Whether you’re planning your body contouring or considering rhinoplasty, there are a few important things you will need to know before scheduling your plastic surgery. Although your plastic surgeon will provide plenty of information during the consultation stage, knowing what you can expect and the type of questions you will need to ask early on helps minimize surprises and can even help you decide whether surgery is for you.
What You Need to Know before Cosmetic Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will fill you in on what you need to know and expect before you even set the date for your procedure. Your surgery technically starts long before—and ends long after—the actual procedure. How you prepare and take care of yourself before and after the surgery can have an impact on your results.
For a truly successful surgery, both the patient and surgeon should work closely together for the preparation and aftercare. Attend your consultations, provide an accurate medical history, find answers to all of your questions, and prepare thoroughly well in advance.
After the surgery, make sure you take good care of yourself by following all aftercare measures for your full recovery.
Pre-Plastic Surgery Prep Is Needed
Patients are generally asked to make certain lifestyle changes in preparation for their surgeries, and plastic surgery is no exception. For example, you may not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight before the surgery. You also won’t be able to take certain medications and, if you’re a smoker, will be asked to quit as early as possible.
You will be advised to wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to wear over surgical dressings and to leave your valuables, including jewelry, at home. It’s suggested that you ask a friend or family member to stay with you for at least the first day after the surgery and assist in taking you home safely.
Your doctor also needs you to give a complete and honest account of your medical history to be able to make a precise and accurate diagnosis, which is very important for determining the best procedural methods and medications for you and your surgery goals.
Refrain from Consulting Dr. Google
Getting second opinions are totally fine, but make it a point not to believe all that you read online. Not all websites have the most updated information about plastic surgery facts and procedures. Instead of asking Google or Siri, schedule consultations with plastic surgeons who are experienced in the procedure you’re interested in.
Plastic surgeons want you to ask questions that will help you feel more confident about your procedure, as a more educated patient ultimately helps them do their job better.
Plan for Your Recovery
Even a relatively minor cosmetic surgery carries a risk of discomfort and side effects during your recovery. You may also experience anesthesia-related nausea. Typically, side effects and discomfort diminish after a couple of days, depending on the complexity of your procedure. However, don’t expect expect to be totally pain-free.
Depending on your health and the procedure itself, you may have to stay in the hospital overnight and take it easy at home for a few days to several weeks after your surgery.
Don’t Bargain Shop for Plastic Surgery
As you do your research, you’ll realize that some plastic surgeons really do cost a fortune. Even the facility’s popularity comes into play when it comes to the pricing for plastic surgery. But don’t just look at the bottom line; remember that your health (and appearance) is at risk when you go with “budget” doctors and treatments, and botched surgeries are hard to fix.
Questions You Should Ask before Surgery
During your initial meetings with your plastic surgeon, it’s important that you take the opportunity to ask all the right questions. Be fully prepared for your first consultation by gathering a list of questions and concerns beforehand.
- What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications? It’s important that you’re aware of the benefits as well as the risks and possible complications of any cosmetic procedure.
- Is this procedure the best option for me? With current advancements in aesthetic medicine, there may be multiple ways (both surgical and non-surgical) to achieve a specific appearance goal.
- Can you tell me about your experience with this procedure? Any experienced plastic surgeon can give you a proposed surgical plan, but not all of them can deliver the same results. Ask about their experience as a surgeon and how often they perform the kind of surgery you’re planning to have. And don’t forget to view before and after pictures!
It should go without saying that your plastic surgeon should be board certified with extensive knowledge and experience in the specific procedure you’re interested in. Cosmetic rhinoplasty, for instance, is one of the most complex surgeries out there, and it requires a doctor with specialized experience, extensive knowledge, and superior qualifications to ensure a good outcome. When searching for doctors, look for one with a high success rate, good bedside manners, and an artistic eye to help you achieve natural and aesthetically-pleasing results.
