Plastic surgery is a great way to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence. However, it’s also important to understand that this type of procedure is not without risks. In order to help you make an informed decision as to whether plastic surgery is right for you, here are some things you should consider before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery.
Your Current Health
Before undergoing plastic surgery, you must be in good health and not on any medications or under the influence of drugs. If you recently suffered from a grave illness, injury or trauma, it’s best to postpone your surgery to a later date. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will likely recommend you wait at least six months before undergoing the cosmetic procedure. An ideal candidate will be physically healthy, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations.
Expectations
Before you undergo any surgery, it’s crucial that you know what to expect in the days and weeks following. As a general rule of thumb, most plastic surgery procedures take about two weeks for complete healing before patients can resume regular activities and return to work. During this period, many people find it helpful to use ice packs intermittently on their faces or body parts as prescribed by their doctor. Over-the-counter medications may help with discomfort during this time frame, but always check with your doctor beforehand!
Each person’s expectations for recovery are different depending upon factors such as age and overall health condition. Patients must understand these differences to make an informed decision as to whether they feel comfortable undergoing plastic surgery.
Your Doctor’s Qualifications
As with any medical provider, it is essential to know that the surgeon you choose has a medical degree and board certification in plastic surgery. They should also have experience performing procedures similar to those you are considering. Finally, ensure that your potential plastic surgeon has a good reputation within the community and among their peers. This can usually be confirmed by speaking with people they have treated or worked with in the past. Read reviews online and talk to other doctors who may know them professionally.
Costs
Costs vary greatly depending on the type of procedure, surgeon, and location. When it comes to determining the costs involved, it can be quite a challenging task. They are typically broken down into two categories: direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs include the procedure, anesthesia, and other surgical supplies needed during your operation.
Indirect costs involve transportation to get you to your appointment, stay at a hotel or with friends or family if you’re far away from home, missed work time, meals, prescriptions, and medical tests ordered by your doctor before surgery.
Time for Recovery
How long you’ll need to recover depends on the type of surgery, but most patients will need at least a week or two off. You should expect to be immobile for several days after your procedure, and you may need to take pain medication. It’s also important not to drink alcohol or use other drugs while recovering from plastic surgery. Strenuous exercise is generally not recommended before or after any cosmetic procedure.
Schedule time off work and, if necessary, hire someone to help you out with daily chores. It takes time for the surgery to show its results and for scarring to fade away. Ensure that you do not plan any major events during this timeframe.
Stacked Procedures
You can have multiple procedures done at once, called stacked procedures. For example, you can have a tummy tuck and breast lift together because both of these surgeries are fairly short. Stacked procedures may be less expensive than doing the same number of operations separately. However, the risks increase when opting for multiple surgeries at once.
Potential Risks
When it comes to plastic surgery, it’s crucial that you understand the potential risks involved before making a decision. While these complications rarely occur if you have a well-trained surgeon, here are a few risks you should look out for:
- Infections can occur after surgery, though they are generally treatable if caught early.
- While scars can be minimized through proper treatment and care, they may be unavoidable in some cases. Talk with your surgeon beforehand to discuss procedures that will result in minimal scarring.
- Potential risks and complications associated with anesthesia include bleeding under the skin, infection, and nerve injury.
It’s essential to take your time and weigh all of your options before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery. It’s also important to keep in mind that you can still get great results without going under the knife! If this is something you’re considering, make sure your doctor has experience with surgical and non-surgical procedures so they can recommend the best treatment option for you.