As with any sort of medical procedure, you should never take your decision to pursue plastic surgery lightly. This is, of course, a voluntary decision that is typically based more on emotional and societal factors than any sort of medical need. The benefits include increased self-confidence and self-esteem, but you need to make sure you completely understand that it will not solve every personal issue you may be experiencing or turn you into a completely different person.
You not only need to be completely educated on all the ramifications of your choice, you also need to make sure that you are totally comfortable with the decision that you make. There are several questions that you have to ask yourself before you commit to your cosmetic procedure.
Why Are You Seeking Plastic Surgery?
This is probably the single most important question, so you need to be completely honest with your answer. You may want to improve a certain area of your body because of a defect you were born with or a traumatic injury. You may want to do it so that you can slow the process of aging. Make sure you completely understand what your expectations are so that your doctor can explain exactly what the likely results will be.
What Are the Steps You Should Take?
Make sure that you talk to a certified doctor first before you make a commitment to pursuing plastic surgery. Find out everything you can about the specific procedure that you are considering, any potential short- and long-term side effects, the typical recovery time, etc.
Make sure that the doctor and facility you choose are trustworthy and well respected within the medical community. If you have any friends, family members, or even co-workers who have undergone the same procedure, find out who they would recommend to perform it. Get references from two or three doctors and talk to them to get a firsthand account of their experiences.
What Should You Look for in a Doctor?
Again, you want your doctor to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It takes intensive, specialized training in cosmetic procedures to earn this certification, as well as the ability to pass extremely difficult oral and written examinations.
You’ll also want to know exactly how much experience your doctor has in performing the type of procedure you’re considering. Some doctors may specialize in another type of procedure and perform yours as a sideline. Make sure your doctor is up to date on the latest techniques and technology so that your procedure is as effective and comfortable as possible. Typically, the more experience a doctor has, the more confident you will be that your results will be positive.
Lastly, talk to your doctor and gauge how well he or she communicates with you. If you feel comfortable being open and honest with your doctor, that will go a long way toward making you feel better about your choice.