Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery can be a life changing decision. It is not a decision that should be made lightly. There are many things to consider about where to have your procedure done (see our prior blog on how to choose where to have your procedure here), but you also need to consider why you want to have the procedure in the first place.
The most important question that you should ask yourself before any cosmetic surgery is “Who am I doing this for?” The only person that you should ever change yourself for is you! Every one of us is beautiful. We are all different, but we are all beautiful. That being said, everyone’s opinion of beauty is different too. While some people like more curves, some like less, while some people feel that they have “earned” the lines on their faces, some would rather be smooth. The only reason to change yourself is if you do not feel comfortable in your own skin.
“Why right now?” is another important question. If you’re just tired of spending every swim suit season under a cover up, it’s a good reason to plan for cosmetic surgery in the spring. If you just went through a break up and are feeling bad about yourself, you may want to wait at least a few months before making a decision about major cosmetic surgery (though minor facial treatments like Botox or fillers can help you feel better about yourself). If you just had a baby, we recommend that you wait at least 6 months before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Your body is rapidly changing during this period and you may not actually need what you think you do.
“Have I done my research?” Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery, you should know about the procedure, the risks and benefits, other alternatives, how much experience your surgeon has, etc. RealSelf.com is a great resource for patients. It has reviews of procedures and physicians, patients’ actual stories and question/answer boards. However, I always tell all of my patients to consider the source when doing research there and if there is something that concerns them, they should always consult with a physician. Our email box ([email protected]) is always open and we are happy to answer any questions that you might have about procedures or reviews that you might read.
“What are my expectations?” How happy you are with your results depends on what you expected from the procedure. If you are looking for a significant improvement, you will likely be thrilled with your results. If you are looking for perfection, you are bound to be disappointed. Cosmetic surgery is a beautiful art and a science. Your surgeon’s experience is one of the most important factors in choosing where to have your procedure. Ask for before and after photos of patients whose “before” photos are similar to yours (always ask to see patients actually treated by your surgeon, not distributed by the company that makes their tools) and ask yourself if you would be happy with similar results *.
Cosmetic surgery has the potential to change your life, if done for the right reasons. If you have asked yourself these questions and are ready to take the next step, we would be happy to see you in a complimentary consultation at which time we can discuss your goals and how we can help you reach them.
Jennifer Tighe de Soto, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. de Soto on body sculpting and other aesthetic treatments please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read her blog and see before and after photos of actual patients.