Plastic surgery: what to know first

what you need to know first:

Plastic surgery may help you 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.

Plastic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery that includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures, may seem like an easy way to change your appearance, remove the effects of 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 need to know.

Factors to be taken into consideration

Cosmetic surgery alters appearance, by changing or reshaping parts of the body that function normally, but do not look the way the person wants. Before performing plastic surgery, the following should be considered:

  • patient expectations. Expect improvement but not perfection. In the event that plastic surgery is expected to transform a person into a movie star shape, it only reaps disappointment. You should not rely on surgery to maintain a difficult relationship, gain a promotion, or improve social life.
  • expenses. Most health insurance plans do not include plastic surgery. The cost varies based on the process, and ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also, consider the cost of follow-up care or additional corrective procedures.
  • Risks. Dissatisfaction can be felt after any type of plastic surgery. Surgical complications are also possible, which include excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
  • recover. After plastic surgery, a person may need days, weeks, or even months to recover. Understand the physical effects that can be part of your recovery, as well as how surgery may affect your personal and professional life.

Also, if the person smokes, the doctor will likely advise that they stop smoking a month before surgery and during recovery; To reduce the risk of complications.

Find a qualified plastic surgeon

If you decide to have plastic surgery, you may have to choose among the surgeons available to you. Choose a doctor who specializes in performing the procedure you want and who is licensed in that specialty by a board-certified American Board of Medical Specialties. Watch out for misleading testimonials from unapproved or self-formed medical boards.

If you’re going to have an operation that requires general anaesthesia, make sure that the facility performing the procedure is accredited by an accrediting body such as The Joint Commission or licensed by the state in which the facility is located.

surgeon interview

When you’ve narrowed down your choices about surgeons, schedule a consultation, or several consultations with different surgeons. The surgeon will evaluate the part of your body that you want to treat, share your medical history and list of medications, and discuss your wishes and expectations. During the initial consultation, ask the surgeon the following questions:

  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
  • Are there suitable treatments other than surgery as good or better for me?
  • How many times have you done this procedure? How were the results?
  • Can you share with me pictures or diagrams of before and after the procedure; To help me understand the procedure and the expected results?
  • Can the desired effect be achieved within one procedure, or do you anticipate several?
  • What are the surgical options? What are the pros and cons of each?
  • Will the results be permanent?
  • What type of anesthetic is used? How will it affect me?
  • Will I be staying in the hospital? If the answer is yes, how long will it take?
  • What are the possible complications?
  • How will you monitor my progress after surgery? What follow-up care will I need? How long can the recovery period be?
  • How much will the procedure cost?

The more closely you work with your surgeon to achieve specific, measurable and achievable goals before surgery, the more satisfied you will be with the results.

Remember, though, that even if you do your part and find a surgeon you like at a price you can afford; You are solely responsible for making the decision to seek plastic surgery. Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and are committed to your treatment options.