It's easy to forget that popular medical procedures come with risks.It's important to research the procedure and your surgeon so you are completely comfortable.It is possible to set realistic expectations when preparing for surgery.If you follow your surgeon's instructions, you'll be less likely to develop a complication.
Step 1: Search for a board-certified plastic surgeon.
If you want to get recommendations for friends, ask your doctor to recommend a surgeon.The internet can be used to find certified plastic surgeons.The American Board of cosmetic surgery is a specialty board.Board-certified surgeons have at least 6 years of surgical training and have passed written and oral exams.They're trained and educated in cosmetic surgery.The surgeon's office is accredited so you know that the office and staff are trained and equipped.
Step 2: Ask for before-and-after photos of the surgeon.
You can find patient reviews of each surgeon on the internet.You can get an idea of how satisfied people are with the surgeon.You can ask the offices to send you before-and-after photos on their websites.There will only be positive reviews on the surgeon's website.You can find reviews that haven't been hand-picked by doing a few searches in your browser.
Step 3: Do you know if the surgeon's office accepts patients or not?
It's frustrating to find out that the surgeon isn't taking new patients.If you're considering a surgeon, ask if they accept new patients.This is a good time to inquire about the cost of the procedure and whether or not your insurance pays for it.Insurance companies usually don't cover a lot of cosmetic surgeries.You may have coverage for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.If the surgeon is booked for a while, the office might put you on a wait-list or discuss payment plans with you.
Step 4: If you feel comfortable with the surgeon, you should meet with them.
You can schedule a meeting with the surgeons once you narrowed them down.How experienced are they in the type of procedure you want to have?It's a good time to talk about surgical outcomes.Ask, "How many of these procedures do you do every year?"What are the things you've seen?Let me know about the health care team that will be working with me.A positive relationship between the patient and the surgeon is required for successful outcomes.
Step 5: If a surgeon tries to offer procedures that you don't want, be careful.
The surgeon should listen to you instead of selling procedures.You may want to look for a different surgeon if you feel the surgeon is trying to get more business instead of helping you achieve your goals.If you're interested in a face lift, they might tell you about other options.If they try to push a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, they may not have your best interests in mind.
Step 6: You should keep looking for surgeons until you find one you like the most.
Don't feel like you have to settle for a surgeon that is not good for you.Think about all of the surgeons you're researching and choose the one that answered your questions, made you feel supported, and communicated well.It's important to communicate with your surgeon in a comfortable way.If you don't feel comfortable with the surgeon, you might not be able to ask questions or get follow-up care.
Step 7: During your initial consult, learn the risks of the procedure.
Ask your surgeon about the risks associated with the surgery you are interested in.Questions about how the surgeon performsBrazilian butt lifts and tummy tucks are some of the high-risk surgeries that should be asked.Ask them to explain a medical term if you don't understand it.Infections, bleeding, bruised, and scarred are some of the risks of cosmetic surgery.Since the risks vary depending on the type of surgery, it's important to have a discussion with your surgeon.
Step 8: The surgeon can tell you about your medical history and general health.
Tell your surgeon about your past surgeries, your family medical history, and any medication or supplement that you are currently taking.The risks of surgery are usually lower if you're in good health.If you are a smoker, have a weakened immune system, or have heart or lung diseases, you're more likely to develop problems.It's up to you to decide what is an acceptable risk, even if your surgeon gives you a specific risk level.The surgeon might not agree to perform the procedure if you have several underlying conditions.
Step 9: Discuss the treatment outcome and your expectations.
If the surgery results aren't what you expected, you need to be on the same page as your surgeon.What you hope to achieve and what you want to change should be clear.If your surgeon tells you that you'll need several surgeries to get the outcome you want, that's a possibility.Pain management and anesthesia should be given to you by the surgeon.If you have general anesthesia for the procedure, you'll have a higher risk of problems.
Step 10: Follow your surgeon's instructions.
If you want to follow a healthy diet, stop smoking or cut back.Your surgeon will tell you how long to fast before the procedure, so follow their instructions.They may tell you to stop taking your medication if they are concerned that it will cause bleeding.You might need to shave or bathe after the procedure.
Step 11: Before the procedure, talk to the nurse or surgeon about your recovery plan.
What pain medications you can take, what food you should be avoiding, and how long to rest for can be learned.Ask them to show you how to change bandages or clean the site of the surgery.You can easily refer to the paperwork after the surgery if you keep it in a safe place.You might need a ride home after surgery and someone to pick up your medication.After the procedure is over, ask a friend or family member to help you.
Step 12: Give yourself time to heal after surgery.
Your body needs rest after surgery in order to heal.It can take a few weeks to recover from a bruise, so don't be concerned if you see it.If you're not happy with how you look, remind yourself that the procedure isn't done until you heal.Spend time with your friends or family if you're depressed.Take your mind off of recovery by doing some of your favorite activities.
Step 13: Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before you start exercising again.
Ask your doctor how long it will take for you to start working out.To give your body time to heal, you need to wait 4 to 6 weeks.You may experience bleeding if you push yourself too hard.If you want to take daily walks, avoid running or jogging.
Step 14: If you experience side effects, contact your surgeon.
Refer to the common side effects for your procedure if you think you're having a problem.If you think you need medical attention, you should call your surgeon.Don't wait for the scheduled date if you are experiencing side effects, you will probably have a follow-up appointment already scheduled.