While complete body perfection is still an elusive dream, the use of cosmetic surgery has made it seem more obtainable than ever. Tons of women and men are starting to look towards surgery as an option for imperfections that they just can’t seem to fix through other methods. If you know that frustration all too well and think this might be the route for you, then you’re not going to want to miss our article on what to know before getting cosmetic surgery.
It’s Not the Same as Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic and plastic surgery are not the same thing. There are many differences between them, but the main one to note is cosmetic surgery is elective, and plastic is reconstructive. That means plastic surgeries are mostly used for burn victims or people with birth defects. The main goal is to fix massive problems, while cosmetic gets used to correct imperfections. Pop culture has caused a lot of people to think they are one-in-the-same.
Go in With Realistic Expectations
Like we mentioned above, true perfection isn’t really possible, but feeling better about the way you look is. This surgery isn’t going to change your life radically—it’s only going to improve aspects of it. It will help give you the confidence you’ve been looking for since you’re no longer worried about everyone seeing your crow’s feet. Still, it’s not going to transform you into a totally new person like a cosmetic surgeon’s marketing might suggest.
Research Surgeons in Your Area
Speaking of which, it’s critical to do your homework on all the nearby cosmetic surgeons. Don’t be swayed by an impressive commercial. Look into the surgeon to see their success rate and what people who have had work done by them think. If past customers are generally unhappy with the results, it might be worth a further drive to find someone more competent. They are permanently changing the way you look, after all. Choose wisely.
Consider the Risks
While cosmetic surgery is far from dangerous, it still poses a few risks. Anything that involves you going under due to anesthesia comes with the slight chance of you never coming out of it. Surgeries also pose the risk of infection, which is uncommon as well, but still a possibility. If you plan on becoming a mother anytime soon, having breastwork done can cause potential issues while nursing. Even though these are all minor, you should go over them with your doctor beforehand. If you want to avoid any risks, you should go for a minimally invasive procedure such as skin tightening laser treatment.
Be Prepared for the Recovery
The biggest thing to know before getting cosmetic surgery is often the least talked about—recovery takes a while. You can’t simply hop off the surgery table, look in a mirror, and be instantly satisfied with your results. There will be a lot of swelling, bruising, and some possible scars from the surgery that will need weeks or months to heal, so be sure to plan ahead.