Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more popular across the world. With options ranging from liposuction to eyelid surgery, consumers have several options to make themselves more comfortable with their body. However, there is medical information many patients should know before they consider cosmetic surgery. This information can help prepare them for the procedures and better understand the treatment they are investing in.
Expectations Need to Be Realistic
All cosmetic surgery facilities typically conduct a free consultation where a specialist nurse or patient coordinator discusses the expectations of cosmetic surgery. It is here that some patients may be let down. Although cosmetic surgeons do amazing work, what a patient imagines in their head for their new look may not be physically possible.
Aftercare is Extremely Important
Whether you choose an office, what happens during aftercare can make a huge difference on the cosmetic results. Well before the surgery, the cosmetic surgeon will explain the type of aftercare the surgery requires. This could include resting, protecting and caring for the areas where surgery took place and experiencing some pain or swelling in the area for days to weeks. The aftercare time can sometimes be disheartening since the patient does not look or feel like they want to be. So, its very important knowing going in that this aftercare time is crucial.
Cosmetic Surgery Can Be Expensive
Because most health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery, the surgery itself is a large out-of-pocket expense. Nevertheless, many cosmetic surgery facilities operate as independent brokers. This means that the facility contracts with certified professionals instead of having a practice. This allows prices for the surgery to be reduced compared to other cosmetic surgery facilities.
Emotional and Psychological Problems May Not Go Away
Although cosmetic surgeons do their best to make sure the patient is pleased with their results, cosmetic surgery can only do so much. Sometimes, what people felt about themselves requires psychological and emotional counseling, not a physical transformation through cosmetic surgery. The cosmetic surgeons at many facilities are able to provide advice if they believe a patient has more of a psychological issue. Also, many facilities have 24-hotlines so patients can call during their aftercare. If the patient still seems frustrated by how they look or feel, the cosmetic facilities may help provide information about psychological counseling.
Know What You Are Getting Into
With a thorough self-examination of if the surgery is necessary, a patient can make a mature decision on whether or not they need the surgery. With issues such as differing expectations, aftercare, cost, and if there are deeper emotional issues, its important to carefully self-reflect before having cosmetic surgery.