Plastic Surgery - Is Plastic Surgery a Good Idea?

Plastic surgery is typically an elective procedure for aesthetic reasons. However, the exception to the rule is reconstructive procedures that fix something as a result from trauma or disease. Whether you need surgery or want surgery, there are risks involved.

With some procedures, there isn't time to debate the pros and cons. With elective plastic surgery, there is time and you need to take the time to consider the procedure, evaluate your situation and listen to your body to see if the gains outweigh the risks.

Here are the basic areas of your life to consider when deciding if you should go through with an elective procedure:

* Physical Health

For any surgery, being in good health is very important. It lessens the chance of infection and complications during the procedure. It also facilitates the healing process. If you have any existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, be sure to tell the surgeon about it and the medications you are taking. Elective surgeries are not out of the question in this case, but he needs to know what precautions, if any, to take in regards to the anesthesia and length of the surgery.

* Habits

Smoking is a no-no prior to surgery so if you do smoke, you need to stop several weeks prior. Ask your surgeon about specifics to your procedure. Of course, completely stopping is better for your overall health and not smoking after the procedure facilitates the healing process.

* Financial Health

You may want to change something about yourself with all of your heart, but can you afford to actually do it? If you commit to a procedure you can't afford, it can lead to all kinds of problems down the road and negate the benefits it brings to your life. Stress, anxiety and depression can result when you can't afford to pay your bills. If you are in a constant state of worry over how to pay for your face-lift-well, is it really worth it?

* Psychological Health

Why are you thinking about having a procedure? Yes, changing something that bothers you can boost your self-esteem and give you confidence, but it is not a fix-all. If there are underlying issues to your poor self-esteem, perhaps seeking help from a counselor should be your first step.

Another bad reason to have a cosmetic procedure is to please someone else. If you feel pressured or badgered into doing something like get breast implants, think twice about it. It is your body and you should do what makes you happy and what you feel comfortable with.

After you've evaluated these segments of your life and have decided that plastic surgery is exactly what you need, you need to evaluate different surgeons to choose the right one for you. Get references and check out his credentials to make sure he is board certified and licensed to perform cosmetic procedures. Deciding on plastic surgery is a huge deal and shouldn't be taken lightly. Take your time and make sure you are mentally, physically and financially able to accept the changes it will bring to your life.