In 2022, more than 26 million cosmetic procedures were done in America, and every 4th woman in the States today wants to go under the knife. However, choosing to have a cosmetic process is a major, life-altering decision; such a personal decision should never be rushed or trifled with.
So, this blog explains some important things that you need to think about before saying yes to cosmetic improvements. Compare the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery, and make sure you’re down for this process.
- Is your cosmetic surgeon qualified enough?
The outcomes of your beauty surgery depend on finding the right person for the job. That’s why you have to find a qualified, well-reviewed plastic surgeon equipped with appropriate licenses. Also, read a plastic surgeon’s profile to make sure they have decades’ worth of experience in this industry.
Being a member of organizations such as AACS would be a plus. Hence, interview different cosmetic surgeons in your area and find the one who specializes in your proposed cosmetic procedure.
- How are you going to look after the procedure?
You might have decided to go along with a cosmetic procedure, but have you considered how your features or looks will change after undergoing the procedure? If you don’t want it to be a surprise (no one does), you should ask your surgeon to show you the before and after photos before you make a decision.
This is especially true if you want to remove silicon injections from your body due to lumps, swelling, or redness in the operated area. You might be scared to undergo silicon removal, thinking it might make you look bad.
Your cosmetic surgeon will show you removing silicone injections before and after pictures, such as from lips, hips, and other body parts. In cases where silicone migrates to other body parts, removing it becomes vital for you.
- Is the surgical facility the right place for the surgery?
Many surgical facilities are operating out of Florida and many other cities right now. However, you should make sure that your chosen facility meets the standards set up by ASPS and JCAHO. These boards and organizations frequently monitor the quality of surgical facilities and ascertain that all cosmetic procedures are performed under a licensed staff’s supervision.
You can check a facility’s condition by visiting its website, reading online reviews, going through reliable testimonials, and – most importantly – visiting it in person. Ask about the facility’s license and read its profile on Google Maps. Due diligence cannot be overlooked.
- Exactly what do you expect from cosmetic surgery?
Having realistic expectations is very important if you are thinking about improving the way you look. That’s because a recent survey conducted in the UK indicates that over 60% of adults have negative feelings about their body image; these idealistic expectations stem from low self-esteem, something plastic surgery cannot fix. So, check if you are struggling with body image distortion.
- Does your wellness permit undergoing this procedure?
Usually, people are healthy enough to undergo surgical-cosmetic procedures. But it’s safer to take your medical history with you when visiting a plastic surgeon. They will check your medical history and past surgeries and determine if you are suitable for the proposed treatment.
You should not keep any health problems from your doctor as well. Even if something seems small to you, be sure your doctor is aware of it. It’s important for your safety and good health in the future.
- Is the time appropriate for a cosmetic process?
Even if you are in perfect shape, cosmetic surgery may not be suitable for you, given the timing of the procedure. For instance, if you’re going for breast augmentation, then only undergo this process after you’re done raising a family. That’s because pregnancy may alter the results of the boob job, making your breasts slump due to excess skin. Thus, timing is very important in plastic surgery.
Similarly, facial reconstruction is appropriate for individuals with early signs of aging. You have to take your future plans into account and decide if a certain process is okay for you.
- How much time will you need to recover?
Cosmetic procedures are often depicted in a way where an individual comes out of the operation theatre looking anew and ready to take on the world right away. In real life, it takes you several weeks to restore normalcy in your life. Experts would tell you that a facelift requires 2 to 4 weeks of plentiful recovery time. After liposuction, however, you need to expect anywhere from 1 week to 3 months to recover from all the mental/physical stress of undergoing this procedure.
You have to take your recovery seriously. Take some time off work, and give your body enough time to heal and hide those scars. Even simple things like eating and taking a bath can cause problems. So, you should avoid doing chores or lifting weights.
- Have you understood the risks of cosmetic surgery?
Getting cosmetic surgery comes with many different problems and issues. You should learn about these dangers and then decide what’s best for you. Is having a cosmetic surgery operation worth all the risks, trouble, and pain? Learn about the common complications that happen after surgery, too. For instance, you may face these problems in the aftermath of plastic surgery:
- Scarring
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Delayed healing
- Bloss clots (DVT)
- Fluid buildup (seroma)
- Complications from anesthesia
- Wound separation (dehiscence)
- Organ damage (from liposuction)
- What is the overall cost of this cosmetic procedure?
Cosmetic surgeries can cost a lot, and it depends on the procedure you pick. Plus, the downside is that insurance might not cover these costs. So, you have to pay for your facelift or nose job yourself. And the follow-up treatments will cost even more!
So, take the overall cost of cosmetic procedures into account and make sure you can finance them easily out of your pocket. Only then should you undergo such procedures.
Conclusion
In the end, we’ve learned that cosmetic surgery isn’t only about upgrading your looks; it’s also about empowering yourself and carefully balancing your expectations with real life.
So, check that you’re healthy enough for surgery. Know the dangers of going under the knife and find the best surgeon for this procedure. Let your trip to bolster your looks be one filled with smart thinking, self-improvement opportunities, and a festive celebration of how special you are.
