A lot of people ask if plastic surgery is right for them? Determining whether to have plastic surgery is a very personal decision for everyone. There’s no wrong reason for justifying it, but it still needs to be carefully considered from every angle. To help with that process, here are a few key questions to ask yourself.
Why do I want plastic surgery?
The catalyst for your desire to have plastic surgery may be easy to pinpoint: a genetic trait, a trauma, aging. But, why do you want plastic surgery? And why now?
Be sure to trace those questions to their root and answer them honestly. Plastic surgery can provide a big confidence boost. If, however, you’re doing it for the sake of someone else’s happiness or to help soften a particularly tumultuous time in your life, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Do it for yourself, and yourself alone.
What do you know about the procedure?
Obviously, a plastic surgeon’s going to answer any questions you may have, but you’ll want to arrive for your initial consultation already fairly well-educated about your procedure. (Reading this blog post is a good start.)
Go online and try to find as much as you can not only about the procedure itself but also what constitutes the ideal candidate for it, what you should realistically expect for an outcome, any potential complications, and a general idea of what it’s going to cost. The more knowledgeable you can be entering your consultation, the more productive it’s going to be.
Can you afford it?
Most plastic surgery is considered cosmetic, so it’s not covered by health insurance. And a surgical procedure can be costly. But many board-certified plastic surgeons offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards and health care financing. So, the cost shouldn’t necessarily be a deterrent. You should, however, be prepared when you meet with a financing specialist during your consultation.
You’ll also want to get the exact price for your procedure and ensure that there aren’t any hidden fees. The total cost should include the surgeon’s fee, the cost of the anesthesiologist, the surgical center’s fees, follow-up appointments, and surgical garments. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of any medications.
Can you handle the recovery?
It’s only natural to focus on the “after” picture, but the recovery from your intended procedure shouldn’t be glossed over. You’re going to be tired, sore, swollen, and bruised for a few days, or even a couple of weeks, depending on your procedure.
Make sure you have ample vacation time because you’re not going to want to push yourself and risk complications. If you have young kids, is there a family member or close friend you can ask to help you look after them until you feel more like your normal self?
Where do I find a surgeon?
Once you’ve answered all of the above to your satisfaction, start searching for a surgeon online. Filter them through a couple of qualifiers:
- Is she/he a board-certified plastic surgeon?
- Does she/he have extensive experience with my procedure?
Once you’ve narrowed the field down to a few surgeons, schedule consultations with each of them. That face-to-face meeting is going to help you see how much rapport you have with a surgeon, and that should never be discounted. Plastic surgery, as we said, is a personal decision. So, naturally, the connection between patient and doctor plays a critical part. Contact Dr. Davis today and see if plastic surgery is right for you.