Plastic surgery has obvious and often dramatic benefits.
It is not for everyone, however. If you are considering
plastic surgery, keep in mind the following:
| • |
Understand the limitations
as well as the benefits of plastic surgery. No surgery
can achieve perfection, and there is no guarantee
that the results will look exactly as you envision
them. |
| • |
Have realistic expectations. Plastic
surgery can reshape your body, not your life. Although
an enhanced appearance after surgery may improve
your self-esteem, plastic surgery will not solve
career, marital or emotional problems. |
| • |
Time your surgery at a point when
you don't feel exceptional stress and when you have
emotional support available. |
| • |
Be prepared to tolerate some discomfort
during and after surgery, as well as the possibility
of scars or other side effects. |
| • |
Understand that, like any surgery,
plastic surgery has risks. |
| • |
Be able to pay for or finance the
surgery if your insurance does not cover the costs,
as is the case for elective, cosmetic surgery. |
| • |
Know that plastic surgery is not
suitable for people who are prone to mood swings
or erratic behavior, who abuse drugs or alcohol,
or who are receiving treatment for clinical depression
or other mental illness. |
A special note for those under 18 years of age: You will
need your parents' consent for surgery. You also must
have achieved certain milestones in growth and physical
maturity. |
