7 Things To Consider Before Visiting A Plastic Surgery Center
Points to consider before visiting a Plastic Surgery Center
You’ve tried working out, eating right, and you’ve watched enough makeup tutorial videos about contouring to last you a lifetime.
However, even with all of your efforts to feel better about the way you look, you’re just not seeing the kinds of results you want. You’ve decided to take things to the next level by booking a consultation at a plastic surgery center.
Stop right there.
Before you go any further, you need to read this article. In it, we’ll tell you some of the top questions you need to ask yourself before you say “yes” to that procedure.
A good, happy patient is an empowered patient. Read on to become one.
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“Am I Really Doing This For Me?”
Before we get into anything else, let’s get one thing clear: the only reason why you should be considering visiting a plastic surgery center is because you and you only want to have a cosmetic procedure done.
This isn’t about anyone’s opinions — no matter how positive or negative they are — about your body. You also shouldn’t allow anyone to guilt you into “feeling bad” for making the choice to have elective surgery.
It’s a gift you give to yourself because it makes you feel more comfortable and confident. Once you understand that, you’ll be much happier with both the procedure and the results.
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“Am I OK With Waiting For Results?”
There’s a big misconception out there that, a few hours or even days after visiting a plastic surgery center and having a procedure done, you’ll come out looking exactly like the person of your dreams.
And while we’d all love that, that’s not the reality.
Be sure that you’re willing to:
- Wait for results
- Follow your surgeon’s orders
- Do potential extra work required
- Handle the recovery process
Also, be sure that you have someone to drive you to and from your surgery, and that you’ve taken enough time off of work to safely and fully recover.
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“Do I Know Exactly What I Want?”
Plastic surgery is a lot like getting your first tattoo. If you don’t know exactly what you want, we can pretty much guarantee that you’re going to have regrets.
Make sure that you’ve done your research well ahead of time, and that you have clear boundaries and size limitations in place. Never let a surgeon bully you into going more extreme than you feel comfortable with.
For example, when you’re going in for this surgery, a breast augmentation, always be upfront about how big you want to go, as well as the kind of implant you would prefer to have put in.
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“How’s My Current Health?”
Be aware that your current health will often have a direct impact on whether or not you’re able to have an elective surgery completed at a plastic surgery center.
It’s incredibly important to be completely upfront with your potential plastic surgeon about any health risks and conditions you have when you go in for your initial consultation. Also, be sure that you’re upfront about any medications you’re currently taking. Bring a list with you to ensure you’re giving your surgeon accurate dosage information.
Be aware that, even if your current health prevents you from getting the surgery you wanted, your surgeon may be able to come up with alternatives.
Still, nothing is worth a lengthy recovery process — or potentially life-threatening side effects.
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“How Am I Going To Finance This?”
Setting a budget and working to save money ahead of surgery are both incredibly important.
However, especially if you’re interested in a more expensive procedure, you should have more of a concrete plan in place. Run the numbers and see how much you can afford to pay every month. Talk to your surgeon about what kind of payment plans they can offer.
Above all, never go with a “budget” surgeon or take a dangerous plastic surgery vacation in search of cheaper procedures. If it’s not in your budget right now, stop and save — don’t compromise on your safety.
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“What Are The Risks Involved?”
Of course, it goes without saying that you need to have a very serious conversation with your surgeon about the possible risks involved with your procedure.
While all elective surgery carries some risk, some have more than others. These risks aren’t always prohibitive, but knowing them will help you to understand your limitations ahead of time.
Always make sure you fully understand what you need to do post-surgery, and read any contracts or forms you’re given fully.
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“Will The Results Be As Drastic As I Expect?”
Unfortunately, thanks to shows like The Swan and Extreme Makeover, many people have seriously warped expectations about what they’ll look like after they have a plastic surgery procedure done.
And while many people may come in with pictures of their favorite celebrity — or even a Barbie Doll — you still want to look like yourself after the procedure. Be aware that, as with a haircut, a single procedure is not going to radically, magically turn you into a completely new person.
Have a frank conversation with your surgeon about what you can and cannot expect to look like — or how many inches you can or cannot lose — based on what you want to have done.
Managing your expectations now means you’ll be even happier with your surgery in the end.
Educate Yourself Before Visiting A Plastic Surgery Center
We hope this post has helped you to understand some of the most important things you need to take into consideration when you’re thinking about getting plastic surgery.
Above all, be certain that you’ve done your research on both your procedure and your potential surgeon. Ask for testimonials and portfolios, and always disclose any concerns or questions to your surgeon.
Looking for more information about some of the most popular surgeries, treatment options, and procedures? Need to know what else to expect when you walk into a plastic surgery center?
Read our blog to find out all about how to create a happier and healthier you — inside and out.
