Plastic surgery has become a popular remedy for fighting signs of aging and altering parts of your body that you don’t like. We have seen a rise in these procedures with celebrities like the Kardashian/Jenner clan, Cardi B, Iggy Azalea, and Heidi Montag.
It’s not just for the rich and famous people, and the average person can find affordable plastic surgery procedures. The 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons stated there were 17.7 million cosmetic procedures done, which was a 2% increase from the year before.
If you’ve always dreamed about getting rid of some wrinkles, reducing the size of your nose, or taking away some of that stubborn fat in your midsection, you might find plastic surgery helpful. That being said, there are a few things you should consider before going under the knife. We’re going to tell you everything you should know before opting for plastic surgery.
The Cost
If you’re getting a procedure solely for cosmetic reasons, the cost will most likely be out of pocket. Health insurance doesn’t usually cover these surgeries. They will only do so if it’s for a medical purpose.
The average cost of botox is $397, which is on the more affordable end of treatments. Lip augmentation costs $1,767, nose surgery can cost $5,350, and a facelift is $7,655 on average.
You can set up a financial plan or take out a loan for your procedure. You should only get something done if you can genuinely afford it, though. Loans and payment plans will typically have an interest rate, which means you’ll owe even more money at the end of it all.
The Recovery Time
Don’t think that you’re going to walk out of the appointment looking ready for the red carpet. After even simple procedures, there’s a recovery period you’re required to complete. It could be anywhere from a couple of days to months to be fully back to normal after an operation.
There could be postoperative instructions or visits to help you heal correctly. You might need to take time off of work or not be able to perform daily activities. You could also need assistance for cleaning, driving, caring for your children, or lifting heavy groceries.
Side effects also occur, and you might experience swelling, redness, scarring, or bleeding after the surgery. You won’t see the improvement you desired from the procedure until you’re fully recovered. Make sure you think about significant events like weddings or vacations and the timeline of healing before you get something done.
Your Doctor’s Credibility
When you want to alter your body in any way, you shouldn’t go for the cheapest doctor because that often means they’re not the best. This can lead to lifelong medical problems.
For all doctors who perform surgery, you should make sure they’re certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If they don’t have these criteria, you shouldn’t allow them to perform surgery on you.
Also, you should find a doctor that specializes in the procedure you want to be done. That way, you know they have performed this many times before and know the perfect way to complete the surgery correctly.
Ask them for photos of their work so you can see if it’s something that meets your standards. If you feel the doctor might not meet your requirements, it’s a great idea to look for other doctors.
Why You Want the Surgery
It would be best if you remembered that these procedures will improve how you look, but won’t make you perfect. Even the celebrities we think look out of this world have their insecurities and feelings about how they look.
Make sure you’re getting this done because you want it done, and it’s not to attract partners, or because someone made fun of you when you were younger for looking this way. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and you should embrace what makes you different.
However, if you feel that getting this cosmetic procedure done will give you more confidence and self-esteem, then go for it! We should all feel beautiful and comfortable in our own skin.
The Bottom Line
Plastic surgery can be a great way to improve your body and make you feel younger. There are ways to prevent signs of aging and to lose weight without a procedure. Remember always to wear sunscreen, wash your face, eat healthy, and exercise.
If you’ve tried those options and still want to get something done, then there are some things to keep in mind. Understand the cost of procedures, the recovery time, the doctor’s qualifications, and why you really want plastic surgery before getting it done. While health insurance rarely covers elective cosmetic surgery or procedures (check here for health insurance options from HealthMarkets), it’s worth checking with your provider to see if you can make an insurance claim.
