications are also possible, including severe bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
Recovery: After plastic surgery, you may need days, weeks, or even months to recover. Understand the physical effects that may be part of your recovery as well as how surgery may affect aspects of your personal and professional life.
Psychological changes: Your self-esteem may improve after plastic surgery, but plastic surgery probably doesn''t relieve depression or other mental health conditions.
Find a qualified plastic surgeon
In the event that you decide to have plastic surgery, you will have to choose one of the plastic surgeons. Choose a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you want to perform and is qualified in that specialty through a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Be aware of misleading testimonials from unrecognized or self-appointed boards.
If you are going to have surgery that requires general anesthesia, make sure that the procedure facility is accredited by a recognized national or state accrediting agency such as the Joint Commission, or licensed by the state in which the procedure facility is located.
Image of a female doctor examining a woman''s face
Surgeon interview
When choosing between your options of surgeons, schedule appointments for a consultation, or for multiple consultations with different surgeons. Your surgeon will evaluate the part of your body that you want to reshape, you will share your medical history and a list of medications you are taking, and you will discuss your wishes and expectations with him. During the initial consultation, ask the surgeon:
Am I a good candidate to undergo this operation? What is the reason for confirmation or denial?
Are there any other treatment methods, apart from the operation, that might have the same or better effect as the operation for me?
How often do you perform this process? What were the results?
Can you share before or after pictures or charts to help me understand the process and expected results?
Can the desired effect be achieved in one operation or do you expect to perform several surgeries?
What surgical options are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical option?
Will the results be permanent?
What type of anesthesia will be used? How will it affect me?
Will I be hospitalized? If the answer is yes, for how long?
What are the possible complications?
How will my progress be monitored after surgery? What medical care will I need at follow-up? How long of recovery period can I expect?
How much will the operation cost?
The more closely you work with your surgeon to set specific, measurable and achievable goals, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results of your procedure.
Remember, even if you do your homework and find the surgeon you want, at a price you can afford, the decision to continue with plastic surgery is yours alone. Make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon and that you are committed to the treatment options.
