It’s important not to rush into a cosmetic procedure because it’s a big decision. Every procedure entails some level of risk, so you should always think carefully before jumping into a procedure. And if you end up being dissatisfied with the outcome, it can affect your emotional well-being as well. Remember: cosmetic surgery is not a cure-all for any of the difficulties you may be facing in your life; it is simply a procedure to enhance certain aspects of your appearance. 

So, how much cosmetic surgery is too much? When does it become clear that someone has gone too far? In most cases, people who have gotten too much work done look artificial. (This is where a lot of the misconceptions about plastic surgery come from.) The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve certain aspects of your appearance, not to transform into someone else entirely. Remember to have realistic goals and expectations so you look like the best version of yourself.

What to do if you’re considering a cosmetic procedure

There is a lot to consider when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Start by asking yourself these questions:

• What do I want to change, and why do I want the procedure I’m thinking about? 
• How long have I been considering this procedure? 
• What is my current situation in life? Do I expect the procedure to have an impact on my situation? 
• Why am I considering a procedure right now? What was the catalyst for it?
• Is there any other way for me to make the changes I want? 
• Do I expect the procedure to alter both my life and my appearance? 
• Is it more important to me to have a cosmetic procedure for myself or to please someone else? 
• Is the procedure supposed to help my relationship, social skills, or job prospects? 
• Can I afford the procedure’s costs, as well as any future costs to keep the effect?

Do Your Research

Cosmetic surgery requires careful planning and forethought.  You should always do a considerable amount of research about the type of procedure you want, the facilities that offer it, and the qualifications of the cosmetic surgeons near you. To assist you in making your decision, consider the following: 

• Learn everything you can about the procedure you want. 
• Consider all of the costs, including any additional costs for aftercare, corrections if something goes wrong, and any future procedures you may need to keep the look. 
• Look for information about body positivity online or on social media – The idea is that you feel good about yourself with or without cosmetic surgery.
• Is your surgeon certified, experienced, and highly reputable? Make sure you completely trust your surgeon.

Consider the Recovery Time

Having a support system in place is the best way to recover from surgery. You can rest assured that you’re on the road to a successful recovery if you follow the surgeon’s instructions and make changes to the recovery plan as needed.

Some patients prefer to hire a nurse for daily check-in visits to their home or hotel, especially if they are currently out of town. Patients often hire a private nurse for post-operative care for a variety of reasons, including privacy, being surrounded by loved ones, and cost savings, but the main reasons are pain management, wound care, and comfort. Additionally, plastic surgery aftercare facilities or plastic surgery recovery centers are fantastic places to get 24/7 specialized care.

Talk to an Expert

Make an appointment with the person who will be performing the procedure. Make sure you are clear about the change you want to see and why you want that change.

Your surgeon needs to…

• ask you about what you expect
• talk you through what will happen 
• explain how the procedure will affect you

Counseling may be beneficial if you are anxious about your relationships, social situations, or work. Speaking with a relationship or career counselor may help you to overcome your fears and increase your self-assurance.

Take Time to Decide

Do not feel compelled or rushed to make a choice. After your consultation, you should be given a period of time to consider whether you want to proceed. Take your time considering your options and doing research on the surgeon you choose. 

Make sure you:

• are not tempted by time-limited offers or deals urging you to sign up to a procedure immediately
• are not pressured into agreeing to extra procedures or treatments you had not considered before arriving at the clinic
• avoid any group treatments or treatment events that involve alcohol
• avoid mobile services where procedures are performed in private homes or hotels

Body Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which affects about 2% of the population, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme self-criticism of one’s own body.  If you’re receiving treatment for a mental health condition, discuss the possibility of undergoing a cosmetic procedure with your doctor. Make sure you tell your cosmetician about any mental health issues you’ve had in the past or are currently dealing with. People with BDD may have the same body part operated on more than once. Surgery is rarely effective because mental illness is at the root of the problem.

The ASPS educates its members on how to spot people who have multiple surgeries on the same body part and may have body dysmorphic disorder. They may try to conceal previous surgeries, or they may claim that previous procedures were botched and heap praise on the new surgeon, claiming that he or she will be the one to get it right.

Health Risks

There aren’t a lot of major health risks that can happen if you’re in good health. Still, there is always a small risk that something unexpected could happen. Liposuction, for example, can be performed safely if only a small amount of fat is removed. As the amount removed increases, the risk also increases.

After multiple surgeries, scar tissue and tissue that dies during the healing process can become unhealthy tissue. Too many nose surgeries can cause breathing problems, and eye lifts can cause dry corneas, which can cause eye damage. Of course, any surgery also carries the risk of infection.

You’ll meet with your surgeon before undergoing a cosmetic procedure. You should discuss your goals and motivation for getting the procedure during the consultation. Make sure that your expectations are realistic and that you are aware of the risks.

How Many Plastic Surgeries Can You Get at Once?

Patients can have two to three plastic surgeries done at the same time. However, you should only get multiple surgeries if the surgeon deems them safe and beneficial.

Dr. Finkel understands that performing multiple cosmetic procedures at the same time may be a viable option for some patients. However, because each patient is unique, she will work with you to develop an individualized plan.

Types of cosmetic procedures:

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a term used to describe procedures that increase the size or shape of the breasts. The procedure is also known as “breast implant surgery” when the size of the breast is increased. Breast augmentation differs from breast lifts and breast reductions, which are two different procedures.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves sanding down the top layer of skin with a specialized tool. The area heals after the top layer of skin is removed, and new skin replaces the old. The end result is skin that appears to be smoother.

Facelift

Sagging, loose, drooping, or wrinkled skin on the face can be repaired with a facelift. Facial tissues are lifted, excess skin is removed, and skin is replaced over repositioned contours during this procedure. Neck lifts are frequently performed in tandem with facelifts. Nose reshaping, forehead lifts, and eyelid surgery are all common procedures performed in conjunction with facelifts.

Hair Transplantation

The procedure of hair transplantation, also known as hair restoration, is used to improve the appearance of baldness. In this procedure, the surgeon move hair from a thick growth area to a bald area. 

More than a thousand hairs can be moved in a single session. It’s possible that some people will need more than one session. The hairs that are moved are permanent, so there is no need for long-term maintenance. 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repairs the nose. Some people choose Rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but others may require it if they are suffering from a medical condition, such as breathing difficulties or birth defects.

Lip Augmentation

The goal of lip augmentation is to make the patient’s lips appear fuller. Surgeons typically use injectable dermal fillers to boost lip volume, shape, or structure. 

Lip augmentation is not a long-term solution. The effects usually last about 6 months before requiring a second procedure to restore shape and volume.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat deposits from the body to improve its shape. This procedure isn’t meant to help you lose weight. 

A vacuum-suction canula, a pen-shaped instrument, is used to remove localized fat deposits directly beneath the skin. Surgeons can use ultrasound technology to break up fat deposits before suctioning them out.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck,” is a procedure that is used to improve the shape of the abdomen. Tummy tucks improve the profile by removing excess fat and skin and restoring weakened or separated abdominal muscles. These procedures can help with loose or sagging skin, but they won’t get rid of stretch marks.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise routine for weight loss. The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, you will need to maintain a healthy weight in order to keep up your appearance.

Are you a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

Everyone has different reasons for considering cosmetic surgery. However, not everyone may be a good candidate for these procedures. You should talk to your doctor about your overall health, cosmetic goals, and the risks involved with surgery. Here are some factors that indicate you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure.

You Must Be a Good Candidate Today for the Specific Procedure You Want Now

A tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and/or breast lift are common procedures in a Mommy Makeover. This is an excellent procedure for mothers who have finished having children and have reached a stable weight. However, if you think you’ll want another baby in the future or if you’re still losing a lot of weight, now might not be the best time to get a Mommy Makeover because additional pregnancies or sagging may occur.

You Must Be in Good Overall General Health

Before having a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or other plastic surgery procedure, you must be in good overall health. If you have any chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they must be managed before undergoing surgery.

You Must Have Realistic Expectations for Your Procedure

Plastic surgery can produce dramatic results. But it’s important that your expectations of those results are realistic so that you won’t be disappointed with your plastic surgery procedure. Remember that the goal of cosmetic surgery is to touch up areas you are self-conscious about, not to look like a runway model or movie star. 

You Must Be a Non-Smoker

Smoking isn’t just bad for your health; it can also complicate both plastic surgery procedures and recovery time. Make sure you stop smoking long before the surgery and avoid this habit after your procedure. 

You Must Be in Good Psychological Health

Mind, body, and spirit are all intertwined. As a result, before undergoing plastic surgery, Dr. Finkel will screen you to ensure you are in good psychological health. Sure, a plastic surgery procedure like a tummy tuck after pregnancy or breast augmentation to correct asymmetrical breasts is likely to boost your confidence. However, you will be disappointed in your results if you expect plastic surgery to solve all of your life’s problems.

About Dr. Finkel

You feel happier and more confident in yourself when you are satisfied with your appearance. Dr. Finkel is here to help you to achieve that. By putting your goals and health first, Dr. Finkel provides you with the best cosmetic surgery services in the Greater Phoenix area.

Confidence is an extremely important aspect of everyone’s life. The confidence we have in ourselves and often in our appearance can either hold us back from chances life offers, or give us that extra advantage that allows us to embrace every opportunity. Give yourself this opportunity and contact Dr. Finkel for advice.