Cosmetic Surgery: 9 Questions You Must Ask Your Doctor | Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery slideshows | Beauty Care center

Reasons For Cosmetic Surgery

What are your reasons for undergoing the surgical procedure? You might be trying to get rid of a traumatic scar or a birth defect (ear deformities, cleft lips and cleft palates, etc.) in which case your surgery is considered as "reconstructive surgery". Some people are also motivated to undergo surgery for health reasons such as weight adjustment or even rhinoplasty (to correct an inhalation problem). A lot of women undergo cosmetic surgery in an attempt to look younger, while others might try to correct a physical feature they never liked. In the event that your motivation is to correct a physical feature that makes you unhappy, therapy could also help in rebuilding your self-esteem and self-acceptance (this is the case of people who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder for example). This is why it is very important to establish your reasons and motivations prior to surgical procedure.

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Choosing A Plastic Surgeon

The next item on the list is choosing the right plastic surgeon. I repeat, the "right plastic surgeon". In the medical word, it's very easy for patients to get fooled by some medical practitioners in their apparent specialties. When looking for the right plastic surgeon, make sure he is "board certified", meaning that he is recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the equivalent institution in the country in which you choose to perform the surgery. Additionally, ensure that the facility in which the surgery will be performed is also accredited for such procedures, as accredited facilities have a more reliable safety record.

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What To Ask Your Surgeon?

Apart from all the heart bubbling questions that may come to your mind during your first cosmetic surgery consultation, there is a series of questions that you absolutely have to ask to your surgeon. This will not only ensure that you have selected the right cosmetic surgeon for your needs, but also that the procedure that you will undergo is safe for you. So for instance, you could ask the Doctor what are his experiences with that particular procedure, if he has performed it before, what is his policy on surgical revision (that is, in case you need to do an additional procedure to achieve the desired effect), and what are the risks associated with such a procedure.

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Set Realistic Expectations

When deciding to undergo a cosmetic surgical procedure, it is critical to set realistic expectations. Let's be honest, plastic surgery won't change your life. It will not correct your daily problems or make you become a better person. However, it will boost your self-esteem and self-confidence, and if you are satisfied with the results it will possibly give you a more positive way to approach life. Patients generally tend to feel better after plastic surgery and share an overall sense of well-being. However, for those who have excessive body image issues, even repeated plastic surgeries might not be the solution to correct their problems.

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How Much Does It Cost?

As you would probably already expect, plastic surgery is very expensive. The cost of the procedure itself it already exorbitant, and to that cost should be added the fees for hospital stay and post-surgical care. In 2011 for example, the average cost for a face lift was estimated to $6,408 and $3,694 for breast implants (silicone gel implants). If you do the math, the price for breast implants in 2011 was almost the same as the average income of a working American, about $3,769 per month! So you get the drift, cosmetic surgery is something that should rather be reviewed carefully.

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What Are The Risks Associated With The Procedure?

Another important determining factor here is the risks associated with the cosmetic procedure. It is crucial that you sit down and discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation, as this will help you truly determine whether or not your procedure is worth it. For instance, if you really want to do a face lift, but the procedure comes with a potential risk of permanent damage to your facial nerve, you need to know this ahead of time; and decide whether or not looking younger is more important for you than not being able to feel one side of your face for the rest of your life.

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Will I Be Satisfied With The Results?

Here again, it depends on your motivation for doing the surgery, as well as what your expectations are. Are you expecting to obtain a completely different look? Do you only aim at retouching some parts of your face (or body), or are you going for a complete makeover? It all depends on what you hope to gain following the surgery. Also, people tend to choose plastic surgeons who already have a reputation, and thus can produce great results. As much as this seems to be a better idea, it is important to notice that each and every single procedure is different, and so are their success rates.

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Psychological Changes Following The Surgery

As much as plastic surgery will have an effect on one's physical appearance, it also has a toll on the perception that you will have of yourself. Patients generally develop a strong self-image and overt self-confidence. However, post-operative depression has also been reported, following cosmetic surgery. This generally stems from the reaction of one's environment towards the newly observed facial or body changes. This can be noticed at work as well as in family and social settings. The patient herself might also have some negative reactions in the event that she is not satisfied with the results. That's why when you decide to undergo plastic surgery, make sure you have as much support as you can get, because you are changing, and it is for good!

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How Long Before I Recover?

The recovery time strongly varies according to the procedure and to the patient's general health. The average recovery time is about 2 weeks, but it could take longer. Before planning your cosmetic surgery, find out from your physician what the estimate recovery time is. This will help you plan your procedure better, possibly during a time of the year when you are the least busy. Also, maintaining a healthy diet, drinking a lot of water and eating loads of fruits and vegetables could facilitate and speed up your recovery, as well as prevent any physiological complications (such as infections, for example).