If you are considering cosmetic surgery, the first question you probably asked is “Should I get plastic surgery?” Wondering if you are a good candidate for these procedures is always the first step. While invasive plastic surgery is not for everyone, there are some ways to tell if it’s right for you. Of course, the best way to know is to speak to a medical professional. Your primary care physician can likely recommend a top plastic surgeon in the area to whom you should speak. He or she will be able to walk you through the procedure you are considering and identify if it is the right path for you. Generally speaking, however, there are a few attributes that every plastic surgery candidate must have before undergoing any procedure. Learn more about them below and ask your doctor if you qualify.
What are the most popular plastic surgery procedures?
The most popular plastic surgery procedures change every year. According to Allure, the most popular procedures in 2020 moving into 2021 are the face, neck, and chin procedures. Injectables are also increasing in popularity. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, people are treating cosmetic surgery as a more accessible and casual thing. It is being called “the new retail therapy.” Because everyone is working from home and there is more freedom and downtime, people are taking the opportunity to have cosmetic surgery.
Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?
Below is a detailed checklist of attributes and qualities that you should have to be a possible candidate for cosmetic surgery. If you do not have any of the following qualities, plastic surgery may not be right for you. As we mentioned, you should first speak to a doctor before making any decisions. The following list of qualities and attributes does not represent official medical advice. As every individual is unique, only your personal doctor can evaluate and identify if plastic surgery will work for you.
A good candidate for plastic surgery should:
- Be in good overall health.
- Have completed big life changes that may hinder the outcome of your procedure.
- Have realistic goals and expectations for your procedure.
- Be a non-smoker.
- Have a healthy mindset.
What questions should I ask at my initial consultation?
Your initial consultation is important for establishing good communication with your surgeon, understanding your procedure’s finer points, and making sure it is the right choice for you. Make sure you ask the following important questions at your initial consultation.
- Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
- Do you have experience performing the surgery I am requesting? What have the outcomes been?
- Are you affiliated with any hospitals in the area?
- Do you believe that I am a good candidate for the procedure?
- Should I lose weight beforehand, stop smoking or stop taking certain medications?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- Is there a recovery process? What is it like?
- What happens if I am unhappy with the results of the procedure?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon can make or break your procedure
While there are likely many plastic surgeons in your area, finding the right one for your specific goals is crucial to the outcome. You’ll want to find a plastic surgeon with top certifications, education, expertise, and years of experience. Additionally, finding a doctor who understands your body goals and who can clearly communicate necessary information is important. Finally, make sure your plastic surgeon makes you feel comfortable about your cosmetic surgery decision. He or she should be 100% honest with you about your eligibility for plastic surgery and what the possible outcome of the procedure will likely be. If you have unrealistic body goals for your post-procedure body, he or she should make that clear to you at the initial consultation.
Dr. Anthony Berlet has been helping patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. With experience in every facet of cosmetic surgery, he can help you identify which types of plastic surgery might be right for you. If you are asking yourself if cosmetic surgery is right for you, consider reaching out to our team of caring and experienced medical professionals. We can walk you through your choices and help you determine what is right for you!