Summer is slowly coming to an end, and it is time to start thinking ahead to winter. In a few short months, the chill of winter will be in full force here in Kansas City, and do you know what that means? Besides being the perfect weather for crackling fires and hot chocolate, it is also the prime time for getting plastic surgery. If you have always wanted bigger breasts or a flatter tummy, then let this year be the year!
The first step in your journey is to find the right plastic surgeon. You may already have an idea of what you like; maybe you would prefer a woman over a man or you want someone whose practice is designed specifically for facelifts. These are good starting points, but you should not limit your search to just these surgeons. There is one vital credential that should outweigh all the rest; is he or she board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? If the answer is no, then it is time to move on to the next on the list. Surgeons who are board certified are guaranteed to have gone through vigorous exams to test their knowledge in plastic surgery and have extensive experience in practicing plastic surgery. Once you have determined their board certification, then you can begin to narrow your search further to find a surgeon who meets most or all of your criteria.
*On a side note, it is recommended that potential plastic surgery candidates schedule at least three consultations before choosing a surgeon. *
Once you have found a few surgeons to schedule consultations with, it is time to take a look at yourself. Are you at a point in your life where your weight is stable and you are in good health? Do you need to lose a few extra pounds? Are you a smoker? These are all important questions that need to be answered. If you have maintained your current weight for the last six months or so, and you are within ten pounds of your ideal weight, then you are good to go. If not, then you will want to lose the weight before your surgery. You can go ahead with the consultation before losing the weight, but scheduling surgery beforehand will be counterproductive. If you smoke, now is the time to quit for good. Smoking inhibits the body from healing properly, not a good thing for someone who is going to undergo surgery. Make sure you have completely stopped smoking at least six weeks before your surgery, and if you absolutely have to start back, you should wait at least six weeks after surgery to begin again.
Now that you have sought out surgeons and you have taken a good assessment of your current situation, it is time to think about what you want out of your plastic surgery experience. It is so imperative that you have realistic expectations. You may want Jennifer Aniston’s nose and Angelina Jolie’s lips, but in reality, you will still have your nose and your lips…just an enhanced version. The goal of plastic surgery is to enhance the features that you already have, not change them completely. Going in with the right mindset will make a world of difference in the success of your experience.
The next thing you will want to do is prepare yourself for post-surgery. You will have scars. Are you OK with that? If not, you may need more time to decide if plastic surgery is for you. You will have some pain. Are you prepared for a few days of discomfort? Do you have a support system that can help you for the first couple of weeks as you heal? Preparing ahead of time, even before your first consultation, helps you to understand exactly what goes into plastic surgery as well as determines whether or not you are actually ready for the experience. The more you know before going into a consultation, the better prepared you are for the next step, your surgery.
If you have done your research and you are ready to schedule a consultation, our board-certified surgeons are ready to meet with you! During your consultation, we will discuss all your questions and concerns, addressing your expectations and providing guidance for ways to lose weight or to quit smoking if needed. We want your plastic surgery experience to be the absolute best! Contact us today for an appointment.