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Cosmetic surgery: What to know beforehand
Cosmetic surgery can help improve your appearance, but it's not for everyone. Understand the benefits, risks and limitations before you decide to pursue cosmetic surgery.
By Mayo Clinic staffCosmetic surgery, or plastic surgery, might seem like the easiest way to shave years off your appearance or improve your physique. If you're not satisfied with your appearance, cosmetic surgery may help you not only to look better, but also to feel better. As with any surgery, though, cosmetic surgery has risks and limitations. Here's what you need to know if you're considering cosmetic surgery.
Factors to consider
Cosmetic surgery changes your appearance by altering parts of your body that function normally but don't look the way you want. Before you proceed with cosmetic surgery, consider:
- Your expectations. Anticipate improvement, not perfection. If you expect cosmetic surgery to turn you into a movie star, you're bound to be disappointed. Don't count on surgery to save a rocky relationship, gain a promotion or improve your social life.
- Expense. Cosmetic surgery isn't covered by most health insurance plans. The cost varies depending on the procedure, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also consider the cost of any follow-up care or additional corrective procedures.
- Risks. Dissatisfaction is possible after any type of cosmetic surgery. Surgical complications are possible, too — including excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
- Recovery. After cosmetic surgery, you may need days, weeks or even months to recover. Understand the physical effects that may be part of your recovery, as well as how the surgery may affect aspects of your personal and professional life.
- Psychological changes. Your self-esteem might improve after cosmetic surgery, but cosmetic surgery isn't likely to relieve depression or other mental health conditions.
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References
- What is recovery from plastic surgery like? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Plastic_Surgery_FAQs/What_is_recovery_from_plastic_surgery_like.html. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- What should you know about the safety of outpatient surgery? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Plastic_Surgery_FAQs/What_should_you_know_about_the_safety_of_outpatient_surgery.html. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Insurance coverage: A patient's guide. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Planning_Your_Surgery/Insurance_Coverage_A_Patients_Guide.html. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Psychological aspects: Your self-image and plastic surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Planning_Your_Surgery/Psychological_Aspects_Your_Self-Image_and_Plastic_Surgery.html. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Frequently asked questions about the AAFPRS. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/faq.html. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Keyes GR, et al. Analysis of outpatient surgery center safety using an Internet-based quality improvement and peer review program. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2004;113:1760.
- Moss TP, et al. Psychological change after aesthetic plastic surgery: A prospective controlled outcome study. Psychology, Health and Medicine. 2009;14:567.
- Haeck PC. The plastic surgery consultation and patient selection. In: Chung KC, et al. Plastic Surgery: Indications and Practice. Edinburgh, Scotland: Saunders/Elsevier; 2009:7.
- Sykes JM. Managing the psychological aspects of plastic surgery patients. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 2009;17:321.
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