Choosing Cosmetic Surgery: Ask Yourself These Questions

Cosmetic surgery is performed for a variety of reasons. Some people aim to look younger, some people look to alter a characteristic that they have never liked about themselves.

The choice is up to you. However, it is important to be realistic in your expectations when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

For most people, cosmetic surgery will not change their life. It will not make them look like someone else or resolve deep-rooted personal issues. But something like breast asymmetry correction can boost your self-esteem and give you a better sense of well-being.

Communication between you and your surgeon is crucial for achieving successful results. Ensure that you are at ease with the surgeon and that you are honest with them about your objectives and concerns.

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Why do you want cosmetic surgery?

There are several valid justifications for getting cosmetic surgery. They have carefully considered their options, are in good health, have high self-esteem, are acting in their own best interests, and are mindful of the risks associated with the operation they are thinking about.

But, many are doing it to satisfy another person, most commonly their spouse or partner, and their expectations are incredibly unrealistic concerning what the surgery may do.

Think about the following: 

• Why do you think you might benefit from cosmetic surgery? A person’s self-image, or how they feel about themselves, is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery. Individuals who have a healthy self-image are typically more self-assured, successful in the workplace and social circumstances, and at ease in their personal and professional relationships.

• Why are you getting cosmetic surgery—to make yourself happy or to make other people happy? Ensure that you are giving thought to undergoing cosmetic surgery for yourself. If you get cosmetic surgery to make someone else happy, you should prepare yourself to feel let down by the results.

• Are you able to mentally prepare yourself for cosmetic surgery? It is possible that you should not get cosmetic surgery in certain circumstances. Instances like these include when you are going through a crisis or emotional upheaval, such as the end of a marriage, the passing of a spouse, or the loss of a job. Surgeons are reluctant to consider doing cosmetic surgery on patients who have depression or other mental problems, are difficult to please, or are obsessed with attaining ideal results.

• Is it a good time to get cosmetic surgery right now? If you are preoccupied with other things, you should probably put off getting cosmetic surgery for a while, even if you are emotionally ready for it. Make surgery plans for a time when you will be at ease and able to take it easy while you recover. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a recovery that is both longer and more challenging.

• How do you plan to acclimatize to the new perception of your body? It may take you some time to acclimate to your new body image. This is especially true for surgeries that produce a significant change to your face, such as rhinoplasty (surgery to the nose) or a facelift. Treatments that do not entail surgery, such as Botox or wrinkle-filling or volumizing injections, could be simpler to adjust to in the long run.

• Are you ready to deal with outcomes that you did not anticipate? As with any other type of surgeon, cosmetic surgeons are unable to guarantee their patients’ outcomes. Unanticipated results are extremely uncommon, but when they do occur, they are upsetting for both the patient and the surgeon. You need to think about the worst-case situation and decide if you are willing to accept the risk. You should also be aware that if the outcomes are not favorable, working for improvement will require time, patience, and mutual trust between you and your surgeon.

• Do you have anyone supporting you? During the time that you are recovering, it is essential to have someone around to support you both physically and emotionally. Recognize that you may experience bouts of depression while you are going through the process of getting better. Be on the lookout for unfavorable remarks from acquaintances or relatives who might take issue with the decision you have made to alter your appearance. Consider who will stand by your side and turn down offers of assistance from people who might disagree with the path you have chosen to take.

• Are you aware of the risks? Cosmetic surgery, like all forms of surgery, will never be risk-free. Complications include infection of the wounds, bleeding, healing issues, thrombosis, and scarring, although these are rarely long-term or life-threatening. As long as you are generally healthy and your surgery is performed by a qualified and reputable plastic surgeon at a clean and well-equipped hospital, there should be no more risks associated with cosmetic surgery than there would be with any other type of surgery. However, some people see cosmetic surgery as a minor procedure and instead of going with the safest option, go for someone who promises them the world at a lower price, without taking into account their reputation and qualifications.

• Can you commit to the aftercare? Aftercare is just as important as the actual procedure.  It is not just a case of recovering from the surgery and getting on with it. It is an important part of the process and following your surgeon’s advice can be crucial in your recovery and results. Make sure you attend any follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly and any possible complications can be prevented before they get any worse.

Cosmetic surgery can be a wonderful thing. It can give you a confidence boost and make you feel better about parts of yourself that you maybe didn’t like. However, it is important to bear the following points in mind when considering plastic surgery.