7 Things Your Plastic Surgeon Wants you to Know

Are you considering or planning to have plastic surgery? Choosing a surgeon and arranging for financing aren’t the only things you should worry about. You need to take the time to learn everything about your selected procedure and what you can do to ensure a successful outcome. Before you are even okayed as a qualified candidate for the surgery, professional plastic surgeons want you to have the following in mind. 

• You should be healthy enough 

For your own safety and to ensure a pleasant procedure outcome, it is important that you are healthy enough before you undergo invasive surgery. All surgeries have inherent risks and patients who are sick may be more vulnerable to complications. Let your plastic surgeon know if you have a history of lung disease, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, smoking, or obesity. During your consultation visit, the surgeon should be able to highlight all the risks and decide whether it is safe for you to move forward with your selected plastic surgery.

• Be very honest 

Honest is the best policy for patients who are considering plastic surgery. Keep in mind that your plastic surgeon won’t understand your concerns or desires unless you are able to clearly convey them. Use your initial consultation with the surgeon to share your motivations, needs, and requirements. Ask the surgeon any questions you may have and be very forthcoming with your health history. This way, the surgeon can craft a safe and individualized treatment plan for you right from the start. 

• You should have realistic outcomes 

While plastic surgery can go a long way to enhance aesthetic issues and correct functional deformities, it is important to note that it is not a magic bullet. It is important that you know what your treatment may or may not accomplish. Going to the operation room with expectations for perfect symmetry, zero scarring, immediate results, or a total overhaul in appearance may result in ugly disappointments. Make sure that you discuss your expectations with the plastic surgeon so they give you a clear impression of what is possible. This way, you can choose to move forward with the procedure for the right reasons. 

• You should be patient 

It is common for patients to be eager to see their results following cosmetic surgery treatment. But it is important to keep in mind that results do not show up overnight. You will need to take care of your treatment area and persevere the recovery duration before you can even start thinking about the outcome. For some procedures, you may have to wait a lot longer than a few weeks before you are completely healed. The important thing is to follow the aftercare instructions, attend all post-operative visits, and get in touch with your plastic surgeon should you have any questions or concerns. 

• Only work with qualified plastic surgeons 

When it comes to finding the right plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon for the job, cost should not be your main consideration. There have been far too many stories of patients getting horrific results by working with individuals who are not qualified. Spend some time to learn more about your plastic surgeon, including where they went to school and what type of experience they have. Ask to see before and after photos and read reviews online. Board certification is a good way to identify surgeons who are already credentialed. The final step should be to schedule a consultation visit to learn more about the surgeon’s approach and ask important questions regarding their treatment modality. 

• Set aside time for recovery

You need to set aside adequate time for recovery before you can move forward with plastic surgery. For some procedures, this may only take about 2 weeks. For others, you may need to stay off work for two months or even more. Make sure that you know how much time you need and reserve it so you won’t have to worry about work. Also ensure that you are able to set aside a comfortable space for recovery and equip it with necessary supplies. 

• Beware of the side effects 

Side effects are common following surgical procedures. You need to know what to expect so you can prepare yourself in advance. It is also important that you stay on top of complications such as infection and blood clots so you can do the right thing to prevent them. Scarring is usually another concern but you can make sure that things turn out great by working with a seasoned surgeon who utilizes the latest surgical techniques and enrolls you in a scar management program after recovery.