Are you thinking about having a little bit of work done? From liposuction to breast implants, there’s a range of procedures to choose from. Yet it’s important to go into any level of procedure armed with as much knowledge as possible. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your surgeon before you take the plunge, to be sure that this is right for you.
Questions to ask yourself:
To get started, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions.
1. Why am I thinking about surgery now?
Is this something you’ve been thinking about for a long time? Is it spurred by a desire to do better at work or hold on to a failing relationship? Perhaps a family member made a cutting remark about your ears and you suddenly feel the need to change them. Explore whether this is a spur-of-the-moment decision or something you’ve put more thought into.
2. What do I expect this surgery to do for me?
Surgery’s not a magic bullet that will solve all of your problems. It can certainly have a positive impact on your physical appearance and self-esteem, but ask yourself what your ultimate goal is and if surgery is realistically a way to achieve it. If you’re anxious about a particular issue, surgery probably won’t be the best solution.
3. How is my current health?
Are you in otherwise good shape? It’s important to remember that surgery is a serious procedure, which is best carried out on healthy individuals. If you chain smoke and are seriously overweight, it may be too risky.
4. Can I afford the cost?
Don’t just look at the initial quote that you’re given – you should also look at the expense of taking time off of work for recovery, the cost of follow-up care, and any additional fees such as medication.
Questions to ask your surgeon:
Once you’ve weighed all of these major questions and are certain that surgery is something that you want to go through with, the next step is to interview a surgeon. Respected cosmetic clinics like the one run by Dr Jeremy Hunt will be happy to sit down for a consultation, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like!
1. What are your qualifications?
You’ll first want to make sure that your surgeon of choice is board-certified in whichever country you’re having the work done in. They should not only be generally certified, but have experience in the particular procedure you’re requesting.
2. Can you explain the risks and complications?
A good surgeon will be happy to outline these for you – if the doctor says that any procedure is completely risk-free, you should probably look elsewhere.
3. Where will this procedure take place?
Find out if it will take place in their clinic, and what facilities the clinic has on hand. Ask for a tour of the recovery and operating areas if it will make you feel better.
4. Can I see before and after photos?
A surgeon will be proud to show you photos of their other work. This allows you to see for yourself what kind of work they do, and whether it falls in line with your aesthetic.
Taking the time to ask these key questions first can ensure that you stand a far better chance of not only finding the right surgeon, but being sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.
