During a time where pop culture has fueled the growth of plastic surgery, understanding the do’s and don’ts is crucial. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 18 million people invested in cosmetic surgery operations in the last year, signifying a quarter million rise from the year prior. Over the past five years, this upward trajectory has been in effect. With the latest celebrities frequenting their plastic surgeon offices, more people have considered the benefits, and this celeb influence has helped ignite general consumer interest.
DO’s
DO Go For the Right Reasons
There are plenty of reasons why an individual would want plastic surgery. For instance, many people seek reconstructive surgery to rectify abnormalities. This isn’t uncommon for women who have had a mastectomy. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery revolves around the alteration of normal body parts, such as a tummy tuck or nose reconstruction. Regardless of why you feel you need plastic surgery, it’s imperative that you go in for the right reasons.
“The goal of plastic surgery is to allow patients to live happier, healthier lives,” says Dr. Ali Sadeghi, a New Orleans plastic surgeon. “Confidence is closely linked to a person’s perception of their physical appearance, so it’s natural for an individual to want to feel more comfortable in their own skin. However, opting for plastic surgery with an ill motive isn’t a good start to a healthy procedure and recovery. For example, altering your body to accommodate the preferences of someone else can do more damage than good. The wrong reasons can also create false expectations, leaving you dissatisfied upon surgery completion.”
DO Research & Ask Plenty of Questions
Research different surgeons and get a consultation from at least two of them. Choosing the right plastic surgeon can make or break your experience. Technically, any surgeon can perform plastic surgery operations. However, shortlist options that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; this ensures they’ve had extensive training in the plastic surgery field.
Talk to each about your health history and body goals, and what needs to be done to achieve them. Pay close attention to the procedure the surgeon suggests for you, and ask plenty of questions. Ideally, this is a procedure that you’ll only have to do once, and gathering as much information as possible is crucial. Be sure to view before and after photos from patients they’ve worked on, discuss the risks and complications, and inquire about recovery times.
You’ll also want to talk to your surgeon about how you can get your body in tip top preoperative shape. Your goal is to make it easier on your body to handle surgery and recover quickly. Your doctor may recommend a diet or supplements you can take to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
DO Prepare Your Schedule
Undergoing an operation is a big ordeal. It can take a toll on your body and your personal and professional life. Prepare your schedule to accommodate for these changes. A plastic surgery procedure—no matter what kind—is still an operation, and it’s important that you carve time out of your schedule to rest and recuperate. Take a few days off work, refrain from running errands, and allow your body the proper time it needs to heal.
The Don’ts
DON’T Expect It to Fix All Your Problems
Getting plastic surgery isn’t a cure-all for issues happening in your life. For example, gaining confidence is one thing, but expecting your newfound confidence to help you overcome the anxiety you feel during job interviews is entirely another. Furthermore, plastic surgery procedures aren’t always immediate. The same is true for any medicinal administration or operation; if you have a cold and take a Tylenol, your sickness doesn’t magically disappear. Similarly, you should wait a few days for some of the changes you seek to take effect. Sometimes swelling (for example, with lip injections) makes it difficult to gain a clear post-surgery picture.
DON’T Use Plastic Surgery as a First Result
While there’s an increasing amount of pressure for people to look young and beautiful, the fact is, many people turn to plastic surgery to rectify areas of the body that are difficult (or impossible) to change on your own. However, it’s important that you don’t use plastic surgery as a first result. For example, if you’re unhappy with your weight, turning to liposuction or a tummy tuck shouldn’t be your primary resort. A healthy diet and regular exercise should be your first strategy. If you committed to a consistent schedule and active regiment—and still found yourself riddled with stubborn bits of isolated fat or loose skin—then it might be time to consider plastic surgery.
DON’T Schedule Surgery Before Major Changes
If you plan to undergo major future changes in your life, it may be best to schedule plastic surgery afterwards. For example, if you plan on getting pregnant, it’s best to wait until you’ve given birth to allow your body to heal before you opt for surgery. And while there’s nothing wrong with being pregnant after, say, a tummy tuck, there’s also no guarantee the results of the procedure will remain intact after you’ve given birth.
Similarly, if you have a weight loss goal, it’s best to reach that goal before surgery. For a procedure like liposuction, it’s best to be within 30% of your ideal body weight. Post-weight loss body contouring can help you shape your frame after you’ve achieved your goals, but having surgery too soon might increase your chances of needed some post-surgery touchup procedures.