Cosmetic Surgery

1 What is a Cosmetic Surgery?

Many individuals undergo a plastic surgery to improve their self-image which in turn benefits their self-esteem.

At this juncture in the advancement of cosmetic surgery, it has the capability of altering the shape, size and appearance of any part of the face and body.

Types of cosmetic surgery:

2 Reasons for Procedure

You must be able to explain to your doctor your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery before it can be done.

This is done because cosmetic surgery can lead to lasting and damaging changes to the outside appearance, it is very important to understand how these changes might affect you on the inside.

A good candidate for cosmetic surgery has the following:

  • Realistic expectations about what can be achieved by the procedure.
  • An understanding of the medical risks involved in the procedure and also the physical effects during healing.
  • How the surgery will affect them personally and professionally.
  • What lifestyle changes might accompany the recovery period and the cost of the procedure?
  • Discussed their goals with their surgeon and has resolved all questions.
  • Diabetes and other chronic medical conditions under control.
  • No history of smoking or commit to abstaining from smoking and nicotine products, including chewing tobacco and nicotine patches, gums or lozenges for six weeks before and after surgery.
  • Had a stable weight for six months to a year.

Reasons to stop smoking if considering cosmetic surgery. Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins reduce blood flow to the skin ad slows down the healing process.

Smoking increases the risk of post-anesthesia complications (pneumonia, blood clots, and hypertension).

3 Potential Risks

Cosmetic procedures carry their share of potential risks. Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes or obesity have a higher risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack or blood clots in the legs or lungs.

Smoking also increases risks and is can be the culprit behind slow healing. These risks and others that are related to your medical history are discussed in a meeting with the surgeon that is held prior to the procedure.

Possible complications for any surgical procedure may include the following: Infection at the incision site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery.

Complications related to anesthesia, including pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely death. Fluid buildup under the skin. Mild bleeding, which might require another surgical procedure, or bleed significant to require a transfusion.

Obvious scarring or skin breakdown, which take place when healing skin separates from healthy skin and must be removed surgically. Numbness and tingling as a result of nerve damage which may be permanent.

4 Preparing for your Procedure

The following questions must be considered by the patient in preparing for cosmetic surgery:

  • What are my reasons for wanting to change my appearance?
  • What are the specific attributes of my appearance that I want to change?
  • Do I have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery?
  • What aspects of my life will be affected by the procedure, such as family, work, travel and social obligations?
  • What time in my life will work best so that I can have the greatest chance for a successful recovery?
  • Have I talked about my concerns and questions openly with my health care provider?
  • Questions to ask the cosmetic surgeon: What are your qualifications?
  • How long have you been board-certified?
  • How many procedures have you done similar to the one I am considering?
  • What other health care professionals are involved in my care?
  • What side effects can I expect?
  • What results can I expect?
  • What are the complications of the procedure I am considering?
  • What kind of help will I need at home after the surgery?
  • How long will it take before I see the final results of my procedure?
  • How long before I can go back to work or resume exercise?
  • Are there any complications unique to my medical history?
  • Will have scars and if yes, what will they look like?
  • If my procedure requires stitches, when will they be removed?
  • How much does the procedure cost?

The questions to ask about a procedure:

  • What can the procedure accomplish and what can’t it accomplish?
  • What risks and complications are associated with the procedure?
  • How long is the recovery period?
  • Can I expect much discomfort?
  • Will I have scars?
  • Are there other procedures that I can consider at the same time?
  • Will I need a physical examination prior to surgery?
  • How long will the results last?
  • How much does it cost?

5 What to Expect

Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your cosmetic surgery.

Care is aimed at the individual needs of each patient. Realistic expectations are very important, the goal is to make an improvement and not to achieve perfection.

Everyone is asymmetrical. Each patient as a different result. Patients will have at least two visits with the surgeon and or another member of the health care team before surgery.

It is very important that the patient is in good shape both physically and mentally at the time of the procedure.

Abstaining from all nicotine products and avoiding second and smoke for at least six weeks before and after surgery is important. Surgical scars are permanent.

Bruising and swelling are temporary. Some surgeries require rains. Recovery times vary by person and type of procedure, but a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks is typical for the majority of cosmetic surgeries.

Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic procedures. Patients may need follow-up surgeries to receive their goal. The wait between surgeries is generally at least four months.

6 Procedure Results

Results of a cosmetic surgery depend on the specific procedure you are taking to change your appearance.

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