Each one of us has something about ourselves that we would love to change whether it's an overly "voluptuous" set of hips, a larger than average nose or a couple of unnecessary chins.

There was a time when saddlebags and spare tires could permanently ruin a person's self-esteem but these days there is an answer: Cosmetic plastic surgery.

If you know that you need to make a change to improve your look as well as your confidence but you constantly find yourself wondering, "what is plastic surgery?" you should take some time to look into the vast array of procedures that are now available.

By definition plastic surgery is any surgical procedure that deals with the reconstruction or improvement of a body part to enhance the shape and appearance of that part of the body. Often people who opt for Plastic Surgery are so uncomfortable with certain aspects of their bodies that they just don't feel they can truly be confident until the problem they see is corrected. So, to say that the transformation that occurs after plastic surgery is merely physical would be incorrect. The results of these procedures are often twofold and patients typically end up with both a revamped body and refurbished sense of self-esteem. Plastic surgery is really all about becoming more on the inside with what is on the outside.

Whether you are considering facial plastic surgery, breast augmentation, breast reduction or rhinoplasty it is important to make sure that you completely understand the intricacies of the procedure you are interested in before you make your decision. It is important to remember that although plastic surgery usually has more to do with your appearance than function of your body, it is still major surgery and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Plastic surgery isn't something that should be taken advantage of to impress other people it is a personal decision that each person has to make for his or herself.

So, if you continue to obsess over a flaw that exercise and diet can't fix and you feel that a physical change could improve your life overall it may be time to explore your options in terms of plastic surgery.

With the right surgeon and the right amount of research and preparation the decision to have this type of surgery will likely be one that you will never regret.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery

The great thing about plastic surgery is that the benefits can be both physical and emotional, both external and internal.

The physical and external benefits of plastic surgery can be multi-faceted. The first thing that many people notice after plastic surgery is that their bodies seem more proportional or balanced. Whether a person opts to have surgery on their face, hips, breasts or thighs the aim is to sculpt the body in a way that looks natural. The result often allows people to look more like they feel like they should look. This may sound strange, but often a nose that is too large for a particular person's face or a bust that is too large or too small can blur all of this person's other features making them seem disproportionate. Surgeons aim to correct this by taking each individual's body into consideration before deciding on a desired result.

The physical result of plastic surgery often produces a healthier look and often people who undergo surgery see this healthy look permeate their entire lifestyle. People who have surgeries like liposuction and breast reduction usually feel that their new bodies allow them to participate in physical activities that they wouldn't have considered before surgery. Plastic surgery can open new doors to people who had previously lived their lives scared to take on activities like swimming or aerobics because of the lack of clothing involved and the way that they felt that they would be looked at by other people.

Blending in is sometimes quite important to people who decide to have plastic surgery, especially when they have grown up teased because of their features. Surgery often allows these people to finally feel like they fit in with people around them instead of sticking out because of the shape of their body or because of their facial features. Whether a person chooses to undergo plastic surgery to improve their lifestyle or to improve their look there will always be emotional benefits when a person is finally able to feel comfortable in their body. Many people find that they are more outgoing, personable and confident when they become accustomed to their transformation and this heightened sense of self-esteem can be a benefit that lasts a lifetime

Effects of Plastic Surgery

The concrete effects of plastic surgery will differ depending on the person and the procedure but there are a few things that each person can expect after coming directly out of plastic surgery.

The first thing that most people will notice when they come out of surgery is that they are bruised, bandaged and swollen.

Most plastic surgery requires that the patient be given general anesthetic so most people wake up after surgery feeling groggy and or nauseous. Some people wake up in pain and others have sore throats and are extremely thirsty, it varies. Usually it takes two or three hours to recover from the effects of anesthetic.

The more the anesthetic wears off the more pain you will likely be in, but the pain will dull as you begin to heal and most surgeons will prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery.

Your doctor will likely give you a list of instructions to follow that will allow you to heal best and most recommend that no matter which type of plastic surgery you have undergone that you hold off exercising, lifting things, doing chores or participating in any sort of strenuous activity that may cause swelling, bleeding or that may tear your stitches and extend your healing time.

The desired effect that everyone who chooses to have plastic surgery hopes for is to come out of the process with the type of body that they have always dreamed of: proportionate and beautiful.

If this desired physical effect is achieved it will usually reflect in a person's demeanor. Most people who have plastic surgery, and who are pleased with the results of that surgery, find that they are more confidant and self assured and therefore more outgoing. Obviously emotional effects will vary from person to person but often plastic surgery helps to bring people out of their shells and allows them to become more personable.

History of Plastic Surgery

To fully understand how the practice of plastic surgery began to take shape it is essential to first deconstruct the actual term that is used to describe these procedures. Contrary to popular belief the term "plastic surgery" has nothing to do with the fake, the unnatural or the manufactured as the word plastic might indicate. In fact, the term is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" which actually means to mold and this is quite appropriate considering that the idea of shaping and sculpting is paramount to plastic surgery.

Many historians agree that the first recorded account of reconstructive plastic surgery was documented in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts. The Hindu author Sushruta wrote about the reconstruction of earlobes and noses using skin from other parts of the face like the cheek and forehead. These procedures were quite necessary in Sushruta's time, which is thought to have been somewhere around 500 B.C., because using mutilation as a form of punishment and humiliation was quite common.

The Byzantine physician Oribasius was also an important historical figure when it comes to the evolution of plastic surgery. In the fourth century Oribasius wrote at length about different reconstructive procedures in his medical encyclopedia called Synagogue Medicae. In his writing Oribasius demonstrated his insight into important techniques such as using flaps to avoid the distortion of facial features and the process of creating tensionless suture lines. Oribasius's work in wound management and facial reconstruction remains an important contribution to the plastic surgery.

After Oribasius's time the practice of plastic surgery waned, only to experience a resurgence in the first the 14th and then the 18th century. In the 18th century plastic surgery gained popularity in Europe, particularly rhinoplasty, which many surgeons practiced and attempted to perfect.

In the late 1800s anesthesia was introduced as part of the practice of performing plastic surgery and eventually the procedure became more common and less risky.

John Roe, an American doctor, was the first person to offer an aesthetic approach to rhinoplasty (or nose plastic surgery) in 1891. He was well known for demonstrating how plastic surgery could be used for cosmetic purposes to help people who were not happy with their features.

Although there is evidence that suggests that plastic surgery has been around for thousands of years, it was not until World War I that these reconstructive procedures became slightly mainstream because of necessity.

During World War I doctors were called upon to treat a large number of individuals who had experienced severe head injuries and as a result were often missing noses, ears, lips and other body parts. Procedures continued to evolve over the years, but plastic surgery wasn't truly recognized or defined until two European surgeons named Jacques Maliniac and Gustave Aufricht founded the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, which is now known as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS.

During World War II the popularity of plastic surgery continued to grow and become more advanced. During this time surgeons learned to perform the procedures with speed, precision and accuracy and this allowed more people than ever before to benefit from the surgery.

These days plastic surgery continues to evolve and improve and this continued evolution has allowed millions of people to benefit from the procedures both externally and internally.

Is Cosmetic Surgery For Me?

Cosmetic surgery has many benefits but if you are considering this type of surgery it is important to keep your expectations realistic.

When you are trying to figure out whether or not cosmetic surgery is for you the first thing to keep in mind is that although surgery may be able to change the aspect of your body that makes you self-conscious, it won't suddenly solve all of your problems.

The next thing to you should think about when you are considering cosmetic surgery is whether or not you think that you will be able to deal with a result that isn't exactly what you had envisioned. This is the reality of plastic surgery. You can give your surgeon an idea of what you would like but you never have a guarantee on what the exact result will be. So if you're considering plastic surgery the problem should be serious enough that you can honestly tell yourself that any change will be a good change.

Another important thing to keep in mind when you are asking yourself, "Is cosmetic surgery for me?" is whether or not you will be able to deal with the aftereffects of this type of major surgery. Often the recovery process after any type of cosmetic surgery can be quite painful and you will likely be out of commission for at least a week. You should be prepared for stitches, bruising and discomfort.

Scarring is another important thing you should keep in mind. You should ask yourself, "Will I be able to live with scars from my surgery that may never go away?" If you can't deal with the idea of having scars than you are not ready for plastic surgery.

Mental preparation is a big part of becoming ready for plastic surgery, but you should also consider whether you are at a point in your life where plastic surgery makes sense. In other words you should make sure that you are able to take off a week or two from work and all of your other responsibilities so that you give yourself time to heal. You should also keep in mind the costs of plastic surgery and make sure that you are financially stable enough to pay for the procedure.

If you are clinically depressed, diabetic, have heart trouble or a substance abuse problem cosmetic surgery is probably not for you. Before you make the decision about whether or not cosmetic surgery is right for you it is a good idea to go in for a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon and ask them to thoroughly explain the procedure that they think would benefit you including the surgery, the risks, the benefits and which sort of result would best suit you. Armed with this information you will have a much clearer picture of whether or not you are ready for cosmetic surgery.

Make an Informed Decision

With all of the advancements that have been made in the field of plastic surgery and the subsequent popularity that plastic surgery has gained over the years there are very few people who haven't, at one time or another, considered turning to surgery to correct a hereditary flaw.

The media is saturated with people who are in the process of having, or have had, plastic surgery so it is sometimes hard to view these procedures as a form of major surgery. Plastic surgery has become so common that to many people it seems no more traumatizing than a trip to the dentist.

No matter how mainstream plastic surgery has become it should not be regarded with nonchalance.

Although plastic surgery is often used for aesthetic purposes it is still major surgery and should be treated as such. Although complications are rare there is always a chance of bleeding, infection, nerve damage and scarring. Some people also have serious reactions to anesthesia so anyone who is considering plastic surgery should keep these things in mind.

Part of making an informed decision about whether or not to have plastic surgery is doing some research to see what the procedure you are interested involves. This research can include reading articles and books written on the subject, consulting other people who have undergone the same surgery you are considering and going to various doctors for consultations. Most plastic surgeons will be happy to sit with you and discuss the ins and outs of different procedures and most will also give you their opinion of which type of procedure will give you the best result.

In your research you will want to find out how exactly the surgery is executed, whether or not there are different methods used to perform the same procedure, how best to prepare for surgery, how long you will have to stay in the hospital how long the typical recovery time is, how to take care of yourself after surgery and you will also want to inform yourself about any scarring or side effects that you might experience after surgery.

One of the most important parts of undergoing plastic surgery is to make sure that you are mentally prepared for the change. Part of this mental preparation is doing background research to make an informed decision about surgery. Armed with your knowledge, if you do decide to undergo plastic surgery, you will be able to feel more comfortable and confident before, during and after your surgery.

Plastic Surgery - What Are The Costs?

Those struggling with self-esteem and health issues due to adverse body features can rest assured that there is hope. Plastic surgery isn't the taboo subject it once was - it can correct appearance dilemmas and give you the self-confidence you need to succeed.

Plastic surgery costs can vary widely from surgeon to surgeon, due to a number of factors including:

• The surgeon's expertise and experience

• Location of surgeon - rural, suburban, urban

• The type of plastic surgery procedure

o Even within the same type of procedure, there are variations based on the individual's own requirements

• Length and complexity of the procedure.

• Type of anesthesia - general and local (Anesthesiologist fee)

• Pre- and post-operative examinations

• Operating room fee

• Overnight stay (if required)

• Insurance coverage - if plastic surgery is deemed as a medical requirement

The following is a list of the national average cost of plastic surgeon's fee for a wide array of plastic surgery procedure. This data was based on 2003 data and was compiled by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery:

*Note - the figure within the brackets () denotes the total expenditure on the plastic surgery procedure

Surgical Procedures:

Abdominiplasty (Tummy tuck) $4,827 ($568,109,023)

Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) $2,599 ($695,607,279)

Breast Augmentation $3,360 ($942,015,163)

Breast Lift $3,965 ($305,052,304)

Breast: nipple enlargement (cosmetic only) $1,792 ($947,330)

Breast: nipple reduction (without breast reduction) $1,516 ($2,414,743)

Breast reduction (women) $5,351 ($787,439,833)

Buttock augmentation $3,681 ($14,293,523)

Buttock lift $4,793 ($17,081,903)

Calf augmentation $3,075 ($3,597,443)

Cheek implants $2,643 ($21,911,756)

Chin augmentation $1,957 ($54,800,342)

Facelift $5,966 ($749,194,946)

Forehead lift $3,065 ($235,043,778)

Gynecomastia treatment (male breast reduction) $3,124 ($68,880,133)

Hair transplantation $3,084 ($51,306,382)

Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials) $1,633 ($37,817,607)

Lipoplasty (liposuction) $2,578 ($991,380,149)

Lower body lift $7,874 ($86,362,657)

Otoplasty $2,762 ($76,813,540)

Pectoral (male chest) augmentation $3,992 ($6,927,804)

Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) $3869 ($667,133,513)

Thigh lift $4,308 ($37,927,025)

Umbilicoplasty (not with abdominoplasty) $1,688 ($2,594,324)

Upper arm lift $3,299 ($34,946,097)

Non-surgical Procedures

Botox injection $384 ($871,401,049)

Cellulite treatment (mechanical roller massage therapy) $449 ($12,525,989)

Chemical peel $800 ($578,118,755)

Dermabrasion (not including microdermabrasion) $1,405 ($38,749,031)

Laser hair removal $388 ($358,465,511)

Laser skin resurfacing $2,317 ($295,315,035)

Laser treatment of leg veins $389 ($66,269,251)

Microdermabrasion $161 ($137,972,778)

Sclerotherapy $272 ($120,758, 645)

Soft tissue fillers:

1) Autologous fat $1,270 ($114,714,952)

2) Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance) $1,169 (37,303,640)

3) Collagen $381 ($236,349,102)

4) Hylaronic Acid $552 ($64,182,446)

Generally, insurance companies will not cover the costs of plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes. In some cases, some plastic surgery is performed for a medical purpose to restore some type of functional aspect. An example is breast reduction to alleviate the pain caused by the weight of the breasts, which can interfere with normal activities. In these cases, it is important to consult your insurance company to see if there is any coverage, it is often necessary to submit a letter from your general practitioner and plastic surgeon stating the medical need for the operation. Even if there is no insurance coverage, there is a number of ways to pay for plastic surgery cost(s). Most plastic surgery clinics will work with you to determine the best way for you to cover your plastic surgery costs, including financing loans, or paying on an installment plan.

Plastic surgery costs should be fully disclosed and agreed to up front, prior to any surgical procedure. Some advertised Plastic surgery costs may appear lower because they reflect only the cost of the procedure, and does not include additional costs such as anesthesia, the pre- and post-operative exams, and even corrective surgery if deemed necessary.

Never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost. You should entrust your face or body to a certified surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These are the surgeons who have gone through vigorous training and testing. The certification is the "gold standard" in the plastic surgery industry.

Be sure that you have thoroughly researched the plastic surgery option that you feel you can benefit from. Be selective with your choice of surgeon. Remember, you can't put a price on your happiness.

Plastic Surgery Before and After

Once you have made the decision to have plastic surgery there are some things that you should be prepared for, this includes pre-operative consultation, preparation as well as post-operative recovery expectations.

Before you undergo surgery be sure that all of your questions have been answered either by other people you know who have gone through the same procedure or by your surgeon so that you can feel confident before, during and after your procedure.

Make sure you have booked at least a week off work. Everyone heals differently but a week should allow you a good amount of time to heal and become accustomed to your transformation.

Ensure that you eat healthily and keep up an moderate exercise regime before your surgery. A diet relatively free of toxins and high in fiber and vitamins is always a good idea to ensure that your body is in shape and able to withstand the trauma of surgery. The healthier you are the faster you will recover.

After surgery you should allow yourself time to get used to your transformation. Once the swelling goes down you will probably be thrilled by the results of your surgery, but don't think that you will look stunning immediately following your surgery.

Make sure that you don't have any obligations immediately following your surgery. If you have children explain to them that you will be out of commission while you heal and make sure that you have someone around to help you out in the days immediately following surgery.

If you were self-conscious and embarrassed by your body before surgery you can definitely expect to have a refurbished sense of self-esteem once you see the results of your surgery. Many people become more outgoing and personable after surgery because of the confidence they gain from their transformation.

The most important thing to remember before and after surgery is that plastic surgery is a personal decision you have made for yourself, not for the people around you. Embrace your decision and the newfound confidence you gain.

Plastic Surgery Financing

Many people think that plastic surgery is out of reach because they are unable to save up thousands of dollars at once to pay for consultations, surgery and hospital costs but there is an alternative for people who don't have enough credit or cash on hand to pay for plastic surgery. For these people plastic surgery financing has become available.

Plastic surgery loans allow people who desperately want or need this type of surgery to access the money they need to pay for their surgical expenses.

There are many financial institutions that provide plastic surgery loans. If you are thinking of acquiring this sort of financing it is important to shop around to make sure that you source out the right plastic surgery loan for your particular lifestyle and financial situation. It is a good idea to ask about down payments, terms and monthly payments to make sure that your are getting the best plan available

Having plastic surgery can be easier and less expensive than you think especially if you take advantage of all the resources that are available to help you out.

You can start online with plastic surgery loan calculators to determine how much you can afford to pay per month on a plastic surgery loan payment. These calculators can also help you to determine the number of years that you would need to pay off a plastic surgery loan. You can also enlist the help of a credit counseling service in your area that may be able to help you figure out the type of financing that would suit you best.

If you have always dreamed of having plastic surgery but were convinced that you would be unable to afford it than you should definitely explore your plastic surgery financing options.

Acquiring this type of financing will allow you to make one of the smartest investments of your life- an investment in yourself.

Plastic Surgery For Men

Plastic surgery is not something that is just available to women, in fact more men than ever are undergoing these procedures nowadays for a variety of reasons.

Some men are uncomfortable with their facial features, while others feel that they would benefit from having their body sculpted to obtain a result that they just can't seem to achieve through diet and exercise.

Over the years men have become increasingly more concerned with their looks and body image and this is one of the major factors that has made plastic surgery for men quite popular.

Whether it's to attract women, retain their youth or improve their self-esteem there are many procedures that men look to for self-improvement.

Some of the more common plastic surgery procedures that men look into include liposuction, rhinoplasty, gynecomastia (or chest sculpting for men with large breasts), penile surgery and hair transplants.

If you are a man who is considering plastic surgery it is important that you choose a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience treating men. This is because although many of the plastic surgery procedures are the same, there are many technical differences between the structure of a man's body compared to the structure of a woman's body. Men typically have thicker skin, more facial and body hair and are able to heal more quickly than women and for these reasons a man would likely have better results going to a plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures for men.

Facial plastic surgery for men is often more complicated than facial plastic surgery that is done on women. The first reason for this is that men are more prone to developing hematomas after surgery because during surgery they typically bleed much more than women. In addition, scarring from incision lines are usually harder for men to hide because of receding hairlines. Where women can cover scars with their hair and make-up, most men don't have this luxury.

Whether you are a man looking for a smaller nose, a more full head of hair or a trimmer waistline you should be sure that you have done an ample amount of background research before your surgery and that you have chosen a trustworthy plastic surgeon so that you will have no regrets about your decision to take advantage of male plastic surgery.

Plastic Surgery Statistics

In the United States alone, there were almost 9 million cosmetic surgery operations done in the year 2003 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That's a whopping 33% more than the previous year. Here's a breakdown of the biggest trends.

Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures

Of the 8.79 million cosmetic procedures completed in the year 2003, about 7 million of them were minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures. The number one rank belongs to Botox injections. Since 2000, the number of Botox users rose almost 300%, and numbered 2.8 million. Trailing behind Botox in the non-invasive category were chemical peels and microdermabrasion (both with almost a million patients). Other popular choices for non-surgical procedures were laser hair removal and collagen injection with over half a million each.

There were about 1.7 million surgical operations completed in the same year. The top pick was nose reshaping with 350,000 done. Close behind was liposuction with 320,000 operations. Breast augmentation and eyelid surgery followed behind with about 250,000 apiece. The fifth most popular procedure was the facelift, with 130,000 operations.

The two hottest trends of the year were Botox (157% increase from the previous year) and Butt lifts (74% increase). Breast augmentations only rose 7% from the previous year.

Demographics

A majority of the cosmetic enhancements in the year 2003 still belonged to women. 7.4 million women (86% of all enhancements) simply dwarfed the 1.2 million men who decided to have a procedure. Both genders increased their respective number of operations by about 30% from the previous year.

The most popular procedure for women was liposuction (replacing breast augmentation for the first time) while for men it was nose reshaping. Both sexes preferred Botox as the top non-invasive procedure.

Of all patients, the biggest age group to pursue a cosmetic enhancement was between 35-50 years of age. They made up almost half of all cosmetic enhancement patients.

As well, half of the year's cosmetic surgery patients were repeat patients. A third of all patients also had multiple procedures done in one session. Half of all procedures were done in an office, with only 30% in the hospital and the remaining 16% in ambulatory surgical facilities.

Risks of Plastic Surgery

Although complications from plastic surgery are quite rare nowadays each person who is considering having this type of surgery done should make themselves aware of the possible risks of plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery complications can range from scarring to fatalities and the effects of surgery can sometimes be traumatizing to patients both physically and psychologically. Even though complications are uncommon it is important to keep plastic surgery dangers in mind. The risks of plastic surgery will differ depending on the individual and the procedure they opt for.

Scarring is one of the most common risks that people considering plastic surgery should be aware of. Most surgeons will try to hide incision lines in places where they aren't noticeable, like under the crease of the breast in breast augmentation plastic surgery and in the hairline in facial plastic surgery, but most surgeries will still result in permanent scarring.

Bleeding, infection and hematomas are possible after surgery, but if these complications are caught early on they can usually be treated.

Nerve damage is a serious complication that people considering plastic surgery must be aware of. Some people who undergo plastic surgery will lose feeling in the area that was operated on while others may experience problems moving muscles in the area where the surgery was performed.

Obviously the type of procedure will determine the risks that are involved. Breast augmentation risks include sensory damage around the operation site, discoloration of the skin, tissue necrosis, asymmetry, infection, formation of scar tissue, and allergic reactions to sedation. Facial plastic surgery, on the other hand, can lead to noticeable tissue damage, unnatural looking features and premature aging.

Not only will the procedure determine the risks involved but so will the individual. Smokers, people with diabetes, heart conditions and certain allergies are more likely to experience complications that other people can avoid.

Before you undergo plastic surgery it is important to have blood tests and a physical done to ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery. In addition you should make sure to look into the procedure you are considering and learn about the risks involved so that you can be as prepared inside and out for your transformation.

Teen Plastic Surgery

Obviously the subject of teen plastic surgery is a tricky one. There are several factors that you must consider before making a judgment on whether plastic surgery is right for any particular teen.

There are surgical procedures that can affect the recipient for their entire life and then there are some that are reversible. Like breast implants for instance. A breast implant can always be removed if there is a problem or if the teen decides that they made a rash judgment in their youth and they want to go back to their natural body.

Of course there are more drastic surgeries like a nose jobs and eye surgery that are irreversible. These surgeries are usually not as obtrusive as others and there is less likely to a problem in the future.

However, the larger issue here is 'what defines a teen'. Of course there is the definition that anyone between the ages of 13 and 19 constitutes a teenager. But this is a long time period for a developing person and they are going through drastic physiological changes.

These changes often make the teenager look awkward. In many cases teenagers will grow out of this awkward phase and blossom into regular shaped adults. So, a procedure may not be necessary and if the teenager waited for a couple years they may get the results they were looking for simply by the natural process of growing up.

There is also the danger that a procedure will be done before the body is fully developed. This could cause structural damage to their body later in life and end up costing them more time, money, and grief than a slight natural imperfection ever would have.

In many cases the anxiety teens feel about their body, the leads them to think about plastic surgery, is simply part of the maturation process. Being a teen can be hard enough, and being bombarded with pictures of perfect faces volleyed by advertisers doesn't help.

The real treatment for this is counseling, patients and understanding. Time will take care of the rest. And if it doesn't there is always the option of having plastic surgery. If an 18 year old is old enough to vote, buy lottery tickets and be drafted to fight in deadly wars, they should be able to decide if they want to get a nose job or not.

What Questions Should I Ask?

There are a number of important questions that you should ask yourself, and your plastic surgeon, before pursuing a cosmetic enhancement.

Personal Expectations

Deciding that you need plastic surgery isn't the easiest decision. Most likely you've been dissatisfied with something about your body for a while. You've probably worried about it and are self-conscious of your imperfections. First things first, that's completely natural, so relax. The thing you need to ask yourself the most is whether or not you really need it. Will you life really improve after this? Do you think that you will be able to live a better life? Is your body a major part of your happiness? Ultimately the choice of plastic surgery is a personal choice. A doctor can only give you advice. You need to ask yourself the hard questions about what you think is worth pursuing.

Your Surgeon

When you go for a consultation with a plastic surgeon, you should ask if your goals and expectations are reasonable. Sometimes people are ill informed about what plastic surgery can do. Make sure that you ask about the surgery's specific risks and benefits. He or she should also tell you how long it's going to be, how many incisions will be made, the compatibility of any sort of implant, the kinds of anesthetics available, and what sort of pre-op preparations you need to make.

Recovery

You should also ask about the prescriptions that you would need after the surgery. Also find out about the timeframe of recovery. Simple things like liposuction can be healed in a few weeks, while major reconstructive surgery depends highly on the skill of the surgeon. You should also ask about what kind of pre-op care you will be requiring. Find out if it's something you can deal with yourself or if you'll need extra help. It can also help to ask about any known long-term effects of any plastic surgery.

Ultimately your surgeon can answer any questions you may have about the procedure and its complications. He or she can also answer questions you never even thought to ask.

You, however, will make the most important questions. You need to be physically and mentally prepared for any kind of plastic surgery. Most of all, you'll need to ask yourself if you want to make a positive change in your life. Everything else will follow.

What to expect?

Before you go in to have plastic surgery you should know what to expect so that you aren't surprised or unprepared for any part of your procedure or the repercussions that you might encounter afterwards. After you have had a consultation with the plastic surgeon you have chosen to do your surgery and you have discussed with him or her the result that you are after you will probably be required to undergo a physical examination and have blood tests done to ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery. If your surgeon determines that you are fit to undergo surgery you will likely be required to set up a pre-operative appointment.

Your pre-operative appointment will probably take place about two weeks before your surgery. During this appointment you should make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page in terms of the desired result of the surgery that you will have. During your pre-operative appointment you should also make sure that you know all the details of the procedure that you will undergo including the type of anesthetic that will be used, the types of incisions that will be made and how long you will need to be in the hospital for. You should expect to sign consent forms during this appointment and you should also expect that your surgeon will take pictures of the area that he or she will be working on.

After your surgery you can expect to be pretty groggy and out of it so make sure that you have a friend or family member to drive you home when you are released from the hospital.

Sedation affects everyone differently so you might wake up after surgery with a sore throat or feeling confused and nauseous.

After your surgery you should be prepared to allow your body some time to heal. Don't expect to get up the day after plastic surgery and be able to head back to work or to the gym. It will likely be at least a week before you feel completely back to normal. Make sure that during the time that you are recovering from surgery that you limit the physical activity that you do so that you don't run the risk of tearing your stitches or getting an infection. Keep in mind plastic surgery often results in scarring so don't be surprised if you can still see incision lines months after your operation.

If you are properly prepared and take good care of yourself you can expect that plastic surgery will change your self-esteem and the way you see yourself for the rest of your life.