Opting for plastic surgery is always a personal decision. After all, the patient will live with the results of the procedure for the rest of their lives. People have different reasons for considering plastic surgery. It could be that they want to have a more youthful look and offset the effects of aging. Some want to reconstruct something in their body, like breast augmentation.
Going for plastic surgery purely for aesthetic reasons, also known as cosmetic surgery, is a big decision. Patients will have many questions—which procedures to choose, what results to expect, and how to find a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. . To help you, listed below are some critical considerations before proceeding with plastic surgery.
Find A Good Plastic Surgeon
First off on the list is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. This means the surgeon has completed extensive training in facial and body procedures and passed written and oral examinations to earn their certification. Other credentials include membership in reputable organizations for plastic surgeons, which impose strict training requirements and compliance with safety standards to qualify for membership.
For those specifically looking into facial procedures, specialist institutions like the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute can provide expertise tailored to face-related surgeries, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
Choosing a surgeon with adequate experience in the type of surgery you wish to have is also essential. The last thing you want is an incompetent doctor with dubious credentials.
Furthermore, opting for a certified and experienced Raleigh plastic surgeon can help ensure a successful procedure.
Evaluate Your Overall Health
Once you find a surgeon you can trust, it’s time to proceed with the consultation. This is where your doctor will assess your overall health to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
During the consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history and that of your immediate family. The surgeon must have a clear picture of your current health status, so don’t hide any medical conditions, even if you think it’s something minor.
In addition, you should talk to your primary care physician to get medical clearance. This preoperative evaluation aims to determine any medical conditions affecting your operative risks. This requirement is particularly crucial for older patients and those with chronic illnesses.
Know What Type Of Procedure You Want
Another important thing you and the surgeon will discuss during the consultation is the type of procedure you want. The surgeon should explain the procedure in detail, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
Don’t hesitate to raise questions or bring up your expectations and any concerns you might have about the operation. Here are some questions you may ask your plastic surgeon:
- What can this procedure do for me?
- Is this procedure the right treatment option for me?
- Are there other treatment options I can consider?
- Will there be pain and discomfort?
- How long will it take to see the final results?
- How many years will the results last?
Your plastic surgeon may also give you brochures to read at home so you can better understand the whole process and make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with cosmetic surgery.
Know The Risks Or Complications
Another crucial factor to consider before going through plastic surgery is the risks. Like other types of surgeries, plastic surgery comes with risks and potential complications.
Also, note that you’re at greater risk for complications if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation in the surgical area, or a weakened immune system.
During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the possible complications of the procedure. Some of the most common complications include nerve damage, infection, blood loss, scarring, and anesthesia-related issues.
After explaining the risks associated with the surgery, the plastic surgeon will ask if you wish to proceed. However, such complications rarely happen when you hire an experienced and certified plastic surgeon.
Consider The Costs
Depending on the type of plastic surgery you want, expect to pay several thousand dollars. The price usually depends on the surgeon, location, and type of procedure you want. Request a quote during the consultation to get a clear idea of how much it will cost.
Generally, health insurance doesn’t cover the expenses if plastic surgery is not medically necessary. You may have to pay for the procedure out of pocket or consider other financing options.
Thankfully, cosmetic surgery is no longer a luxury that only celebrities and the rich can afford. It can still be quite expensive, but with proper planning, budgeting, and research, you should be able to receive the premium level of service you deserve.
Note The Recovery Period
Recovery time will depend on the type of surgery performed on you. Some patients will be required to stay in the hospital for a couple of days after the operation, while others can head home after a few hours following the procedure. Whether or not the surgical procedure requires hospital confinement, you must take the recovery process seriously to get the best outcome.
Below is the average recovery period for standard cosmetic surgery procedures:
- Nose Reshaping: six to eight weeks, depending on the type of procedure, but full recovery can take up to six months
- Eyelid Surgery: five to seven days
- Facelift: two weeks to one month
- Liposuction: five to seven days
- Breast Surgery: five to seven days but no lifting more than 15 pounds
The body needs time to heal, so it’s crucial to refrain from activities that may hinder the healing process and cause complications. Even daily habits like taking a bath or exercising may cause harm. It’s also crucial that you follow the instructions provided by the surgeon after the procedure.
If your surgeon has instructed you to stop smoking three to six weeks before and after the procedure, you should follow and commit to it. Smoking increases the risk of infection, blood clots, scarring, and other complications.
Sometimes, the surgeon may recommend a specific diet to help your recovery. Always listen to your doctor because they want you to be safe and get the results you expect.
Final Thoughts
Last year, more than 1.5 million surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States alone. These numbers may indicate that more and more people are assured that cosmetic surgery can address their problem areas. Thanks to modern technology, plastic surgery has also significantly improved, which leads to the overall satisfaction of the patients who opt for it.
