Facial plastic surgery is a complicated thing. It affects you physically, as procedures like the facelift, eyelid lift or other surgery changes your appearance. It also affects you emotionally and can have an impact on you socially. Since the effects of surgery are far reaching and it involves a decent commitment when it comes to money and time, it’s important that you have all the details and facts straight about surgery before you decide to go forward.
A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon before any type of procedure is a must. During your consultation, a surgeon will chat with you about what you’re hoping to get from surgery and give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s important that both you and the surgeon be on the same page before you schedule the actual surgery.
You Need to Do it for You
One thing your surgeon will discuss with you during the consultation is your reason for wanting the surgery. It’s not that uncommon for people to think about a facelift or eyelid lift in an effort to please someone else, to win back a lost love, or in an attempt to keep someone from leaving them. But, if you have surgery for someone else or to make someone else happy, you’re likely not to feel happy with results. After all, you’re having surgery in an attempt to please someone else, not to please yourself.
Before you commit to a procedure, make sure it’s something you actually want, not something you think you want because someone is pressuring you. A trustworthy facial plastic surgeon should be able to help you tell the difference.
Plastic Surgery Isn’t Magic
There’s often a misconception that plastic surgery is the medical equivalent of the magic wand carried by Cinderella’s fairy godmother. Although many people do feel that they look better after surgery, it’s important to understand that it’s not magic and that it has its limitations. A facelift won’t make you look like Kim Kardashian, for example, and an eyelid lift won’t turn you into Jennifer Lawrence. The goal of surgery should be to take years off of your appearance or otherwise improve it, not to transform you into a completely different person.
It Might Be a Bit Uncomfortable
Few people want to admit it, but it should be mentioned. Facial plastic surgery can be a bit uncomfortable. Although you won’t feel anything during surgery itself, afterwards you might feel a bit sore. You’ll be bruised and will have swelling. You’ll also have to adjust how you sleep, which can increase the discomfort.
It’s also worth mentioning that everyone reacts to surgery differently. Some people have a very high tolerance for pain and discomfort and might not be terribly bothered. Others might find that the first few days after surgery are very uncomfortable. If you do find yourself in a bit of pain or have difficulty sleeping after surgery, your surgeon can give you a prescription for a sleep aid or pain medications to help you out.
It Might Not Be For You
Surgery isn’t for everyone. Even if you’d benefit from the effects of a facelift, your surgeon might recommend a different treatment or recommend postponing surgery for a number of reasons. Having unrealistic expectations is one common reason. Having medical issues that can increase your risk for complications is another.
To keep that risk to a minimum, your surgeon will most likely recommend having a full medical exam before your surgery to make sure you don’t have any unknown issues. The tests ordered might differ based on your age, but generally you’ll want a blood test to rule out any liver issues and to see if you have a condition such as diabetes. People over 50 might also need an EKG to make sure their hearts are in good enough shape to handle surgery.
It’s Important Get it Right the First Time
Picking the right surgeon and making sure you’re really prepared and ready for the surgery, the first time, is essential. Although it is possible for a surgeon to perform a revision procedure to correct any problems or mistakes made during a prior surgery, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Plus, having a second surgery to correct the issues created by the first costs you more in terms of money and time. To avoid the chances that you’ll need a revision procedure, make sure you pick the right surgeon the first time around.
Practicing at the Naderi Center in Virginia and Maryland, Dr. Jessica Kulak is an aging face specialist who wants her patients to be as prepared as possible for their surgeries. To learn more about your surgical options and to see if you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulak today. Call (703) 481-0002 to reach the practice in Virginia or (301) 222-2020 for the practice in Maryland.
The post 5 Things Your Facial Plastic Surgeon Wants You to Know appeared first on The Naderi Center.