Getting plastic surgery is a big decision and a very personal one. If you’re grappling with whether plastic surgery is right for you, start by asking yourself the following questions:
- Am I physically healthy?
- Am I a nonsmoker?
- Am I prepared to make necessary lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating right, quitting smoking, and possibly more, to have my surgery?
- Do I have realistic expectations for the results of my procedure?
- Am I considering plastic surgery for myself, or am I trying to fit someone else’s ideals?
- Have I spent time testing my knowledge about plastic surgery and exploring the qualifications of plastic surgeons?
- Am I ready to do my part to ensure the success of my procedure?
- Do I know what to expect during my procedure and my recovery?
- Is there a responsible adult who can care for me for at least 24 hours after my procedure (or as long as recommended)?
- Can I afford it?
If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, now may not be the best time for you to proceed with plastic surgery. If you aren’t physically healthy or are a current smoker, you’ll need to commit to making some lifestyle changes before you get plastic surgery. If you can’t answer some of these questions, you may need to do additional research (we’re here to help with that!).
Feeling ready is the first step, but it is also essential a plastic surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery. If you think plastic surgery is right for you based on your answers to the questions above, the next step is to find a qualified board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon and set up a consultation.
During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask questions that will help you make a more informed decision about whether plastic surgery is right for you. Your surgeon will also do an evaluation to ensure you are a qualified candidate. Some people are considered poor candidates for plastic surgery due to specific lifestyle factors such as obesity, vitamin deficiency, smoking habits, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and stress levels. All of these factors can seriously impact a patient’s safety in the operating room and during recovery.
After your consultation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I told my plastic surgeon about medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous medical surgeries and treatments (including nonsurgical aesthetic procedures)?
- Have I reviewed my current use of medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and drugs with my plastic surgeon?
- Have all my questions been thoroughly addressed by my plastic surgeon?
- Do I understand all the risks associated with my procedure, and am I ok with them?
- Do I know the total cost of my procedure, and can I afford it?
- Have I read, understood, and signed informed consent documents for my procedure?
The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be happy with your results. You should feel empowered in your journey. Be ready to ask the right questions so you can feel confident with your decision should you decide to get plastic surgery.
Be sure to check out our other available resources for a deeper dive into the topics covered in this overview, and take advantage of our ask a surgeon feature if you ever need more clarity on a topic.