Cosmetic Surgery: Things You Should Know: Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that aims to improve appearance. This includes liposuction, tummy tuck, face lift, breast augmentation, and Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
There has been an increase in plastic and cosmetic surgeries around the world as more women are willing to go under the knife just to have the perfect body.
In Nigeria, popular celebrities who have undergone surgery like Toke Makinwa, Tonto Dikeh have shared their story.
However, as with any surgery, there are some important things and questions to consider before making that move.
Cosmetic Surgery: Things You Should Know
1. Do your research
Before rushing to schedule an appointment, have you taken the time to do extensive research on the procedure you wish to undergo? It’s 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 involves, if the procedure will achieve the result you want, and if it is the right procedure for the body part you want to improve.
2. Check your surgeon’s qualifications and experience
Cosmetic surgery comes with many complications and you need to make sure you are in good hands. Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery.
Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure. This is not a question of specific numbers, it is about experience and knowledge. Find out how your surgeon relates to the procedure he is looking for. If your selected surgeon is not board certified in plastic surgery, or in the procedure you want to perform, keep looking.
Plastic surgeons must complete 50 hours of continuing medical education each year to ensure they stay current, take regular performance exams, and record patient results to maintain their certification.
3. Timing is key
You have to be healthy before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Be sure to disclose your complete medical history to your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon cannot give an accurate evaluation if you hide health problems, for example, high blood pressure. Also, strive to be in the best possible physical shape before your surgery.
For best results, consider waiting to have surgery after you’ve finished breastfeeding and completed your family.
4. The cost
It is no news that cosmetic surgery is not cheap. If cost is a concern, ask about financing options.
Whether you’re paying out of pocket or financing your surgery, you really need to determine if you can afford plastic surgery. Are there other things in your life that will be affected if you spend money on plastic surgery? This is especially true if you are financing your surgery. Long after you’ve recovered, are you willing to continue paying for your surgery? You will still have to pay, even if the result is not exactly what you wanted or if you have a complication.
5. Recovery
The amount of time you will need to take off work and the restrictions on your activity will vary depending on your procedure, how long the surgery is if you will need to stay in the hospital, and the type of anesthesia used. Depending on your procedure, you may need days or even weeks to recover. You will need time off to recover after your procedure. And it’s not just the initial aches, pains, and bruising that you’ll experience, but after they’ve faded, you may still have restrictions ordered by your plastic surgeon.
Sometimes achieving your goals may involve more than one procedure to refine the results. Following the post-operative instructions to the letter will ensure a smoother recovery and a better result.
Ask about your recovery, especially the first 24-48 hours. Ask when you’ll be able to return to work, when you’ll be able to return to strenuous activity like exercise, and how long until you should start to see full results.
6. Know the risks and complications
You need to know the possible complications that come with the particular procedure you are undergoing.
There is a risk to any surgical procedure and you should be fully aware of all risks before choosing to undergo your procedure. Another risk is that despite the perfect technique or what a plastic surgeon considers a good result, you may not be satisfied with the final result.
7. Have realistic expectations
Your plastic surgeon can only control what happens inside the operating room. No matter how good a job your plastic surgeon does, it will not guarantee a job promotion, a relationship, or a better social life or social status. Plastic surgery will not cure depression or eating disorders.
Approach your cosmetic surgery with realistic and hopefully achievable expectations. The surgery will not transform your life in a monumental way, but it will improve a part of the body that bothers you. If you’re planning plastic surgery with wishes like finding a spouse, saving your marriage, or conquering the world, don’t do it, because it won’t work and you’ll be unhappy. If you are in doubt about your motives, seek the advice of a mental health provider.
