5 Questions about Cosmetic Surgery Every Patient Needs to Answer

There are several questions that not enough people ask themselves before choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery. For something as potentially life-changing as a voluntary physical alteration, patients should search their souls deeply to determine whether or not this is truly something that they want in their lives. Here are five questions that get straight to the heart of the matter.

1. Can you be happy without it?

Too often people believe that cosmetic surgery will improve their lives beyond what they are capable of doing themselves. While there are benefits to it, the best candidates are emotionally centered and don't feel as if they need a procedure to feel good. A new nose or slimmer thighs won't change who you are at the core. If you still think you'll be miserable after a procedure, it may be better to try and work on personal qualities or other aspects of your life before making a commitment to physical change.

2. Can you afford it?

Being able to afford an aesthetic procedure doesn't mean you can manage by scraping together some borrowed cash from friends or by taking out a private loan with steep interest rates—or worse, by swiping the plastic. You can afford cosmetic surgery only when all of your other bills are paid and you have an emergency fund as well as some other form of savings in the bank. The reason being is that you can't return new breasts and get your money back if you suddenly find yourself unemployed. You won't even get store credit.

3. Do you understand the risks?

No, really, do you? Patients don't take the potential risks seriously enough. Liposuction, for example, can cause hemorrhaging and skin necrosis. That is when your skin actually dies and must be removed. Is it rare? Yes, but it does happen. And there are some complications that are not so rare. If you really want cosmetic surgery, just be sure to have a plan in place if something does go wrong. Saving some extra cash for any emergencies is a good way to start.

4. What are the disadvantages?

Anyone who wants to change their appearance already knows about the many benefits that are possible, but what about some of the negatives? Don't just think about the immediate inconveniences such as a recovery period and bruising. Depending on what work you have done, you may face disapproval from friends or relatives, receive increased unwanted attention from strangers, or even have greater difficulty exercising or participating in other activities. This won't be true for all surgeries

5. Will I regret my decision?

Whether you choose to undergo cosmetic surgery or not, it's important to try and live your life without any regrets. Fortunately, a few months or a few years of sitting on the decision won't cause much harm. If you aren't sure, take your time making the decision. If your desire hasn't been diminished within a year or more, then you're likely choosing it for the right reasons.