Cosmetic Surgery: Enhancing Appearances

The decision to have cosmetic surgery done on one or more body parts is a choice that should only be made after much thought and research has been devoted to it. Unlike plastic surgery, which is done as a form of reconstruction after an illness or trauma: as in breast augmentation after a mastectomy or a skin graft after a severe burn, cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure usually done to enhance a person’s appearance in some way. But either form of surgery has similar risks involved:

Blood clots
Blood loss
Infection
Fluid accumulation under the skin
Injury to sensory nerves
Numbness
Difficulty with healing
Puckers or dimples

Like other medical procedures, cosmetic surgery requires pre-screening in the way of blood work, a doctor’s evaluation, x-rays and a meeting with a counselor to ensure emotional stability. There is a recuperation period after surgery (on average: 3 days -3 weeks) with follow up doctor visits. But unlike other surgeries, because this is an elective procedure, rarely will insurance cover any of the costs incurred for this process. In addition to the initial procedure, any subsequent visits, medications or follow up associated with this surgery may be denied for coverage. So, a patient must be prepared for the expense involved with any elective procedure they have done.

The surgeon selected to do the cosmetic surgery should be highly regarded in the field, be Board Certified and have excellent credentials; this is surgery after all, and the patient’s life is being entrusted to this professional. Some of the more common / popular procedures done are:
Breast augmentation
Body Sculpting
Rhinoplasty (nose job)
Liposuction
Chemical peel
Face and / or eye lift

Injectable Fillers:
BOTOX
Restylane

A patient should be evaluated, deemed emotionally stable and to be found to have realistic expectations for their post-op results. Before surgery the patient needs to be in good health and most surgeons request they be a non-smoker or quit smoking prior to the operation. The patient must agree to follow strict guidelines afterward to increase the likelihood of a quick and uneventful healing period.

A person can benefit from cosmetic surgery by experiencing an increase in their self confidence level, thus providing a better outlook on life. Many patients will say physical and emotional well being are tied together, go hand in hand, one affects the other. So, if a nip and a tuck, a lift and a little BOTOX provide a more positive outlook for the client, then all of the prep and post op and expense must be well worth it.