Plastic surgery can either give you the body of your dreams, or it can be a disaster that makes you wish you never went under the knife.
Are you thinking of one of Australia's most popular plastic surgery procedures? Before you choose a doctor and schedule the procedure, make sure it's the right thing to do.
Follow these ten tips that will guarantee good plastic surgery.
Before you research doctors or procedures, do some research about yourself.
What do you want to accomplish? What are your expectations? Why do you want to go through a procedure to change something about your body?
If you're sure of your reasons and what you hope to accomplish, look for the procedures that will help you achieve the desired change to your body.
Research doctors and learn everything you can about the procedure. Know what to expect and who is the best doctor for the job.
What's the name of the procedure? Know the name of it and what to expect.
When you know the name of the procedure, you'll be able to find information about the best doctors who perform that procedure.
You'll also be able to research what to expect. You'll have a better chance of a successful procedure if you understand what your body will experience as you recover and for the long-term.
You don't need to know every detail of the procedure. But never plan a surgery without understanding the basics of what happens before, during, and after.
Any surgery or procedure comes with risks whether it's cosmetic or health-related.
Be sure you research to understand the risks of your specific procedure. Whether the procedure is major or minor, talk to your doctor about the risks involved.
Make your decision to continue with the procedure based on the potential positive outcomes while weighing the potential risks.
Insurance might not cover your cosmetic procedure. Make sure you can fund all costs associated with your procedure before, during, and after.
Ask your doctor for an estimate before you agree to the procedure. Compare to other doctors and similar procedures.
Do online research to determine if the cost of the procedure and after-care for your preferred doctor is in-line with other doctors of similar quality and reputation.
Beware of cheap procedures. Don't overpay but don't go for the cheapest option just to save money.
Under-priced procedures could mean the doctor cuts corners on critical safety elements.
Make sure your doctor has the appropriate credentials for your specific procedure.
Confirm your doctor is a member of professional associations. Most associations only accept and support quality doctors. Choose a surgeon who is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and preferably a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Unfortunately their are currently no laws stopping any doctor calling themselves a surgeon, adding plastic to their title or cosmetic.
Top cosmetic surgeons work hard to gain the respect and support of multiple associations. If your doctor is a member of one or more associations, you're likely choosing a doctor with a good reputation and success rate.
In addition to membership in a medical association, check your doctor's resumé.
Look for awards, schools they attended, and academic contributions. Top surgeons will have a paper trail of excellent medical schools and accolades.
Be sure your doctor has hospital privileges. Without privileges, your doctor doesn't have a place to perform your procedure.
Not having hospital procedures is often a red flag that hospitals don't want to work with that doctor.
Good plastic surgeons have an extensive success portfolio. You shouldn't have to look very hard to find proof to support your doctor's success at the procedure you want.
If Before-and-After photos aren't readily available online, ask for them. Your doctor should have a portfolio to show potential clients.
Some plastic surgeons have a conservative client base who don't necessarily want their images shown online. These people are usually willing to have new patients contact them about their experiences.
Look for examples that are specific to the procedure you want. Ask questions about the patient, the procedure, and the recovery.
Your doctor should be able to answer specific questions--withholding identity information for privacy--that show they know the procedure and how their patient recovered. Choose a doctor who achieves the results you want for yourself.
Recovery from plastic surgery can be painful and lengthy.
Can you handle the pain? Do you have the time available to follow the doctor's orders for rest?
With some procedures, you'll need to take time off from work. In addition to the expense of the procedure, be sure you can afford time off beyond paid time off if you need longer to recover.
Rushing your recovery is one of the worst things you can do to disrupt the good results from your procedure.
Surgery is traumatic on your body. Before you undergo a procedure, make sure your health is good.
Eat well and get plenty of rest. A healthy body handles an invasive procedure and recovers better than a body that lacks good care.
The choice to have plastic surgery is your decision. However, it's good to talk to others while you make your decision about surgery to change the appearance of a part of your body.
Talk to others who have had the same procedure. Listen to how they felt before, during, and after the surgery.
Was it too painful? Are they pleased with the results? Why did they want the procedure?
Talk to friends and family who have known you and who love you. You don't need their approval. But, make sure you have a good support system for recovery after your surgery.
You must play an active part to ensure good plastic surgery.
Do your research and follow doctor's orders. Make sure to prepare your mind and body for the changes to your body and the recovery.
Dr Joseph Rizk is a trusted plastic surgeon in Sydney. You'll find he has the qualifications and the results for a wide variety of cosmetic procedures.
Contact us to start your consult for the procedures to help you make the cosmetic changes you want.
Dr Joseph Rizk became Australasia’s plastic surgeon of the year by making sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His patient-first approach provides you with the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment. At the same time, he offers his decades of knowledge and experience to help you along your path.
DOUBLE BAY, Suite 3.01, Level 3, 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Dr Rizk recommends that you seek out a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider before undertaking any cosmetic procedure. In accordance with the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, so a second opinion is advised.