Plastic surgery is now more common than ever. Plastic surgeons have perfected their crafted and the latest advances in the field facilitate safer, more effective aesthetic treatments. Patient perception and confidence in plastic surgery have also improved dramatically over the last few decades. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that there were 2.3 million cosmetic surgical procedures and 13.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures in 2020. If you have decided to have plastic surgery in Monmouth County NJ or any other area for that matter, this blog post highlights aspects that you should take into account when doing your homework.
What options are available?
Different people have plastic surgery for varying reasons. Some want to improve their aesthetic appeal while others are looking to address undesirable features such as past scars. Whatever your motivation, it helps to know what options are at your disposal. Patients can choose from about a dozen minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and over two dozen surgical procedures. It all depends on what part of your body you are looking to enhance. If you are looking to enhance facial features, procedures such as facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and eyelid surgery will suffice. Non-surgical options such as dermal fillers and BOTOX may also work. Similarly, individuals who are looking to enhance abdominal appearance may benefit from the likes of tummy tuck and liposuction procedures. The first item on your homework checklist is to know what options are available. Start with a simple internet search to learn what procedures are required to improve specific areas. The first consultation with your selected plastic surgeon is also a great opportunity for you to figure out what treatment is best based on your precise needs.
Choose where you want to have the surgery
Where to undergo your plastic surgery is another important checklist item you should consider when doing your plastic surgery homework. Naturally, most people will choose to have plastic surgery in their town or city. This makes it easier to commute home after the procedure, plus you may feel more comfortable being treated close to home. However, it doesn’t make sense if you can find a seasoned plastic surgeon within your town. Many patients travel to different cities within or out of their state to make sure that they receive the best possible aesthetic treatment from a renowned specialist. Do proper research to see if you can find a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in your city. If not, then you may be better off seeking your treatment elsewhere.
Work with a board-certified plastic surgeon
Board certification is one of the most important considerations when comparing plastic surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is an independent organization that certifies plastic surgeons who are highly qualified in the field. Once you ensure that the plastic surgeon you have shortlisted is board certified, you can go on to consider other qualities such as experience and reviews from past customers. This should help identify a surgeon who is highly qualified and inspires confidence in the procedure that they specialize in. You can then schedule a consultation visit to check out their style and approach and see if you can build rapport.
Get ready for the procedure
Now that you have done the groundwork and learned the basics of plastic surgery and identified a surgeon, it’s time to learn more about the specific procedure that you have selected. Check out online sources to figure out how the treatment is performed and how it affects you. Make sure to ask any questions that you may have during your initial consultation with your selected plastic surgeon. You’ll also want to make sure that you get ready for the surgery ahead of time. Most commonly, plastic surgeons will ask that you quit smoking a few weeks before the day of your surgery. You will also be asked to stop taking certain medications and herbal supplements. Doing everything in your power to make sure that you are ready for the surgery is important in order to ensure a successful procedure outcome.
Learn about the recovery process
Like any other surgical procedure, cosmetic surgery leads to downtime. You will need to take time off work so you can relax and recover from the treatment. Knowing what to expect during recovery is an important checklist item. How many weeks do you need to take off work? What supplies should you get for recovery? How long before you can resume strenuous exercises and tedious physical work? Figuring out all this ahead of time can help you prepare to ensure a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
Keeping these and other plastic surgery considerations in mind will make sure that you have all the information you need to make a most informed decision.