If you are like most people, you look in the mirror and see something you don’t like. Your nose is too long. Your legs have developed varicose veins. The tattoo you got on your arm as an impulsive teenager is now unsightly and you have to cover it up with long-sleeved blouses and shirts. Your bust is too big or too small. Men whose nose was broken playing hockey in their youth may want it straightened and their appearance improved.
Everyone wants to look good at every age and stage of their life, so you are not alone. Common procedures which are performed include face lifts, breast augmentation or reduction, acne treatments, birthmark removal, tummy tucks, and liposuction, to name just a few. Even if you are satisfied with your general appearance, you may be concerned about losing those good looks as you age. It’s a well-recognized fact that how we look affects how we feel about ourselves and affects our self-confidence.
You may be a perfect candidate for cosmetic surgery but you need to ask yourself some questions first, such as how much is the procedure going to cost, as most cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. Ask yourself too, if lifestyle changes or adding exercise or better nutritional decisions can make the problem better. Consider seriously if the defect you want corrected is really making you unhappy with your image or is there other, perhaps psychological, reasons for your feeling of self-consciousness.
You should not consider any kind of cosmetic surgery if you are going through a rough time in your life, such as divorce or job loss. It’s better to wait until you have recovered somewhat and got your life back on track so you can make better decisions. You should not consider any procedures if your reasons are simply because you wish you looked like your favourite celebrity. True happiness comes from within so looking like Hilary Swank or Angelina Jolie will not bring you instant happiness. And while cosmetic surgery can help, remember that a sixty-year-old will never look like a twenty-year-old again, so don’t consider a return to youthful appearance as your primary reason for considering any altering procedures. A good source of more information about various procedures and considerations can be found at www.ecsaonline.com. Some surgeons have digital imaging, where your features can be scanned in and manoeuvred to show what the new nose or eyebrows will look like.
Be sure to check with the appropriate authorities in your country to find a list of medical professionals who are accredited to perform cosmetic surgery. Spend lots of time with him or her, asking any questions that you have, and listening carefully to the doctor’s responses and recommendations. Try to find other patients who have undergone the procedure and talk to them to learn of their experiences. And it’s always a good idea to discuss your plans with your general practitioner as well.
Following the procedure, allow lots of time to get used to the newness of your body and to heal from the surgery. You may experience bruising or have to wear bandages for a while so be prepared for a period of rest while you recoup. You will continue to see your doctor as there will be a period of aftercare included in your treatment.
Remember that everyone is unique and beautiful in his or her own way. Consider carefully the need to have cosmetic surgery. You never know, what you consider a defect may be the very feature that your loved ones find adorable about you.
