With plastic surgery rising year after year, seeking methods to optimize safety and outcomes has never been more critical. While enhancing appearance can bolster confidence and joy in one’s reflection, the procedures involved inherently bring risks that must be mitigated as much as possible.
Whether you’re just considering a procedure or already in the pre-op planning stages, the following seven key actions can help stack the deck in your favor for achieving desired results while avoiding unwanted setbacks.
1. Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering plastic surgery, opt for well-reputed places like Dr. Jay Calvert plastic surgery clinic. Going to a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the number one thing you can do to reduce risk.
Board certification means the doctor has extensive training experience and has passed examinations in plastic surgery. Make sure to check credentials upfront. Dangers arise when less qualified or uncertified doctors perform procedures. For those considering plastic surgery in Beverly Hills, opting for well-reputed places like Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills – Liposuction Surgeon is crucial.
2. Understand Your Health Risks
Certain pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, or smoking put you at higher risk for issues like poor wound healing, so your surgeon will need to take extra precautions. Be upfront about your medical history and health habits to proactively address risk factors. You may need to improve your health beforehand or select less invasive options.
3. Get Multiple Estimates
While cheaper procedures may seem tempting, irregularly low prices could be a red flag for insufficient credentials or willingness to cut corners. Get competitive estimates from several board-certified surgeons to find the average range, then go with someone solidly in the middle versus the highest or lowest estimate. Quality rarely comes at rock-bottom prices.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
Not everyone will look just like a celebrity after the results. Be honest about what can be achieved from your procedure based on age, existing anatomy, lifestyle factors, and genetics. Unmet hype about appearance change can lead to disappointment and potential revision surgery. Discuss anticipated natural-looking results upfront.
5. Follow All Pre- and Post-Op Instructions
Healing properly starts before and after surgery. Take any pre-surgical instructions seriously, like avoiding certain medications or supplements, not smoking, and being healthy. Adhering to post-op guidance on limiting activities, using compression garments, proper wound care, follow-up appointments, and more is critical to smooth recovery.
Rushing a healing process by resuming too many activities too soon is an easy way to cause setbacks or potential complications down the line. Give tissues the time recommended to heal optimally before any significant exertion or strain. Patience will serve recovery well.
6. Ask About Post-Op Care Plans
Does your surgeon offer 24/7 availability if issues occur days or weeks later? What is the emergency contact protocol? Proper follow-up care and rapid response procedures make a big difference should problems arise post-surgery. Look for doctors invested in total care, not just the initial procedure.
7. Watch for Warning Signs
Be attuned to issues like excessive swelling/bleeding, pain that intensifies instead of subsiding, redness, or unusual drainage after several days. Early intervention for potential infection or other problems improves outcomes versus ignoring warning signs until they escalate. Know when it’s advisable to contact your surgeon as a precaution.
Endnote
Taking steps to choose an experienced board-certified surgeon, following all pre and post-op instructions diligently, and being watchful of your recovery can optimize safety and satisfaction with results. Responsible precautions make the rewards of plastic surgery even sweeter when no issues arise.
