Choosing to go ahead with cosmetic surgery is a big decision. As such, there are a few aspects you will need to consider before undergoing surgery.
These include, fully understanding your motives, taking time to explore all your options, making yourself aware of the realistic results and implications of having surgery, ensuring you know the costs and how you will fund your procedure, listening to pre- and post- op advice, and knowing the risks and recovery time of your cosmetic surgery experience.
The following are a few things everyone should consider before opting for a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Surgery cannot fix how you feel inside
To manage your expectations of how you will feel post procedure, it is important to be realistic about the outcome of undergoing cosmetic surgery. You need to remember that surgery deals solely with the physical aspects of your appearance. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for low self-esteem or more serious issues such as body dysmorphia.
Seek advice from your GP
Seeking advice from a medical professional, such as your GP, is essential before you have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. If you have decided to go ahead with cosmetic surgery after a full discussion of all the possible options with your GP, you can ask them for a recommendation.
Always ensure you book your consultation with a reputable organisation, such as Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford.
The General Medical Council (GMC) compiles a specialist plastic surgery register which includes the names of all the surgeons in the country who are highly qualified, so make sure the surgeon or clinic you choose is registered and fully licensed.
Don’t buy into bargain surgery
It is easy to be swayed by low cost procedures, especially if you feel like you should have had the procedure yesterday, and you don’t want to wait to save for a more expensive procedure. But just remember, if the price sounds too good to be true, it most probably is.
The cost of undergoing low cost procedures could be more than just financial; this is your body and your health that we’re talking about, and the consequences of putting them at risk are far greater than a few hundred or thousand pounds.
It's important to be aware that surgeons work on a commision basis so it is likely that other treatments may be recommended along with the procedure you are seeking.
It is important not to feel pressured into agreeing to any other procedures if you do not need or want them. If you do feel pressured at any point, it is advisable to seek another clinic or surgeon to carry out the procedure you are after.
Seek at least two consultations
You cannot rush a decision of this magnitude. Undergoing cosmetic surgery will irrevocably alter your appearance.
An important part of the whole procedure is going for consultations, so try more than one clinic - two at the very least - and ensure you take a family member, guardian or trusted friend with you to each consultation.
They may ask key questions that you have forgotten as it can be overwhelming when receiving all that information in such a short space of time, so ensure you take notes if necessary.
If in doubt, don’t go ahead
If you have any niggling doubts about your surgeon or the procedure you will undergo, the worst thing you can do is to ignore those feelings. The rule of thumb is, ‘if in doubt, don’t’.
Always remain patient with the process and wait until you have found the right surgeon to perform the procedure. You only have one body, and it is worthy of this time and effort to ensure you receive the results you are looking for.
Know the risks
The cosmetic surgery industry remains unregulated in many areas, and even the most sensible of people can fall prey to unscrupulous providers and subsequent issues with their chosen procedure.
Therefore, ensure you are aware of all the risks involved with the procedure you are considering, only choose well-respected, regulated and licensed clinics, and ask all the questions you have before going ahead.
Realise that the result might not be immediate
After the procedure, your body will need time to heal. This is not a process that can be rushed, so try not to judge the immediate results and allow your body time to recover. Be patient with yourself and listen to the expert advice on what you can do to aid your body through recovery.
What are you hoping to gain?
Now is the time to be honest with yourself. Only you know what you are hoping to gain from altering your appearance.
Talk through all aspects of the surgery and the results you expect with someone you trust and whose opinions you respect.
Take time to really understand what it is that you want from the procedure and why. Is the surgery the best possible option for you, and is it really the solution you are looking for going forward?
Learn about the procedure and what it entails
It is often hard to understand medical jargon and it can be intimidating or embarrassing to ask what exactly is going to happen during surgery.
Remember that there are no stupid questions because it is your body that is being altered and your money that is being spent.
You are always in control of the situation, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any questions or concerns about what is planned, or what is happening during the process.
Have no shame in going through with surgery
If you have made the decision to follow through with everything and have surgery, even after taking into consideration the risks involved and the time it will take to heal from the procedure, then feel no shame in going ahead.
If you feel that people will judge you for doing so, remember that your happiness takes precedence over the opinions of others. Nobody can tell you whether or not to go ahead with surgery. What you do with your body is your choice.
Choosing to have a cosmetic surgery procedure is a big decision and is one that shouldn't be taken lightly.
However, the vast majority of people who have cosmetic surgery, have positive experiences and outcomes.
Most say that it has helped them to build the necessary confidence to strive ahead in life, and given them the freedom to express themselves in the way they have always dreamed.
Cosmetic procedures can be a life-changing solution for people who have experienced physical disfigurement due to illness or injury, and for those who have experienced discomfort in their appearance, and is a modern solution to the issues many of us are living with.
These include, fully understanding your motives, taking time to explore all your options, making yourself aware of the realistic results and implications of having surgery, ensuring you know the costs and how you will fund your procedure, listening to pre- and post- op advice, and knowing the risks and recovery time of your cosmetic surgery experience.
The following are a few things everyone should consider before opting for a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Surgery cannot fix how you feel inside
To manage your expectations of how you will feel post procedure, it is important to be realistic about the outcome of undergoing cosmetic surgery. You need to remember that surgery deals solely with the physical aspects of your appearance. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for low self-esteem or more serious issues such as body dysmorphia.
Seek advice from your GP
Seeking advice from a medical professional, such as your GP, is essential before you have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. If you have decided to go ahead with cosmetic surgery after a full discussion of all the possible options with your GP, you can ask them for a recommendation.
Always ensure you book your consultation with a reputable organisation, such as Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford.
The General Medical Council (GMC) compiles a specialist plastic surgery register which includes the names of all the surgeons in the country who are highly qualified, so make sure the surgeon or clinic you choose is registered and fully licensed.
Don’t buy into bargain surgery
It is easy to be swayed by low cost procedures, especially if you feel like you should have had the procedure yesterday, and you don’t want to wait to save for a more expensive procedure. But just remember, if the price sounds too good to be true, it most probably is.
The cost of undergoing low cost procedures could be more than just financial; this is your body and your health that we’re talking about, and the consequences of putting them at risk are far greater than a few hundred or thousand pounds.
It's important to be aware that surgeons work on a commision basis so it is likely that other treatments may be recommended along with the procedure you are seeking.
It is important not to feel pressured into agreeing to any other procedures if you do not need or want them. If you do feel pressured at any point, it is advisable to seek another clinic or surgeon to carry out the procedure you are after.
Seek at least two consultations
You cannot rush a decision of this magnitude. Undergoing cosmetic surgery will irrevocably alter your appearance.
An important part of the whole procedure is going for consultations, so try more than one clinic - two at the very least - and ensure you take a family member, guardian or trusted friend with you to each consultation.
They may ask key questions that you have forgotten as it can be overwhelming when receiving all that information in such a short space of time, so ensure you take notes if necessary.
If in doubt, don’t go ahead
If you have any niggling doubts about your surgeon or the procedure you will undergo, the worst thing you can do is to ignore those feelings. The rule of thumb is, ‘if in doubt, don’t’.
Always remain patient with the process and wait until you have found the right surgeon to perform the procedure. You only have one body, and it is worthy of this time and effort to ensure you receive the results you are looking for.
Know the risks
The cosmetic surgery industry remains unregulated in many areas, and even the most sensible of people can fall prey to unscrupulous providers and subsequent issues with their chosen procedure.
Therefore, ensure you are aware of all the risks involved with the procedure you are considering, only choose well-respected, regulated and licensed clinics, and ask all the questions you have before going ahead.
Realise that the result might not be immediate
After the procedure, your body will need time to heal. This is not a process that can be rushed, so try not to judge the immediate results and allow your body time to recover. Be patient with yourself and listen to the expert advice on what you can do to aid your body through recovery.
What are you hoping to gain?
Now is the time to be honest with yourself. Only you know what you are hoping to gain from altering your appearance.
Talk through all aspects of the surgery and the results you expect with someone you trust and whose opinions you respect.
Take time to really understand what it is that you want from the procedure and why. Is the surgery the best possible option for you, and is it really the solution you are looking for going forward?
Learn about the procedure and what it entails
It is often hard to understand medical jargon and it can be intimidating or embarrassing to ask what exactly is going to happen during surgery.
Remember that there are no stupid questions because it is your body that is being altered and your money that is being spent.
You are always in control of the situation, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any questions or concerns about what is planned, or what is happening during the process.
Have no shame in going through with surgery
If you have made the decision to follow through with everything and have surgery, even after taking into consideration the risks involved and the time it will take to heal from the procedure, then feel no shame in going ahead.
If you feel that people will judge you for doing so, remember that your happiness takes precedence over the opinions of others. Nobody can tell you whether or not to go ahead with surgery. What you do with your body is your choice.
Choosing to have a cosmetic surgery procedure is a big decision and is one that shouldn't be taken lightly.
However, the vast majority of people who have cosmetic surgery, have positive experiences and outcomes.
Most say that it has helped them to build the necessary confidence to strive ahead in life, and given them the freedom to express themselves in the way they have always dreamed.
Cosmetic procedures can be a life-changing solution for people who have experienced physical disfigurement due to illness or injury, and for those who have experienced discomfort in their appearance, and is a modern solution to the issues many of us are living with.
