Cosmetic surgery aims to improve appearance, self-esteem, and self-confidence. These procedures can be performed on any part of the face and body. The procedures that it includes are Body Contouring, PDO thread lift, Botox, Fillers, Permanent makeup, etc.
To understand the cosmetic procedure, it is necessary to start with the fundamental question: "What is Cosmetic Surgery?"
Cosmetic surgery is where a person chooses a procedure that changes the physical appearance for cosmetic rather than medical reasons. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers typically help to relax or fill crease lines and do not involve surgery.
However, there are risks attached to any medical procedure, and this is no different. So, it is advised to consult your surgeon before the procedure to clarify everything.
The next question that demands attention is, "Why is this done?"
The answer is that cosmetic surgery brings lasting and dramatic changes to the outside appearance, and it is essential to understand how these changes might affect you on the inside. Before making an appointment to visit a cosmetic surgeon, consider the motives behind your demand to change how you look.
Some physical characteristics can successfully change through cosmetic surgery, but others cannot. The traits of a good candidate for cosmetic surgery are:
● Has a realistic expectation about what can be accomplished through these procedures.
● Understands the medical risks, physical effects during healing, effects of surgery on the personal and professional life, the lifestyle changes that might accompany the recovery period, and the expenses involved.
● Has chronic medical conditions under control.
● Has no history of smoking or is willing to commit to abstain from smoking and nicotine products, including chewing tobacco and nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges, for four to six weeks before and after the surgery.
● Has maintained a stable weight for six to 12 months for specific procedures.
People have found a quick and easy solution to look their best through cosmetic surgeries. What was impossible earlier has become possible now, and these procedures can help regain their youth while stopping the effects of aging on the skin. People are now starting to opt for cosmetic procedures not only for beautification but also for weight loss.
Some precautions that you must look for before and after the procedure are as follows:
● No Cosmetics: People have started being conscious of their facial features, for which they are looking for these cosmetic procedures. But one must avoid the application of any cosmetics in the area of surgery as it can lead to allergies and infections. These areas should be kept clean and washed with medicated water.
● Stay Indoors: Exposure to the sun should be minimal as it can be very harmful to the surgical stitches and the area in which it has been performed. Applying sunscreen alone can not be enough; instead, applying ointment and antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor after the sutures are removed.
● Healthy Diet: Antibiotics can lead to gastric concerns. A proper and fulfilling diet can offer sufficient consumption of fruits, toned milk, and light food. Smoking and drinking should be avoided till the operated areas recover entirely. Consumption of alcohol and smoking should be avoided a few weeks before the surgery.
● Avoid Medicines And Supplements: Medicines that make blood clotting hard should be avoided. Patients undergoing these medical procedures should have a robust immune system before surgery. Intake of medical supplements without a doctor's consent can cause serious effects.
● Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera has been known for its medicinal powers. The intake of aloe vera juice has medicinal properties, which can help heal ruptured cells from the inside and build the skin's quality. Surgeries such as facial surgeries can lead to loss of facial glow. Aloe vera helps to restore the skin glow, but it should be consumed only through a doctor's recommendation.
● Know Your Doctor Well: Before deciding on a cosmetic surgeon, look at their portfolio and Instagram to see their work.
Risk is a common factor in every cosmetic procedure. If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) around 30 or higher, or you have a medical history of diabetes, then you might be at a higher risk of developing complications such as blood clots in the lungs or legs. Smoking also increases the risks and interferes with the process of healing.
It would be best to consider discussing the risks and other possible concerns that might come up with your medical history. The possible complications of any surgical procedure include:
● Infections at the incision site might cause scarring and require additional surgery.
● Fluid buildup under the skin surface.
● Mild bleeding might require another surgical procedure or bleeding significant enough to require a transfusion.
● Abnormal scarring due to the breakdown of the skin.
● Separation of the surgical wound, which sometimes requires additional procedures.
● Numbness and tingling from nerve damage are usually temporary.
Consulting a plastic surgeon and understanding the following precautions and risks can ensure a smooth procedure.
Usually, bruising might take three weeks to lessen, and swelling might take longer.
This might give you an experience for a brief period of "the blues" or low spirits during recovery. Initially, judging the results of your surgery or waiting to return to regular activities may lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration.
Realistic expectations are the key to achieving improvement, not perfection. Each person will have a different journey, thus, different results. It would be essential for you to keep the following points in mind while going through a cosmetic procedure:
● Bruising and swelling are temporary results, but the surgical scars are permanent.
● Recovery time varies for people and their procedures. Generally, 6 to 12 weeks is the expected recovery time for cosmetic procedures.
● Some procedures may need follow-up surgeries to achieve the goals.
Cosmetic surgeries are practical procedures when they are studied and understood well by consulting the cosmetic surgeons with whom you are taking up this procedure!
ROYAL COLLEGE OF
SURGEONS
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH
CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF
COSMETIC SURGERY
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
LIPOSUCTION SURGERY
