7 Things To Understand Before Having Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery isn't a new thing, and for years now, both men and women have been going under the knife or using non-surgical procedures to help them change parts of their bodies to improve their health or appearance.
Even with advancements in modern medicine, the type of care carried out, and the scope of procedures surgeons are able to perform, surgery still comes with risks.
Undergoing plastic surgery is a massive decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. It doesn't matter what type of surgery you are having; understanding the complications, risks, benefits, and what you need to do before and after treatment is vital to assist you in making the right decisions.
While only you can ultimately determine if going ahead with any cosmetic procedure is right for you, there are some things you should consider prior to undergoing the knife.
Why
The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself why you're doing it. If a partner has asked you to undergo a procedure to change something about you, are you in agreement that you want to do this and it needs to be done? Are you making changes because of something another person has mentioned, or are you self-conscious about it? Or is it impacting your physical or mental health?
Cosmetic surgery isn't a one-thing-fix-all kind of deal; while it can change your visual appearance and even offer health benefits, it can’t also magically transform your mindset and make you more satisfied with your body and life. It's important you are having the procedure done for the right reasons, and your reason for having it done holds up to scrutiny from yourself.
Are You Being Realistic?
It's natural to have expectations about the results of cosmetic surgery, but it's crucial to be realistic. Understanding the potential outcomes and the recovery process will not only prepare you for what's to come but also ensure that you're fully informed about the journey ahead.
Essentially, this means that fixing how you look might not fix how you think about how you look, and the issues might run deeper than a surgeon's knife. Overly negative opinions of your body should be addressed first; counseling and therapy can be instrumental here. It's important to have a realistic understanding of the potential results of changing your body in this way, and to ensure you're not going to be left feeling even worse once the work has been carried out.
Are You Suitable?
Like any other surgery, cosmetic surgery is best performed on those who are healthy and in good physical condition. Whether you are having a facelift, excess skin removed, a tummy tuck, or any other procedure, you have to be physically healthy, a nonsmoker, and understand what the surgery entails and what you are going to get from it. Remember, cosmetic procedures can be life-changing, but they're not miracle cures. It's important to consult with your surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the specific procedure you are considering.
The Procedure
Surgically modifying your body can help you realize your body and image goals, and there's no denying that. But after addressing your mental health and thoughts on the subject, you need to fully understand what the actual surgery entails. You need to know what will be done and what your surgeon will need to do to get your desired results.
Your surgeon will explain exactly what they will do when carrying out your surgery. They will advise on what you need to do to get ready to go under the knife, what you can expect once you come through the surgery, i.e., recovery times, incision sites, medical care post-op, and what the healing process looks like, and what you will be expected to do, such as changing dressings, having drains in wounds, avoiding certain activities or alcohol, etc.
The more you know about what you will physically undergo to get the results, as well as the length of time you can expect for recovery and any follow-up appointments, the more prepared you can be, and the more realistic you can be about the entire process.
Do You Know The Risks?
In many cases, the benefits will far outweigh the risks in terms of improving your life or your confidence. But each and every surgery carries risks, even in the healthiest of people. You won't always know what will happen once you have been put under anesthesia, and understanding what can go wrong is an important part of the process.
General risks of cosmetic surgery can include but are not limited to infection, scarring, blood clots, blood loss, fluid buildup, wound separation, and even an unexpected reaction to anesthesia.
Costs and Payment Plans
How much the cost is, what you're expected to pay, when you need to pay, and any payment plans should be discussed and thoroughly understood prior to committing.
The cost of procedures can vary from product to product and clinic to clinic. While you should not be determining here, if you have the treatment carried out based on price, you should be confident you can realistically afford it.
Your surgeon will let you know about any additional costs you might incur, such as follow-up appointments, additional medical supplies, further treatments, i.e., antibiotics for infections, or another surgery to fix problems, etc. Some might be included up to a certain limit; other providers might charge you for everything they do on a separate basis and not include certain things in their packages. It's important to know what you are paying for and what you might expect to pay out for complications to understand the affordability of the procedure.
Research Your Surgeon
Lastly, you need to have carried out extensive research into the surgeon you are considering and understand what they do, how they work, the level of care provided, and the results they deliver. Again, choosing based on price could be a massive mistake; you want the best person working on your body to deliver the results you want and expect and who can understand you as an individual to give you the best care. Finding this person takes time and research; even if you have to wait a little bit longer to fit in with the right surgeon or afford their services, take your time, do your research, and be confident you know exactly what you're doing.
