Many men and women desire the results offered through plastic surgery; however, wanting cosmetic enhancement and actually preparing yourself for the procedure and the recovery period are two very different things.

Plastic surgery, especially invasive procedures, such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, body lift, and liposuction, are typically very well managed by the patient, but even under the best of circumstances, there are adjustments to your immediate routine as well as the emotional aspects of the procedure that must be taken into consideration.

Patient preparing to undergo plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery affects both your physical appearance as well as your emotional state, and before you choose to go under the knife, you should feel confident that both are prepared for what is to come.

Why Are You Choosing Surgery?

The best way to determine if you are ready for plastic surgery is to examine the reason that you want the procedure. Just as there are good reasons to undergo surgery, there are also those that should raise a red flag.

Plastic surgery is deeply personal—it will affect no one but you—and therefore, the decision for surgery needs to come from you. Many patients turn to plastic surgery as a way to please their significant other. This is one of those reasons that deserve to be looked at further. Surgery will affect your appearance, and you will be the one to deal with the recovery period as well as the risks that accompany it. If you do not want the surgery for yourself, you should not want it to please someone else.

On the other hand, if surgery is something that you want and believe will better your confidence or physical comfort—then you may be an ideal candidate. Some “right” reasons to undergo surgery include:

Considering facelift surgery to restore a youthful appearance after the natural aging process has left its unwanted marks.
Considering breast augmentation to gain the more feminine body contour that has eluded you.
Considering tummy tuck surgery and liposuction to restore your figure by removing the lower stomach pooch after pregnancy.
Considering a body lift after significant weight loss has left you with excess, sagging skin that is both uncomfortable and unsightly.

Is Your Body Prepared for Surgery?

Most surgical procedures by Dr. Schlechter are performed using IV sedation. Because of this, you need to make sure that your body is healthy enough to undergo the process safely. For body procedures, you should be at a healthy and stable weight—even if your procedure is designed to remove excess fat—and have no pre-existing conditions that would prevent or slow you from healing correctly. The same goes for facial procedures. It is vital that you are healthy enough to recover quickly and safely.

Patients who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol should consider giving those up before and after the surgery. Smoking inhibits blood circulation and tissue oxygenation, and alcohol may react negatively with the pain medications prescribed. Smokers have a greater chance of having wound complications. The safest course of action is to halt both of these habits before the surgery and continue until you know that you are entirely healed.

*Actual Patient* Results May Vary
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) 31-Year-Old 9 Months Post Op

Are Your Expectations Realistic?

Patients will often be advised to keep realistic expectations about their surgical results. But what does that mean? Having realistic expectations means that you understand that even surgery has its limits. Plastic surgery will not make you look like a different person—instead, it will highlight your natural beauty. Plastic surgery is also not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle, no matter how many times you may undergo liposuction.

These procedures work best when they are combined with a healthy lifestyle and peace of mind. If you understand that, then there is no reason that you cannot achieve beautiful and desirable results.

How Can You Prepare Yourself?

During your surgical consultation, you will be asked why you are interested in your designated procedure and what you hope to gain from it. Be honest with your doctor and with yourself. Cosmetic enhancements provide physical aid and comfort as well as a boost in your confidence and self-image. You just need to make sure that you are ready for that.

For more information, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Schlechter, contact North Shore Aesthetics by calling (847) 737-5036 or by filling out our online contact form.