Your Facial Plastic Surgery Checklist

Is It A Nose Or Face Lift? Cheek Or Chin Implants?

Whatever type of plastic surgery procedure you think you need (or want); there are things to consider so that you get the best results not only for your appearance, but more importantly, your health and your self-esteem.

1. Who’s Your Doctor?

This is the most important decision you will make; even above the issue of how expensive your face-lift will be. Plastic surgery is still surgery, which means certain things will be done to your body – which is something you should never take lightly.

Take the time to look for a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon that has performed, many times, the procedure you choose to undergo. You wouldn’t want to settle for a liposuction expert to work on your nose, right?

Also, make sure the person you are considering is a licensed doctor – because that’s what plastic surgeons are – doctors. They are not cosmeticians or aestheticians that took a 3-month course in some vocational school. For surgery, it’s a medical degree and nothing less.

2. Know What You Want (But Be Ready To Listen And Follow Your Doctor’s Advice).

Although they hold a medical degree, your doctor is not a psychic who can read your mind. You need to tell him / her what you want to achieve from the procedure. Bring pictures to give your doctor an idea of what you have in mind. You doctor may even have a computer program for this very purpose.

However, listen to your doctor if they give you advice (because that’s what you pay them for!). If, for example, your doctor tells you that the cheek implant you want still won’t make you look like Jennifer Lopez listen and adjust your expectations accordingly.

3. This Is Going To Hurt…

… at least for a while, immediately after the procedure. But don’t be scared, the swelling and discomfort are indicators your body is reacting to the surgery by healing itself. In 7 to 10 days, the pain and swelling should subside substantially. But even then, give yourself enough time to fully recover (about a month or so) before taking up activities that can strain your body.

Finally, make sure you really, REALLY want the procedure (and not just because someone made a wise crack at how you look or told you that you should have plastic surgery). Plastic surgery exists to enhance the appearance you’ve already have – not to fix something that’s wrong with you, because there isn’t. And that’s something you don’t need a medical degree to know for certain.