People are in a dilemma in considering plastic surgery. These days, it is more of a regular procedure rather than a luxury one. Individuals often want to change the way they perceive themselves and hence resort to plastic surgery. Now the question arises on how can you determine whether it's the correct course of action?
You should ask yourself these five important questions before considering plastic surgery:
1. Are You Doing It For Yourself Or Someone Else?
This is perhaps the most important question. Plastic surgery should never be about pleasing others or conforming to someone else’s view of beauty. The motivation must be coming from inside-if it is an attempt at raising self-esteem or rectifying a physical issue that has always gone under the radar, then it would certainly be worth consideration. If you are weighed down by peer pressure or pressure from a partner, social media, or any other societal voice, I argue you should go one step back and reassess things.
2. Do You Have Reasonable Expectations?
Surgical enhancement kind of offers a person a kind of swim in physical attraction, but they do not mend internal emotional conflicts or enhance a person's life. Setting unrealistic expectations is the fastest way to disappointment. Talk candidly about the possible results with your surgeon. Instead of selling fantasy, a good doctor will help set expectations.
3. Are You In Good Mental And Physical Health?
A risk accompanies every surgery. Various health problems that you could be suffering from must be considered mental or physical. Having conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a tendency to heal slowly all may have bearings on the safety and results of your surgical procedure. However, emotional preparedness is just as important. Just bear the stress, loss, or mental health concerns at this very moment, and this should not be the best time to go under the knife.
4. Non-Surgical Options Considered?
With innovative possibilities built within dermatology and aesthetics, several cosmetic complaints can now be solved with non-surgical procedures using fillers, lasers, or skin-tightening techniques. Sometimes the alternatives are less expensive with reduced recovery time. Always consult with an excellent board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether a less invasive technique can achieve your objectives before abandoning the surgical route.
5. Repair Or Upkeep
Plastic surgery cannot just instantly serve as a way out. Most beauty procedures take weeks or months to recover from, with some even requiring touch-ups later. There are temporary changes in lifestyle to endure through, not to mention the scars and swelling. So be sure to take your time and prepare for any changes in lifestyle, follow-up appointments, and after-care.
Final Thoughts
If done for the right reasons and with the right mindset, plastic surgery can be very empowering. However, it must be a conscious choice and not a band-aid fix. Take your time, consult professionals, and above all, listen to your body and mind. Because the internal change is the most significant.
(This article is authored by Dr. Ashok B C, HOD - Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery & Chief of Medical Services, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru)
Image Credits: Freepik
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