Before going into cosmetic surgery, it is essential to ensure you have the proper information to make an informed decision. As with any type of major surgery, cosmetic surgery can involve risks and complications. You want to be sure that you are prepared for these possibilities so that you do not end up paying a lot of money to get back what you have started. To ensure that you are ready for any complications, below are 5 things to ensure before cosmetic surgery.
Research the doctor. It is crucial that you research the surgeon thoroughly and meet with him or her for a consultation. Meetings with the surgeon are vital because you will be able to discuss your goals and concerns, the proposed surgery plan, the procedure as well as recovery and post-surgical care. A good doctor will always answer any questions you may have and will address any apprehensions you may have.
Check the hospital. As with any type of major surgery, you want to be sure that the hospital you choose is one of the best in the area. You do not want to end up having surgery that is substandard or that has side effects you are not ready for. One of the most important things to ensure before cosmetic surgery is to find out which hospitals are reputable and which ones are not. By checking around, you will be assured that you are getting the best possible medical care. If you are having surgery abroad, find out if the hospital or clinic is accredited and certified by the relevant medical board.
Research the surgeon. Like any other medical procedure, cosmetic surgery requires that the patient be in overall good health. Many surgeons encourage their patients to check with their family doctor or health insurance provider to ensure that they are able to afford the surgery. While this may be a good practice in some cases, do not assume that it is a good idea in all cases. You should check with your primary care physician as well to ensure that you do not need to pay for additional healthcare once you have had your cosmetic surgery.
Get referrals. Getting at least three or four referrals for cosmetic surgery can be very helpful. Look at the qualifications of the surgeons that you are considering, as well as those that recommended them. When you are looking at surgeons to do your cosmetic surgery, make sure that you are dealing with an experienced professional who is fully qualified to do the procedure that you have in mind.
Make sure that the surgeon is a member of the Board of Plastic Surgery. The purpose of the Board of Plastic Surgery is to set the standards for the way that cosmetic surgeons do their operations and keep them consistent. It also sets the rules and regulations for the organization so that all surgeons meet them. Be sure to choose a surgeon who is on the BPSS.
Get a written quote. Many times, you can get a written quote over the phone, but it is usually easier and more accurate to get this done over the phone. This will let you compare pricing and various services offered by the surgeon before making a final decision. Some surgeries may require additional lab work that you will have to pay for, so having this quote available will allow you to compare the costs with other doctors in your area. You should also ask about any possible discounts that you can receive.
If you follow these tips, you can be less likely to have any type of complications during the process of your cosmetic surgery. However, these are not all things to ensure before cosmetic surgery. There are many things to consider, including your overall health, the type of cosmetic surgery that you want, and your recovery time. It will take some careful planning and thinking on your behalf to prepare for a cosmetic surgery. But whatever steps you take, you can be sure that your appearance and your health will be greatly improved.