Am I Ready? What to Consider Before Getting Facial Plastic Surgery

Because the effects of surgery on the face are so immediately visible to others, and because procedures often come with risks or limitations, there are important factors to consider long before going under the knife.

While patients have numerous resources available to guide them through the before, during, and after of surgery, there are questions they can ask themselves and their doctors before deciding to go ahead with a procedure.

Are My Expectations Realistic? 

One of the biggest misconceptions patients have about getting facial plastic surgery is that one procedure will make their face perfect, and that they will never be unsatisfied with their appearance again. It's critical that rather than aiming for perfection, patients go into surgery expecting improvement.

Additionally, patients should be prepared for the bruising, soreness, and swelling that immediately follow surgery, as well as for any necessary follow-up care—healing properly means a few weeks of avoiding direct sunlight and strenuous activity, and eating softer foods.

What's the Cost?

It's also important to consider the expenses that come with surgery, as medical insurances often don't cover elective cosmetic procedures. Whether a patient is interested in more minimally invasive treatments like injectable fillers, or full face and neck procedures like rhinoplasty, lifts, and liposuction, surgery can be a significant investment, making the decision of whether to go ahead with a procedure all the more important.

What are the Risks?

As with any surgery, facial procedures come with risks. Patients could experience reactions to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection at the surgery site, or improper healing resulting in scarring. Disclosing one's medical history with the doctor, avoiding smoking up to a month before and after surgery, and following all post-op recovery instructions are the best ways to avoid problems.

Talking with a Surgeon

One of the best ways for a potential patient to become more knowledgeable about surgery is to consult directly with the plastic surgeon.

There are crucial questions a surgeon can answer, such as which treatments are available for a desired result, what the success rate of a certain procedure is, what kinds of costs and risks are involved, and how long the recovery process will be. Surgeons can also review before and after photos and explain what a procedure entails.

The decision to undergo facial plastic surgery should not be taken lightly no matter how prepared or knowledgeable a patient feels going in. The best way to be sure surgery is the best way forward is to contact a surgery center to schedule a consultation.

Three Surprising Uses for Botox

Most people associate Botox with reducing or eliminating wrinkles and frown lines on a person's face. Although it's a very common form of facial plastic surgery, many people are not aware of the versatility of Botox. The medication can be used to treat a range of conditions dealing with hair, headaches, and breasts.

Hair Growth

The injection of Botox into the scalp has been found to stimulate hair growth in people who suffer from hair loss. While research on Botox and hair loss restoration is still in the early stages, the initial findings are said to be "promising."

Migraine Treatment

Botox is the latest approved option in treating and preventing chronic migraines. Doctors theorize that the injection of Botox into several parts of the head and neck prevents the transmission of pain signals to nerve endings, thus making Botox an effective treatment for these intense and often debilitating migraine headaches.

Breast Enhancement

Many women may be excited to hear that they can have perkier, fuller breasts with the help of minimally invasive plastic surgery. While the injection of Botox into the pectoralis minor muscles may not increase bust size, it does provide a natural breast lift, helping to achieve a perkier bosom.

As scientists and doctors continue to study the many uses of Botox, they are finding effective treatments and applications that extend beyond traditional plastic surgery.