Top 7 Steps to a Successful Cosmetic Surgery

August 1st, 2017 | Posted in: Plastic Surgery | Tags: plastic surgery checklist

When considering cosmetic surgery staying safe, well-informed, and absolutely confident in your decision are just a few key ways to have a successful procedure. Taking some much-needed precaution before agreeing to a surgeon and a procedure can often save a lot of time, money, and peace of mind in the long run. No one wants to leave a surgery having regrets or being unhappy with the aesthetic outcome, so following a set of steps before your procedure may help to ensure successful results that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful. Take a look at our top 7 steps one should follow for your plastic surgery checklist.

1. Be Well-Informed

Anyone considering a cosmetic procedure should be fully informed and accept the limitations and risks of any surgery. No procedure is 100% risk-free or guarantees perfection. Having realistic expectations for surgical results is essential and because cosmetic surgery is often a major surgery, recovery may be painful and the results you will be looking to achieve may not be immediate. A thorough discussion with a trusted and high-end plastic surgeon on the type of procedure or procedures you’re interested in, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the complications that may occur is the best way to stay fully informed during the decision-making process.

2. Make Your Own Decisions

The only appearance expert you should turn to when making your plastic surgery checklist is yourself. Surgeons, nurses, friends, and family are helpful if one is looking for certain guidance, however, you should verify that you are receiving unbiased information on the risks and benefits of your surgery. Do not let outside influence talk you into anything you may have concerns about before the consultation. Allowing yourself to be in charge of your appearance guarantees the procedure is something you and you alone have decided.

3. Know Your Surgeon

When choosing a surgeon, research for one who specializes in a number of procedures, has a good reputation with past clients, and has been practicing for at least several years. Visit the surgeon more than once in order to know for sure if you are comfortable and compatible with them. Choosing your surgeon based on their aesthetic value is another important factor. If you are looking to achieve a more natural appearance, the outcome will depend entirely on how well your surgeon can fulfill your request. To know your surgeon’s aesthetic results, ask for their before and after catalogue and if possible ask to meet with past clients for an overall review of their results.

4.Be Generally Healthy

Before even considering a cosmetic procedure be sure to get a complete physical examination by your general practitioner. Going over your health as well as discussing a possible procedure will determine if you are healthy enough to have the surgery you are contemplating. Your GP’s interest lies entirely on your overall well-being and many doctors are happy to advise patients and give unbiased answers in regard to cosmetic surgery and their health.

5. Time the Surgery Right

Unless under extreme circumstances, avoid surgery if you have recently undergone major life changing events such as moving houses, losing loved ones, or the arrival of children. These types of events can cause stress and may need your full attention which can affect your decision-making or not allow you time to heal properly. Finding the time to heal is of great importance so plan ahead with at least one to two weeks of downtime in mind depending on the severity of your surgery. This is among the most important steps of your plastic surgery checklist.

6. Choosing Location

In some cases, traveling long distance or overseas for surgery can lead to issues or complications, however, there are plastic surgery locations that specialize in managing arrangements for out of town patients. Discussing postoperative recovery care and accommodation options with your surgeon of choice will help to determine if the location is within your means.

7. Taking Time and Choosing Carefully

Deciding on cosmetic surgery is a serious commitment that in many cases is permanent as well as life changing. Take into account risks such as health, finances, and emotional distress that can come with any major decision. Do not feel pressured or guilty if you have the need to cancel at any time, while some surgeons may penalize cancellation having absolute confidence in the procedure is far more important. The main reason for cosmetic surgery is to improve the way you see yourself and if that is compromised in any way the surgery should not proceed.

If you are absolutely sure of your decision to have cosmetic surgery or would just like to have an open, no-pressure discussion about your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. we strive to give our patients a relaxed and caring environment, and with a renowned surgeon such as Dr. Chiu we can certainly help you achieve your aesthetic goals by completing your plastic surgery checklist.