Undergoing plastic surgery is a big decision, and it is important to carefully explore all options before committing to any type of procedure. If you are thinking about plastic surgery, below are some things to consider.
Before deciding, either way, talk to an experienced plastic surgeon to get a good understanding of the procedure, recovery, and other pertinent information.
1. Look at What Options Are Available
If you are considering plastic surgery, you may want to first explore all the different options that exist to provide you with the results you desire. With advances in cosmetic treatments, there is a range of nonsurgical cosmetic enhancements that can offer great results, without the need to go under the knife. These include fat-transfer injections, which remove fat from one area of the body to be injected into a different area (to add volume and fill in irregularities), as well as laser treatments and chemical peels, which work to treat wrinkles, scars, birthmarks, and sun-damage, to improve the overall look of skin.
2. Find Out the Costs Involved
Before visiting a plastic surgeon, you should do your research beforehand to find out what costs are involved with the procedure you are considering. Also, some cosmetic procedures may have additional costs to think about, such as aftercare or future procedures that may be necessary to maintain results.
3. Consider the Risks Involved
All surgical procedures come with some level of risk, such as pain and discomfort, bleeding, infection, complications related to anesthesia, scarring, nerve damage, and cosmetic dissatisfaction. It is important to understand what is involved and what the risks are before undergoing any surgery.
4. Ensure You Visit a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering plastic surgery, you should ensure you visit an experienced, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. Book a consultation to discuss suitable treatment options, what you hope to achieve, and to check whether you are a suitable candidate for a procedure. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and guidance, inform you of the risks and benefits, and help you decide which procedure is best suited to your needs.
5. Consider What Look You Are Going For
Some types of plastic surgery can dramatically alter your appearance and the way you feel. It is important to understand the impact this could have on different areas of your life. For example, if you are considering breast implants, you may want to think about what size implants are most suited to your body shape and size, your hobbies and lifestyle (particularly if you are physically active), and the look you hope to achieve.
6. Find Out What the Recovery Will Be Like
Some plastic surgery procedures may require significant recovery time, including time off work. This needs to be considered when thinking about plastic surgery to ensure you are fully prepared for what’s to come post-surgery. Not following aftercare instructions correctly or returning to activity too soon could result in complications, extended downtime, and in some cases, the need for more surgery.
7. Manage Expectations
Although uncommon, complications after surgery can occur or in some cases, the results may not be as expected, which needs to be considered when thinking about a cosmetic procedure. Other factors, such as exposure to the sun, lack of compliance with post-operative instructions, the aging process, and weight changes, may also have an impact on the overall outcome of the procedure.
It is important to have realistic expectations and to select a plastic surgeon carefully to achieve the closest results to your goals. While revision surgery is available, this can come with risks, as well as additional costs. A good surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of a cosmetic procedure to help you decide if it is the right option for you.
8. Ask Questions
Make sure you go prepared for your consultation with a list of questions for your plastic surgeon. This will help you to be as informed as possible when making the right choice. Questions can include anything from asking how long recovery will take and whether a type of surgery will achieve the results you want, to whether your surgeon has trained specifically in the plastic surgery you are considering and how many years of experience they have.
9. Don’t Feel Obliged To Get Surgery
When visiting a plastic surgeon, make sure you feel comfortable with them and that they are able to address your needs effectively. Your surgeon should take the time to listen to your needs and answer any questions you have. If you don’t feel at ease or feel they didn’t address your concerns effectively, don’t be afraid to go elsewhere. Plastic surgery is a big commitment, so ensuring you choose someone professional that has your best interests at heart is key.
10. Take Time To Think About It
After a consultation with a plastic surgeon, you should take time to decide whether to go ahead with the procedure or not. Take the time to think about everything involved, including long-term implications, before making any decisions. If anything is unclear or confusing, don’t hesitate to schedule another appointment to discuss it with the doctor.
Talented Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta, GA
If you are considering plastic surgery and would like to find out whether it is the best option for you, contact board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mackay, MD for the expert care you deserve.
Dr. Mackay provides a comprehensive range of nonsurgical and surgical facial and body cosmetic enhancements to help you achieve the results you are looking for.
To learn more, call us today at (404) 777-9791, or to book a consultation, you can request an appointment online.
