Plastic Surgery: Should You Do It? What Is the Process Like?

Plastic and cosmetic surgery used to be a bit faux pas. Typically, it was something you did without anyone else knowing.

Maybe others noticed in subtle ways by asking, “What’s different about you? Have you lost weight? Get a new haircut?”

From reality shows to the acceptance of it on social media, it is evident that both plastic and cosmetic surgeries are more mainstream and less taboo. You always hear about or see someone online who is “getting something done.”

So, is it right for you? Should you do it? Will it make you happy? What is the process like?

Are You Considering Plastic Surgery?

Have you been weighing the pros and the cons? Are you concerned about your safety?

There are so many factors that go into deciding about elective surgery. Questions like:

‘What procedure do you want?’ 

‘What surgeon will you use?’ 

‘What is their experience and reputation like?’ 

‘How much will all of this cost you?’

‘What will your recovery be like?’

With all these questions flooding your mind, it must make you a bit overwhelmed. That’s completely understandable; this is a big decision.

It’s a big commitment, both physically and financially. So, is it worth it?

Contrary to popular belief, everyone struggles with self-confidence issues.

Comparison is everywhere you look. However, is changing your appearance to make yourself look like another person the reason to get either cosmetic or plastic surgery? That is for you to decide.

It is a personal choice, and one that should not be taken lightly.

Here are the Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Making the Decision

“What do I want to change?”

Research the different procedures that match the result you want.

Do you have something specific in mind?

Plastic surgery cannot create happiness; however, it can provide you with a more positive self-image.

You should consider what it is that you want to be changed, why you want it changed, and then determine if either plastic or cosmetic surgery can truly solve this problem and enhance your quality of life.

“How do I know that I am choosing the best surgeon for the work that I would like done?”

Coming straight from the mouth of an expert, do your research.

What matters to you in a provider?

Is it their bedside manner, their expertise, or is it both?

Is your physician board certified? This is a must.

If they are not, and again, this is only my opinion, but I wouldn’t let them touch me. Physicians can still specialize and practice plastics without a board certification.

So, ask the question, read their reviews, and see their results. It may make all the difference.

Read: What Is Microneedling

What to Expect: The Steps to a New You

The Consultation

During this appointment, the physician and nursing staff will be available to address any of your medical or aesthetic questions and concerns. This is where you will discuss your goals and the procedure of what you are looking to correct or improve.

More than likely, once all your questions are answered, a staff member will present you with the costs of the procedure(s), along with payment options.

The Commitment

Have you thought long and hard about your decision?

Once all your questions and potential concerns have been addressed, you have weighed out your risks and benefits, and you feel that this is a good time for you to undergo elective surgery, now you get to take the plunge!

During this step, you commit to your future surgical journey and pick a date!

Education

Some facilities will have an in-person education time where a nurse or other staff member will go over every detail of your surgery, what to expect before, during, and after, as well as how to care for yourself following the procedure. Other offices may do this virtually or via email.

Following, they may take ‘before’ photos, so they are able to track your progress throughout your surgical journey.

Surgery Day

Depending on your plastic or cosmetic surgeon(1), your procedure will be performed in a hospital or in an ambulatory surgical center.

Both plastic and cosmetic procedures can take as little as 45 minutes from start to finish, or up to nine hours. Of course, this depends on the type of anesthesia administered and the procedure itself.

Read: Revision Rhinoplasty Risks

The Recovery

Preface: I am not going to sugarcoat this.

As a plastic surgery nurse for several years, I saw many patients. Some of which cruised through surgery and their recovery with minimal pain and post-operative complications, others however, experienced quite the opposite. From extreme pain to several complications, their journey to recovery was not rainbows and butterflies to say the least.

My advice is to do your research, listen to your nurses and physicians, and follow exactly what they tell you. In most cases, they have been in the profession for a long time, and they usually know what works and what doesn’t.

Follow – Up’s

Again, depending on the procedure and physician, your follow-up appointments will vary.

Be sure to attend every follow-up appointment to ensure that you are on the right track to fully recovering and healing properly!

I hope this helps you on your surgical journey!

Author Bio: Morgan Curry RN, BSN

Morgan serves as the Course Curriculum Executive Editor and Content Manager at NursingCECentral.com. Her extensive background in a Level I Trauma Hospital setting provides vast clinical insight into high octane clinical care, along with a deep understanding of specialized areas of nursing such as heart and lung transplants, ECMO, and cardiac surgery recovery. Morgan’s professional versatility also extends into the highly sought-after field of aesthetic nursing, with comprehensive experience in the plastic surgery field; including nurse leadership in PACU, PERI-OP, and OR departments.