Things to consider before plastic surgery
Plastic surgery has increased in popularity in recent decades, and there has been a particular surge in demand for cosmetic procedures since the pandemic. However, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly so if you’re thinking of having a procedure done, here are some important things to consider before plastic surgery.
Be clear about your reasons
Firstly, you should be clear about your reasons for wanting the procedure and what you hope to gain from it. Some people have an aspect of their appearance that they have been deeply unhappy with for years and feel that if it was altered, their quality of life and overall wellbeing would be improved whereas others are influenced by images of celebrities and influencers in the media.
You shouldn’t feel that plastic surgery is something you need to do because others are or because it’s trendy. It’s also important to bear in mind Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which is a mental health condition where people are fixated on ‘flaws’ in their appearance to the detriment of the rest of their life and relationships. If you feel this could be affecting you then you should speak with your GP as having plastic surgery will not ‘fix’ the issue. You should also be aware that for some people, plastic surgery has an addictive quality and you may be left wanting to make further alterations to your appearance afterwards.
Plan it carefully
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, make sure you have a realistic concept of what the results will be. Your surgeon should be clear with you about what you can expect and what the procedure’s limitations are. You should research surgeons thoroughly before choosing one with a good reputation who you trust. In the UK, the charity British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has more than 350 highly qualified surgeons who follow a code of practice and ethics.
Understand the risks
Know that all surgery comes with risks. Some of these will be specific to the procedure you’re having done but there are other more general risks, such as the risk of infection, the risks associated with anaesthesia and the risk of the procedure not working or going wrong. There is also always the risk of mistakes being made before, during or after the surgery that cause you harm, which is known as medical negligence.
Consider finances
Plastic surgery is expensive so you should be clear ahead of time about how you will pay for your procedure and what your options are. The clinic may have finance options but be sure before you sign up that you can afford the repayments on these and compare them to the overall cost if you were to save and pay upfront instead.
Be realistic about recovery times
Many people underestimate the average recovery times from plastic surgery and think that they will look and feel great almost immediately. In reality, recovery from any surgery is often a slow, uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating and emotional process and plastic surgery is no exception.
Ask your surgeon about expected recovery times and about any special measures you’ll need to put in place, like someone to stay overnight with you after the anaesthetic or time off from work, driving or other activities. You should also ask about pain relief, wound dressing and aftercare so you have a realistic idea about your recovery period.
