Plastic surgery is a decision you should not take lightly. No matter the procedure, it is a big undertaking that you should really think about. A highly skilled plastic surgeon can determine if it is right for you, considering your medical history, your expectations – whether they can be achieved – and the risk of complications. However, ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you are ready for plastic surgery.
So, how do you know if you are ready for plastic surgery? Here are some steps you can take to help you gain perspective and ensure that you have considered all aspects of your decision.
What Do You Want to Change?
Take some time to consider what specific changes you want to make to your appearance. Do you want to lift the sagging skin on your face? Do you want your breasts to look perkier? Is it your nose that you want to look smaller or less crooked? Or do you want a taut tummy? You have to know what exactly you want to change, so you can communicate it to the plastic surgeon.
Consider Your Motivations
Ask yourself why you want to change your face or body. Everybody who wants to get plastic surgery has their reasons for it, however, it is helpful to explore your motivations for wanting to undergo surgery. For instance, if you have severe self-esteem issues regarding multiple areas of your body (instead of one or two), it may not be a good idea to get plastic surgery until you deal with it with the help of a mental health expert.
Evaluate Your Expectations
Consider what you expect to achieve through plastic surgery. Are your expectations realistic? Are you hoping to achieve an entirely new look, copy a celebrity or model’s features, or are you just seeking to enhance your natural features? It’s important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of plastic surgery.
Reflect on the Recovery Period and Potential Risks
Plastic surgery typically involves significant recovery and downtime, which varies depending on the type of procedure you are getting done. For instance, a facelift, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation take longer to recover from than a rhinoplasty. As such, you will need to take time off work and other commitments according to the expected recovery period.
There are also risks from plastic surgery that you should discuss with the plastic surgeon. No procedure is completely risk free, but you can improve the chances of success by working with a highly experienced and reputable plastic surgeon.
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Greg Mackay is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery, particularly face lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, but he is trained in all facets of face and body rejuvenation. Dr. Mackay will discuss your desired procedure with you and determine if it is right for you. He is compassionate and highly committed to making a positive change in the lives of patients.
We have an AAA-certified operating room with an overnight recovery suite, which allows us to create a more comfortable experience for our patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mackay, call our office today at (404) 777-9791 or use our online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to providing you with the best in plastic surgery services.
