How to Evaluate the Benefits and Risks of Plastic Surgery

Today, plastic surgery is more affordable than ever before.

Plastic surgery is no longer only for the wealthy and movie stars. Today, ordinary people are choosing plastic surgery to correct facial disfigurements, alter undesirable features or just slow the visible effects of aging. Unfortunately, some risks come with the quest for surgical beauty. Understanding those risks is imperative before you go under the knife.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Take the time to contemplate how you would realistically benefit from the surgery. Correcting obvious facial flaws, such as the removal of a large birthmark, offer the patient remarkable benefits. However, narrowing a nose or having a chin implant may not offer a life-changing result.

2. Avoid bad plastic surgery by having realistic goals. The more extreme the change you desire, the greater the risk of dissatisfaction with the result. The popular practice of seeking “drastic plastic” increases the risk of receiving bad plastic surgery from unscrupulous surgeons, since many reputable surgeons reject the practice.

3. Consider your eligibility as a plastic surgery candidate. Reputable surgeons will not perform the surgery if you have pre-existing medical conditions that put you at high risk. Clinical depression and heart problems may exclude you from surgery.

4. Question your prospective surgeon carefully during your initial consultation. Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients, and make sure you get adequate information on the side effects commonly associated with your procedure.

5. Consult the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and request information on your surgeon concerning previous and pending lawsuits.

6. Understand that all surgery comes with risks. Any time you undergo general anesthesia, you are at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and brain damage. Depending upon your desired plastic surgery, you may also be more susceptible to nerve damage or temporary paralysis.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow yourself sufficient time to recover from plastic surgery. Since most procedures involve the face, the patient should arrange for time off from work and refrain from social activities until healed.

• Bad plastic surgery is devastating to a patient. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of your desired procedure fully.