I frequently get asked by some patients if I think they are
ready for a certain plastic surgery procedure. My initial
answer is almost always....if you think you are...then you
are ready.
However, this simple answer belies some deeper issues which
every patient should think about before embarking on any
plastic surgery procedure. While many have written about
surgery preparedness, I would consider the following the
'big' three' which, in my mind and experience, are the most
significant.
First and foremost, do your homework on both the procedures
you have in mind and on your doctor(s). The internet may be
full of inaccurate and misleading information, but it is
also chocked full of a lot of good information about
everything in plastic surgery. Do your homework, take
notes, and then bring them in to discuss with your plastic
surgeon. You can't expect the plastic surgeon to tell you
everything in the limited face-to-face time you have.Your
plastic surgeon has these conversations all day long, you
will have far fewer of them. Take charge of your knowledge
and education.
Secondly, can you really afford to have the plastic surgery
procedures? I fully realize that in life people afford what
they want, not what they need. It is not my job, nor am I
capable, of assessing whether this is the best way for you
to spend your money. My financial responsibility lies in
educating you about which procedures have the best value
based on what you are trying to achieve. One of the factors
to consider in determining financial feasibility is...how
much buffer do you have should complications occur?
Complications may cost you more money or time off work.
Make sure you are not doing the procedure with no margin
for financial error. This area is one of the most common
reasons for 'dissatisfaction' from plastic surgery
procedures.
Lastly, be prepared to accept the reality that
complications from plastic surgery can and do occur. And I
don't mean rarely. While most plastic surgery complications
are relatively minor and easily solved in most cases, a few
are not. Just like a car accident, for example, you are not
exempt from the risks of adverse outcomes. It does not
always happen to the 'other guy'. Most importantly, factor
this in psychologically. Recovery from plastic surgery will
always take longer than you think in many cases. Getting
over the inconvenience of a surgical complication will
likewise be more prolonged that all will like.
These three areas of mental and psychological preparedness
will serve you well to undergo any plastic surgery
procedure...and will go far in making you ready for it.
----------------------------------------------------
Dr Barry Eppley runs a private plastic surgery practice
through his hospital-based medspa locations at Clarian
Health in Indianapolis. To learn more about the latest
trends in plastic surgery, spa therapies, or skin care, go
to his daily blog, http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com .
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