Dr. Nieca Goldberg says cosmetic surgery is not the same thing as buying make-up at the department store. Even if the surgery is elective it can have real risks. She says patients should have a clear goal for the surgery and realistic expectations.
When is too young?
- It's not just age but what is the patient's overall health
- A young patient could have a congenital condition that requires surgery at an early age, cleft palate as an example
- You need to be informed
- You need to be prepared for the changes
- Not everyone is a candidate for plastic surgery because of the physical, emotional and psychological reasons at any age.
- Changing the way you look can change the way you feel about yourself
- You need to be honest with your doctor about your hopes and expectations
If you're considering plastic surgery:
- Learn as much as you can about the specific procedure you're considering
- Use a Surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Be sure to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking, for women, including, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
- Make sure the surgeon takes a full medical history
- Make sure the facility conforms to safety standards
- If you are undergoing anesthesia, make sure the facility is accredited by a recognized group.
- Find out about expected complications
- Learn about the recovery time
