With today’s beauty standards, it can be tricky to live up to what society expects of us. Trying to look pretty for the world can make your self-esteem plummet and leave you begging for a solution.
Cosmetic surgery is a process many of us consider, but what exactly can you expect from surgery? Is it a prolonged or uncomfortable process, and how can you prepare yourself?
Here is a guide to everything you should know about the process before, during, and after cosmetic surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery, a subset of plastic surgery, is any surgery that changes or enhances what most people would consider “normal”, thus improving your confidence and self-esteem through changes to your appearance. It can be performed on any part of the body to change how you look and feel about yourself.
There are many different types of cosmetic surgery, and while many people associate it with facial transformations, it can also be done to improve other areas of the body.
Some of the most popular and well-known cosmetic surgeries are:
- Facelifts
- Necklifts
- Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Lift
- Breast Augmentation
- Skin resurfacing (dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser)
- Rhinoplasty/Nose Job
- Hair Transplants
- Liposuction
- Abdominoplasty/TummyTuck
- Lip Augmentation
These are just a few of the types of cosmetic surgeries available. If you are curious about what other types of cosmetic surgeries available, you can contact our office at (402) 391-4558.
What You Should Know Before Your Cosmetic Surgery
If you do find a type of cosmetic surgery that you would like, there are certain ways you can prepare yourself for your appointment. Here are some of the ways you can prep yourself, as well as what you can expect from the surgery.
How to Prepare for Cosmetic Surgery
As with any other medical appointment, you should make sure you research your particular type of surgery before your appointment and have a list of questions ready for your doctor. Additionally, you should ask questions of yourself. This will help you decide if cosmetic surgery is the right choice for you. It is critically important that you are doing the surgery for yourself only, and no one else.
Try to ask yourself questions such as “why do I want surgery?” and “am I at the right point in my life for this type of surgery?” These questions will help you understand what you expect from your surgery and how you can move forward when you are finished. It will also help you understand whether or not surgery really is what you want, or if there are other potential solutions for you.
You should also prepare a list of questions for your doctor once you have decided that you want cosmetic surgery. Make sure you ask about their qualifications, expertise, how many times they have done similar procedures, as well as what you can expect once the surgery is complete. This will allow you to have confidence in your doctor and their abilities to perform your surgery properly.
Questions regarding the cost of the surgery as well as how long the healing process will take are also good to ask. Bring a pen and notepad with you to record your doctor’s answers for later consultation!
Risks Associated with Cosmetic Surgery
There are certain risks associated with different types of cosmetic surgery that you will want to be aware of before your appointment. Some of the side effects of cosmetic surgery can include, but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
If you have any concerns about these side effects or have experience with them after previous surgery, you should bring them to your doctor during the consultation. While complications are quite rare, it is still good to be aware of the potential risks.
What to Expect During Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, anesthesia will be applied to prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. There are certain types of cosmetic surgery that involve the use of numbing agents or local anesthesia, “twilight”, or general anesthesia. These will be outpatient services allowing you to leave after the procedure is over.
Ask your doctor about what type of anesthesia or medication they will be using during your surgery.
What to Expect Immediately After Surgery
While the surgery process itself is painless, you may experience some swelling, redness, and pain after the surgery is over. This is common and is usually not a cause for concern.
Pain Management Tactics After Surgery
Your surgeon will likely give you pamphlets and informational guides to help you through your healing process once the surgery is over. This will give you an idea of how to manage your pain and heal from surgery faster. Prescription pain pills are typically part of the pain management plan.
The bruising around the surgery site can last more than three weeks after surgery, and the swelling may last even longer. Transient depression or having a sense of “buyer’s remorse” may also occur immediately after surgery as you wait to get back to your daily life. This is all completely normal. If you have any questions about how you are feeling, contact your doctor for more information.
You will require follow-up appointments to complete your cosmetic surgery, so do not be surprised if your doctor recommends further sessions with you.
Look Better, Feel Better
Now that you know what to expect from cosmetic surgery, you are ready to go in confidently for your appointment! Remember to give yourself plenty of time to recover after surgery.
Do you have any questions about cosmetic surgery you would like answered?
We are happy to help! Be sure to call us at (402) 391-4558 with any questions you have and continue reading our blog for more helpful tips.