When it comes to cosmetic and plastic surgery there are many aspects you need to consider before going under the knife. Understand, I am speaking from experience and hopefully can shed some light on what to do, expect and ask before subjecting yourself to the possibility of complications and/or infections after your procedure has taken place.

Personally, I have had 3 surgeries in hopes of improving my appearance. However, one of those was to fix another, so technically only 2. While it has been almost 3 years since I last went on the cutting board, I can only assume that the S.O.P. (standard operating procedures) have remained the same. I will focus on my procedures in future articles pertaining to the specific surgery, but for now my focus is on the basic principles that I feel are mandatory when it comes to entertaining the possibility of your desired nip/tuck.

Now, when I say “procedures” I am not talking about injections or skin rejuvenation, I have pretty much covered the spectrum when it comes to lasers and injectables – yes, I will touch on those at a later date as well. I am referring to full on, knock you out, scalpel in hand surgeries. So, if you are contemplating a larger bust line, smaller thighs or lifting your saggy jowls, keep reading.

Plastic surgeon writing in the woman face in the white backgrounWe all have that certain “something” about ourselves that we feel has room for improvement, and with age that list just gets longer. If you are seeking to revamp any area of your body please commit to the following:

  • ONLY use a Board Certified Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon… Understand, any licensed physician can perform cosmetic procedures, and with the high demand for appearance improvement many take advantage of that perk. So, just because your dentist tells you he will cut you a deal to get rid of that “little bump” on your nose does not mean he nose what he’s doing. And yes, there is a difference between a Board Certified PLASTIC Surgeon and a Board Certified COSMETIC surgeon. This link from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery tells you in detail the differences. http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/
  • Always consult with two or more physicians… I know, you see your friend’s results and automatically decide that their doctor is the one for you. It doesn’t hurt to get a few opinions before making your final decision. Do your research, look at their before and after images, and make sure you are comfortable with the doctor and their staff in general. Either way, 99.9% of reputable surgeons out there do not charge for consultations, so what do you have to lose?
  • Cosmetic Surgeon Discussing Proceedure With Client In OfficeAsk Questions… You are handing your hard earned money and trust over to someone who is usually a complete stranger. We are not talking about a pedicure here, you can ask anything your heart desires, there are no stupid questions when it comes to your well-being. Being nervous is normal, anxious is normal and even feeling scared is normal. If it makes you feel better to have answers, ask away. I can pretty much guarantee that they have probably been asked those same “stupid” questions 100+ times.
  • DO NOT Cross the border for a discount… This is a concept I will never be able to grasp and much more common than you think. I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine who played nurse to her friend who went to Mexico for a breast augmentation. She told me it was horrific. She was literally escorted across the street to a pharmacy by an armed guard to fill her friends prescriptions, and after spending 2 nights in a crappy motel, the grueling drive back to L.A. was something she will never forget. For those who have had their breasts done, remember day two? A road trip was the last thing I could have fathomed! Needless to say, less than a year later that patient was sitting at UCLA Medical Center maxing out her newly acquired credit cards to fix her botched breasts. Understand, once you flash that passport you are signing away your rights to any legal liability that may occur. Wait a bit longer, save your money and stay in the U.S.A. ~ Need more convincing? Here is one of many articles I found online regarding the topic. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2359052/Texas-women-gruesome-account-Tijuana-Mexico-plastic-surgery.html
  • Always follow the instructions given to you for before and after your surgeryNo Smoking… I know that sounds like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people smoke, hit the gym sooner than they should, don’t take their medications and end up with an infection, remove their bandages before it’s time, etc… And, if they tell you not to eat or drink prior to your procedure, don’t do it! Anesthesia causes many people to become nauseous after their surgery, the last thing you want to do is bust a stitch because you just had to have that Skinnycow ice cream sandwich (again, speaking from experience).
  • Downtime…Give yourself a few extra days of downtime than what your Doctor recommends. Granted, some people heal faster than others, but I suggest taking a bit more time off of work to let your body heal as much as possible. If you think you are going in on a Thursday for liposuction and will be sitting at your desk pain free, bright and early Monday morning – you are in for a rude awakening. I have personally never had that specific surgery, but I know many who have and from what I have seen, it didn’t tickle. Bottom line… plan for the worst, and hope for the best.
  • Mixed Race Woman Closing Ears With Hands.Last, but certainly not least – Only do it for you!… If you are content with the way you look – GREAT! Confidence is more beautiful than any procedure a doctor can offer. Do not let your significant other, friend, etc… talk you into something that THEY feel you need to change. This is YOUR body, not a Build-A-Bear workshop. Love yourself first and if you decide to enhance your outer beauty, do it on your terms!

Well, there ya go, just the basics and a few tid-bits of advice from someone who has a hint of experience with the topic. While I am in no way an expert, I do know that most of these surgeries cost thousands of dollars and having to endure another surgery to fix the first one is not worth the risk and can cost you much more than money in the long run. At the end of the day, be smart, do your research and follow instructions.

#plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgerytips #refineandrenew

 

 

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