If you’re considering cosmetic plastic surgery, you probably have some questions regarding how to best proceed. Cosmetic plastic surgery has become increasingly popular over the past few decades, with a 200% increase for women and an almost 500% increase for men since the 1990s. Here are some simple dos and don’ts for plastic surgery that will help you prepare in all ways for both the initial consultation with your surgeon and the procedure.
Do Ask Questions
When you first go in to meet with your surgeon, it’s important that you aren’t afraid to ask questions. You should do your homework to prepare beforehand. Many people even write down their questions in a list to ensure that they don’t forget any questions.
While everyone will have different questions and concerns that they will want addressed and answered, there are a few basic questions that should get you started on brainstorming. You should ask questions specific to the surgeon you have chosen. Ask them how many of the procedures you’re looking into they’ve performed, whether they feel you are a good candidate for the procedure, and how flexible their scheduling is to your needs. You should also ask more general questions about the recovery period length and expectations and any potential risks and complications that might arise with your procedure.
Don’t Ignore Your Surgeon
In choosing your surgeon, you have certainly looked into their credentials and previous clients. This means that you should trust them to be experienced and steer you in the right direction when it comes to your care throughout the cosmetic surgery process. A good surgeon will often recommend screenings, medical tests, and even lifestyle changes before you go in for surgery. For example, quitting nicotine use is a common suggestion before going into plastic surgery. This is because nicotine use restricts blood flow, which can cause tissue death after a facelift or tummy tuck. This makes these procedures less effective and can even become dangerous when combined with other potential complications. Your surgeon’s advice will make sure that your chosen procedure will be performed safely and have the desired results.
Do Make Sure to Communicate
Plastic surgery is a very personal matter. Every patient and desired outcome is different, so you have to be sure to communicate clearly with your surgeon in order to get the results you want. Clear communication will also ensure that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page when it comes to your recovery timeline and desired results.
Many people struggle to describe what they want from their cosmetic surgery procedure in words. Try to find photos of other successful cosmetic surgeries and bring them to your surgeon to ensure that you both know what kind of results that you’re expecting. This will allow your surgeon to decide what procedures will best suit your desired results and allow you both to clear up any misunderstandings that may have previously arisen. Even the best plastic surgeon won’t be able to give you the results you want if they don’t have a clear idea of what the end result looks like in your head.
Don’t Expect Unrealistic Results
While plastic or cosmetic surgery can give you more self-confidence and make you happier with your appearance, it’s important to not expect unrealistic results. Plastic surgery results vary based on your age, body type, and the type of procedure. Getting a facelift can rejuvenate your skin and make you look younger, for example, but it won’t make you look like you’re in your 20s if those days are long past.
Understanding the limitations and realities of plastic surgery can actually lead you to having better results than chasing an unrealistic result. You probably can think of a celebrity or two who no longer looks anything like themself because of overly aggressive plastic surgery. According to Zenn Plastic Surgery, a Raleigh plastic surgery, the best, most effective kind of plastic surgery procedure “does not seek to change your appearance, but to refine and rejuvenate.” Keeping this in mind will allow you to go into plastic surgery with realistic expectations and lead to a happier conclusion.
