Considering Plastic Surgery? Here are 10 Things You Should Know
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on January 20, 2016
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were close to 16 million cosmetic procedures performed last year in the United States. This statistic includes procedures ranging from minimally-invasive to surgical cases. With growing public acceptance and accessibility, plastic surgery is more common than ever before.
For those considering undergoing some type of reconstructive or plastic surgery, it’s important to begin the process with research and all the information you need to make a good decision.
10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Plastic Surgery
In order to receive the best possible outcome, here are 10 things you should consider before going under the knife.
1. Stay True to You: The decision to get plastic surgery is completely personal. Make sure that you’re receiving this procedure for the right reasons. Never let anyone force you into plastic surgery, because these procedures tend to create permanent change. Always be 100 percent positive that this is the right decision for you before signing any papers or paying any money.
2. Do Your Research: Always get as much information as possible before receiving plastic surgery. You will want to research the procedure, the physician, the staff, and all other details before agreeing to this type of surgery. Most importantly, learn as much as possible about the plastic surgeons you are considering. You should be completely comfortable with the physician that you choose. There is much to consider when making this decision, so it should take some time.
3. Hospital Privileges: During your research process, ask your physician if he or she has hospital privileges. Some plastic surgeons are only trained to perform plastic surgeries. If your physician has hospital privileges, he or she has additional education and is prepared to handle any situation during the procedure. If you are receiving plastic surgery at an office, chances are your physician will not have hospital privileges.
4. Ask Around: Compared to the past, plastic surgery is more normalized, and is no longer a matter of secrecy. It’s okay to shop around and ask other people for their advice. This part of the process allows you to seek referrals and find real-life answers to more of the questions that you have.
5. Certifications: Make sure that the physician you choose is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has all of the proper education and experience needed to perform these surgeries. You should choose a respectable physician that is more than qualified to perform your surgery.
6. Always Communicate with Your Physician: During the preliminary stages of your plastic surgery process, make sure that you always speak with the doctor. It is fine for a nurse to perform some of the tests and documentation, but in the end it is up to the physician to make the first cut. Keep open lines of communication and make sure that your physician fully understands what you desire from this procedure.
7. Location is Key: Always know your surroundings when looking into a place that offers plastic surgery. Location is key to the success and recovery of your surgery. Just because the operation will take place close to home doesn’t always guarantee the best results. Depending on the procedure, your operation inside a hospital may be the best and safest option. However, for less serious procedures this may not be necessary. Make sure that the surgeon you decide on works in a respectable building or office space. This will reduce your chances of complications or any other issues.
8. Consider All Outcomes: Just because your physician has a plan, doesn’t mean that it always works out. Surgery may include some complications or other issues, so before you undergo plastic surgery, prepare yourself for some unexpected side effects or possible obstacles.
9. Make a Recovery Plan: Prepping for the surgery is one thing, but what about after the surgery? Your plan should include all of the details regarding your finances, missed days at work and the person responsible for your caregiving post-surgery. If you are having a larger and longer surgery, you may need to arrange additional in-home care during your recovery process.
10. Are You Positive?: It is necessary to ask yourself one more time if this is the right decision for you. This should be based off of your personal opinion and desires. Receiving plastic or reconstructive surgery is a big deal and the outcome is generally permanent, so it’s best to be completely confident in your decision.
All of these important considerations should help you make the best decision for yourself. As personal injury attorneys who help victims of medical malpractice, we see many people who do not experience their desired outcomes when undergoing medical treatment of all kinds including plastic surgery.
Before choosing a plastic surgeon, take the time to speak with as many people as possible and research all of the details involved. Plastic surgery can be complicated and irreversible, so in the end the final decision is up to you. Be confident in your answer to reduce the chance for disappointment.