Are you getting ready to talk to a plastic surgeon about cosmetic surgery? Thinking of taking the leap and investing in aesthetic treatments? If so, remember that it’s an important decision that can have a positive or negative impact on your life. Many surgeries are permanent or at least long-lasting. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the risks and benefits of plastic surgery before moving forward. Before you schedule your consultation, ask yourself these 5 questions to make sure you’re ready for plastic surgery.
Question #1: Why do I want plastic surgery?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is why you want plastic surgery in the first place. Is it to impress your boyfriend or fit in with a certain group of friends? Maybe you think it will get your mother to stop making comments or make you look like a celebrity. If so, you may want to rethink plastic surgery for now. Why? Because if you choose to change your appearance for someone else or for other external reasons, you’ll probably end up disappointed and regretful. The patients who enjoy their results the most are the ones who chose plastic surgery for themselves. They’re looking at surgery as way to boost their own confidence and happiness. Plastic surgery for the wrong reasons, on the other hand, nearly always ends poorly.
Question #2: What do I want?
Before you visit any plastic surgeons, you should have a pretty good idea of what your goals are. You can certainly get advice from prospective surgeons, which will help solidify your vision. However, going into a consultation without knowing what you want isn’t the best use of your time. The time you have during a consultation is limited. If you go into it knowing exactly what you want, you can use that time to ask questions about the procedures you’re considering, get to know the surgeon, and start planning your treatment.
Question #3: Are my expectations realistic?
Many people go into a plastic surgeon’s office thinking that they can get a doctor to make them look just like their favorite celebrity. In reality, plastic surgery is most successful when it is used to enhance the patient’s natural features, not when it tries to imitate someone else. Patients who strive for perfection and exact replication of their goals often end up disappointed. That’s because it’s impossible for even the most skilled surgeon to create the exact results from a preview or picture. There are too many variables involved, including the patient’s facial anatomy, lifestyle, care during recovery, and so on. Patients can expect significant improvement. But if you are expecting the results to be perfect, you may not be a good candidate for plastic surgery.
Question #4: How will I pay for it?
Financing is available at most plastic surgery practices, but it’s important to understand what you can and can’t afford before you chat with a plastic surgeon. A new look can give you a huge confidence boost and improve your quality of life. Nevertheless, you need to be sure you can pay for the procedure, or at least the payments, before you decide to undergo surgery. If you’re not sure the surgery you want is in the budget, you might consider a cheaper, minimally-invasive procedure until you can afford the procedure you want.
Question #5: Who should perform my surgery?
Choosing your surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your surgery, so be sure to think about it early on. A skilled surgeon can mean the difference between a mediocre result and an outstanding one. That’s why you should never compromise when it comes to choosing your surgeon. Only meet with board certified surgeons who have the experience and proven results you can have confidence in. It’s not worth taking any chances when it comes to surgery.
Trusting a surgeon can be tough, which is why it’s a good idea to choose a specialist whenever possible. Dr. Edward Buckingham at Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who only performs facial procedures including facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and more. Dr. Buckingham is known for the natural, beautiful results he produces, as well as his custom, compassionate care. For more information, call Buckingham Center today at 512.401.2500.