There has been a rise in plastic and cosmetic surgeries worldwide as more women are willing to go under the knife to have the perfect body.
However, as with any surgery, there are some important things and questions you should consider before you make that move.
7 questions to answer before getting a boob or butt job
1. Do your research
Before you rush out to book an appointment, have you taken the time to do extensive research on the procedure you want to undergo? It is best to find out as much as possible about the procedure you want. This includes knowing the name of the procedure, what the procedure actually entails if the procedure is going to achieve the results you want, and whether it is the right procedure for the body part you are seeking enhancement.
2. Check your surgeon’s qualifications and experience
Cosmetic surgery comes with a lot of complications and you need to make sure that you are in safe hands. Make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery.
Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure. It is not a question of specific numbers, it is about experience and expertise. Find out what your surgeon’s affiliation is with the procedure you want. If your chosen surgeon isn’t board-certified in plastic surgery or the procedure you want to perform, keep looking.
Plastic surgeons must complete 50 hours of continuing medical education each year, take regular performance tests and document patient outcomes to ensure they stay up-to-date in order to maintain their certification. Don’t forget to check reviews and ask for recommendations.
3. Timing is of the essence
You must be healthy before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Make sure you disclose your complete medical history to your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon may not be able to give you an accurate assessment if you have hidden health problems eg high blood pressure. Also, try to be as physically fit as possible before surgery.
For best results, consider waiting for surgery until after you’re done breastfeeding and your family is done.
4. Cost
It’s no news that cosmetic surgery doesn’t come cheap. If cost is a concern, ask about financing options.
Whether you are paying cash or financing your surgery, you really need to decide if you can afford plastic surgery. Are there other things in your life that would take a bigger hit if you put money towards plastic surgery? This is especially true if you are financing your surgery. Long after you’ve recovered, are you ready to pay for your surgery? Even if the result isn’t exactly what you want or you have complications, you still have to pay.
5. Recovery
The amount of time you need to be off work and your activity restrictions will vary depending on your procedure, how long the surgery will take if you stay in the hospital, and the type of anesthesia used. Depending on your procedure, you may need days or weeks to recover. You will need time to recover after the procedure. And not only are there the initial aches, pains, and bruises you’ll experience, but once they’ve faded you may have restrictions ordered by your plastic surgeon.
Sometimes achieving your goals may involve more than one procedure to refine the results. Following your post-op instructions to the letter will ensure a smooth recovery and a good outcome.
Ask about your recovery, especially the first 24-48 hours. Ask when you will be able to return to work, when you can return to strenuous activity such as exercise, and how long it will take you to start seeing your final results.
6. Know the risks and complications
You need to know the possible complications that come with the particular procedure(s) you are having.
Any surgical procedure has risks and you should be fully aware of all risks before choosing your procedure. Another risk is that despite the perfect technique or what is considered a good result by the plastic surgeon, you may not be happy with the end result.
7. Have realistic expectations
Your plastic surgeon can only control what happens inside the operating room. No matter how great a job your plastic surgeon does, it does not guarantee a job promotion, a relationship, or an improved social life or social status. Plastic surgery does not cure depression or eating disorders.
Approach your cosmetic surgery with realistic and hopefully achievable expectations. Surgery will not transform your life in monumental ways, but rather improve the body part that is bothering you. If you are planning plastic surgery with desires like finding a partner, saving your marriage or conquering the world, don’t do it, because it won’t work and you will be unhappy. If in doubt about your intentions, seek advice from a mental health provider.