Most women and men hope to appear attractive and youthful with every passing decade, but it isn’t easy to maintain because we all face general aging and sun damage, and sometimes, we don’t like the way we look. None of us are immune, and even celebrities get wrinkles and sagging faces and bodies. That is why cosmetic surgery was developed. It’s an elective procedure that can restore the way we used to look as well as adjust our facial features. Here are some key tips to consider before choosing cosmetic surgery.
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Your Physical Health
Every surgical procedure poses some risk, and cosmetic surgery is no different. A good candidate is one who is both physically healthy and at a stable weight before considering an aesthetic enhancement. Also, being a non-smoker plays in your favor since you would have less chance of complications.
The numbers show that cosmetic and/or plastic surgery complications are rare. According to a 2018 review of more than 25,000 cases, complications occurred in fewer than 1 percent of outpatient surgeries.
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Your Mental State
Unrealistic expectations are something that any kind of cosmetic surgery cannot “fix.” If you are a person obsessing over your “imperfect nose,” for example, or are desiring bigger breasts because your boyfriend left you, these reasons are not what most surgeons would find acceptable for surgery.
You have to want the aesthetic improvement solely for yourself and not expect the results to solve problems in other aspects of your life.
One psychological study in 1995 found that self-perceptions of physical attractiveness do connect to happiness in a strong and positive way.
Another clinical psychological study found that issues of anxiety, social phobia, quality of life, life satisfaction, attractiveness, mental and physical health, and self-esteem all improved after cosmetic surgery with a healthy attitude of expectations.
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Your Doctor’s Certifications
Just as important before you decide having cosmetic surgery is the person performing the aesthetic procedure. Do your homework because credentials matter when choosing the plastic surgeon for your needs. Make sure to search in your area for the best candidates, for example, if you live in Florida you might search for the best Miami plastic surgery doctors. Wherever you’re living, make sure you do your research.
Select a doctor who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and don’t be afraid to ask him or her questions about the specific surgery you are seeking and their experience and background in this specialty.
A professional in their field will answer any questions a potential client asks. They will want their client to feel comfortable and knowledgeable before choosing cosmetic surgery.
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Your Post-Op Healing
Having surgery performed on your face and/or body requires some amount of recovery. Every individual will heal at their own rate, but typically, you should set aside at least two weeks for healing to take place and another two weeks before resuming any strenuous activity. This of course can vary depending on the type of cosmetic surgery you are planning to receive.
Most good cosmetic surgeons will recommend that a client be patient. You are both anxious and excited to see your new results but not so fast. It is also a good idea to have someone that can help you during your healing process so that you don’t overdo it on your first weeks back home. Consider having a close family member or friend close by to help you if you need it.
Drains, sutures, splints and incisions can all affect your recovery process. You will need to be mindful of this as well and know how to take care of these things. Whoever is doing your surgery should be able to give you proper instructions on how to take care of these things at home.
A cosmetic surgeon is one of the best talents at making surgery incisions as unnoticeable as they can be, but even then, these incision sites take time to heal. You can expect up to a full year before those marks fade away.
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Your Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Let’s be honest, cosmetic and/or plastic surgery is not cheap, and although many consider it to be an excellent investment, most surgical treatments are paid out-of-pocket by you.
Most aesthetic centers offer financing plans to help you keep your budget in place, but it is wise not to choose a surgical procedure unless you can cover the cost.
It is not recommended that you travel outside of the United States for less expensive surgery to save money. You can run into surgical complications while abroad, may not receive the same standard of care, and you have zero legal protection if negligence is suspected, etc.
There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to look youthful, feel attractive and good about yourself. Cosmetic surgery remains popular in the U.S. with more than 17.7 million surgical and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures performed in 2018. Take your time, do your homework, choose your expert wisely, and have realistic expectations.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
