Plastic surgery in the United States is on the rise find out more. Potential patients may be tempted to undergo different procedures because of the benefits they can gain. Plastic surgery requires more than simply wanting it and having the money to pay for it.
Many patients ask if I believe they are ready to undergo palstic surgery. This simple question deserves a complex answer. Your plastic surgeon cannot answer many of the most important questions for a potential patient. Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery, patients should consider other factors as well. Many have written about preparing for surgery, but I consider the following to be the “big” three, which are, in my opinion and experience, the most important.
Do some research about the procedure you want to have done and your doctor. Internet is full of misleading and inaccurate information. However, it also contains a wealth of information on plastic surgery. Do your homework and prepare to ask good questions of your plastic surgeon. You can’t learn everything in the short time you spend with your plastic surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be having these conversations every day, while you have fewer. You are in control of your education and knowledge.
Second, can you afford the plastic surgery procedure? I must realize that the majority of economic decisions are made based on desire and not necessity. It is neither my job nor am I capable of determining whether or not this is the most effective way to spend your money. In order to help patients make the best ‘value-oriented selection’ of procedures, I educate them about economics. How much cushion do you have in case complications arise? This is one factor to consider when determining financial viability. You may need to take more time off work or incur extra costs if complications occur. If you’re considering plastic surgery, leave some money to spare. One of the main reasons people are dissatisfied with plastic surgery is this area.
Be prepared to accept that plastic surgery complications can and will occur. It’s not that I mean it rarely. Most plastic surgery complications can be easily resolved and are minor in nature. However, some are more serious. You are not immune to the risk of negative outcomes, just like in a car crash. Not only does it happen to ‘the other guy’. This is important to consider psychologically. It is never as easy as it seems to recover from plastic surgery. The inconvenience caused by a surgical error will also take longer than you think.