How A Plastic Surgeon Picks The Right Candidates

How does a plastic surgeon decide if you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure? Not everyone is suited for certain surgeries, either due to emotional or physical obstacles. Sometimes a candidate can work to change the limitations that are holding them back. In any case, it is important to review your options carefully and fully understand all risks involved.

Health risks are the main reason why a patient may be rejected as a candidate by a plastic surgeon. While all surgeries have inherent risks and complications, certain preexisting conditions can greatly increase potential hazards. Two of the most common issues are smoking and obesity. Smokers may undergo procedures if they are willing to give up the habit several months before and following surgery. If they refuse, they will face an extended recovery and the possibility of skin necrosis, bleeding, and infection. Obese patients, even when seeking procedures to aid in body shaping, will need to first get down to a reasonably healthy and stable weight for very similar reasons.

One of the most important calls a plastic surgeon must make when consulting with a potential new client is whether or not they are psychologically stable enough to undergo a procedure. While they are not therapists, they do have a professional duty to assess their patient's emotional state. Some people choose surgery for all the wrong reasons, which can have disastrous results. There are several warning signs, which may indicate that a person is not ready for a cosmetic procedure. Usually these will be uncovered during a brief discussion. Possible red flags include aggressive impatience and demanding the earliest surgery date possible, unrealistic expectations, lying (some patients will blatantly lie about having any previous work done), and erratic behavior. A true professional does not ignore these signs and will turn away their business.

If you're thinking of having a baby in the near future, or are actively trying to get pregnant, you'll want to hold off on the cosmetic improvements. There are a few reasons for this. Pregnancy will change your body, which may negate the results of your surgery or even make it unnecessary. For example, many women find that their breasts remain permanently enlarged after giving birth so there is no more desire for implants. Cosmetic procedures can also be very time intensive. It requires research, consultations, and scheduling the appointment which can take anywhere from three months to a year depending on the particular plastic surgeon.

Everyone is created differently, which means that not all bodies will benefit from certain surgeries. Take liposuction, which is a body sculpting method. It is meant to reduce and smooth out small areas of fatty deposits. It's a precision procedure, which means that patients who will benefit the most will already be close to their ideal physique. Those who are significantly overweight will not make good candidates. Flat chest? You can get implants, but probably not anything more than one or two cup sizes larger. Surgery can make some improvements, but there are always limitations.