by Michele Krauss

Ease Your Worries

Have you hesitated to make that first call when considering cosmetic surgery? You’re not alone. While there are many who seem to rush headfirst into every conceivable nip, tuck and filler, there are those of us who remain a little wary. Maybe even afraid.

There are lots of examples of “good work” out there. Maybe it’s a friend, maybe it’s someone you see at the gym. You can’t quite tell what’s different about them, but they look and seem more well-rested and refreshed, and carry a new energy you’d like to have as well. Those imperceptible changes are highly prized.

The other side of the cosmetic surgery coin is, well, a bit more obvious. Enormous implants bulging under taut skin, lips enhanced by one truckload too much collagen, or that eternal look of shock and surprise that seems to come with not-so-good eye work. Then there are certain celebrities that needn’t be named, but whose faces could give any rodeo clown a run for his money. It’s no wonder some of us are freaked out.

It’s important to remember that the bad exceptions in cosmetic surgery stand out simply because they don’t blend in. Perhaps some want to look radically different. Most of us just want to look better. If you’ve had any apprehension about getting cosmetic surgery for yourself, it’s time to let go of that fear and find out more about what procedure might be right for you.

Cosmetic Surgery Procedures by the Decades
During a conference in 2007, experts from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) said that age plays an important part in choosing the most relevant procedures. Every stage of life offers different challenges in terms of aging and appearance. Following is a guideline to the most appropriate procedures for every decade:

30’s

Botox: Injections of Botox freeze muscles around the eyes as well as other areas to combat wrinkles, crow’s feet and other signs of aging. Results only last a few months, so ongoing treatments are necessary.

Fillers:Dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Sculptra can erase deep folds and hollow areas in the face. These fillers “plump” up different spots in the face for a more youthful look.

Tummy Tuck: This procedure completely reshapes the torso for a more toned and sleek look.

40’s

Microdermabrasion: This procedure smoothes away fine lines and wrinkles, and reveals a fresh new layer of skin. Downtime is minimal.

Vein Therapy: Treats spider veins with laser therapy. Painful varicose veins can also effectively be treated at this time.

50’s

Facelift: Facelifts help remove excess fat and sagging skin from the face, resulting in a more youthful and attractive appearance. Mini-facelifts are also available for those who don’t require a more extensive procedure.

Eyelid surgery: This procedure can make one look more awake and refreshed, and an eyelift removes extra skin folds around the eyes and improves the contours of the upper facial area.

60’s

Body Contouring: Liposculpture and various fat and cellulite reduction procedures can remove excess tissue that has not responded to diet or exercise.

Facelift: Now may be the time to take advantage of this age-defying procedure. A facelift will tighten loose skin and take years off your look.

This is only a guideline, these procedures can be performed at any time, depending on an individual’s needs.

Before/After Photos: Use Carefully
When searching for a new cosmetic surgeon, before and after photos are a key tool. They’re important because they let you see the doctor’s “work.” Hopefully browsing these photos will give you greater insight into the surgeon’s skill and style. When going over these photos, it’s vital to pay attention to your gut reaction. If your first thought about the result is positive, you’re on the right track. However, if you wince at more than one or two “after” photos, that particular surgeon may not be for you. The key to successful cosmetic surgery is an enhanced appearance. It’s meant to bring out your natural beauty, and we all have it.

Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery
Any cosmetic surgery procedure is first and foremost physical. But there is also a very distinct and deep psychological component to it. The ASPS says cosmetic surgery is appropriate for individuals with a good self-image, but who are bothered by some physical characteristic they’d like to improve or change. The ASPS also states that any physical change you make can influence your self-esteem, and one should keep their expectations realistic.

According to the ASPS, not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery. Those with unrealistic expectations should think twice before going under the knife. Those going through some sort of emotional crisis should also avoid getting cosmetic surgery until they have worked through their difficulties. Finally, the ASPS said that people who are obsessed with a minor flaw, are impossible to please, or those who have a mental illness are definitely bad candidates for cosmetic surgery. During your initial consultation with any cosmetic surgeon, it’s important to bring up any issues that might trouble you about the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to answer your concerns, and inform you about the actual procedure and recovery.

Recovery: What is it Really Like?
For any invasive procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia. But some wonder how much pain there will be afterwards. How bad will you look? How bad will it hurt? The answer depends, of course, on what you have done. With the right preparation and knowledge, your post-op recovery will be a cinch.

Inflammation is to be expected with any cosmetic surgery procedure. It’s nothing to be afraid of; it’s just the body’s natural response to any trauma. It’s how the body protects itself. If you look and feel puffy, you’re supposed to. It will go away.

As far as physical pain, you won’t feel any when you come out of surgery. But when pain medications wear off, you will feel some discomfort. This can be reduced with doctor-prescribed medication, or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. Your body is repairing itself and adjusting to the change, so be patient.

Will I Be the Same “Me?”
Yes. The essential “you” will not change. If you’ve felt bad about some physical flaw for years, now you can face the world with new priorities. Cosmetic surgery is there for you as an option to feel better, to look better and to project a positive new persona into the world. Lay your fears to rest, and look forward to a more beautiful future.