Americans spent over $9 billion on aesthetic plastic surgery in the year 2020 alone. The market offers methods to make almost anyone feel better about their body.
The popularity of these procedures doesn’t mean they’ll be right for you. Read on to learn 5 of the most important things to know before getting plastic surgery.
- There Are Several Procedures to Choose From
Gender and age are the two largest factors that determine what procedure a patient chooses.
The top 5 for women were:
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tucks
- Breast implants
- Breast lifts
The top 5 for men were:
- Liposuction
- Gynecomastia
- Blepharoplasty
- Rhinoplasty
- Tummy tucks
The popularity of procedures also differs by age. The most common procedure for 17-35-year-olds was breast augmentation. For 36-50-year-olds and 51-70-year-olds, it was liposuction. For patients 70 years old or older, the most popular procedure was facelifting.
- You May Not Be a Candidate
The plastic surgeon you choose will have a long discussion with you about whether or not you understand the risks of the procedure and are healthy enough to undergo it.
Health problems that may preclude you from getting a cosmetic procedure include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Obesity
- Excessive smoking or drinking
Your skin type may also determine how effective the procedure is. Skin resurfacing works best on patients with fair skin and light hair while patients with thin, delicate nasal skin get the best results from rhinoplasty.
- Plan for Recovery Time
Like any surgery, you’ll have to factor in time to recover after a cosmetic operation. Typical recovery times include:
- 3-5 days after breast augmentation
- 3-6 days after a breast lift
- 3-7 days after a breast reduction
- 2-4 days after liposuction
- 1 week after rhinoplasty
- 1-2 days of aftercare and 10 days of time off after a tummy-tuck
- 1-2 nights of aftercare and 2 weeks off after a facelift
Certain procedures may require more than rest to recover from. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to reduce pressure after a tummy tuck. You may need to return to your doctor’s office to have bandages removed. Also, remember that it can take months to see the full results.
- There Can Be Complications
Plastic surgery complications are rare and only occur in approximately 1% of every 25,000 cases. Other than small issues such as scarring and dissatisfaction with the results, the procedures can cause serious problems such as:
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Blood loss
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Organ damage
- Anesthesia complications
Your plastic surgeon must brief you on the potential risks to ensure your safety and let both of you know that the procedure is the right one for you.
- Choose the Right Surgeon
You should vet a plastic surgeon using most of the same criteria you’d use to choose any doctor, such as their reputation, personality, and the design of their office. They should also be accredited by the ABCS or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Check here for more information on breast augmentation by Dr. Courtney if you’re still looking for the right surgeon.
Is Plastic Surgery Right For You?
Plastic surgery is a growing field, but rushing into it without proper preparation is a dangerous mistake.
Start by choosing the right procedure. Next, find a qualified doctor to perform it. Discuss with them if you’re a candidate and ask them about possible complications. Finally, set aside time to recover from the procedure.
Read more of our content for even more details you need to know if you’re considering plastic surgery.
