Questions To Ask Before Choosing Cosmetic Surgery

 Cosmetic surgery is a big decision, and it’s definitely not one most people take lightly - by the time it happens, you’ve probably thought about it for a while, looked at photos, read forums, and maybe even had a consultation or two. But it’s still easy to get caught up in the idea of the result and forget to think about how it all happens, which is why it’s best to slow down and ask the right questions first. With that in mind, here are some of the questions it makes sense to ask. 

Photo by karelys Ruiz on Unsplash

Why Do I Want This Procedure?

This is the first and probably most important question. Are you doing it for yourself or because you’re feeling lots of pressure from social media, a partner, or unrealistic beauty standards you’ll see essentially everywhere? 

There’s definitely no shame in wanting to change something, but it helps to be honest about why you’re doing it, and if the reason feels good, and it’s personal, you’ll probably feel more confident with your decision. 

What Are The Risks And Recovery Like?

Every procedure comes with risks and downtime, even if it’s common and well-established, so it’s wise to ask your surgeon about any potential complications, scarring, pain levels, and how long recovery usually takes. 

You’ll also want to know what day-to-day life is going to be like while you recover - will you need help at home? Will you have to take time off work (and how much)? Are there limits on exercising? All these practical details are important, and knowing about them in advance means you can plan everything out and ensure recovery is as smooth as possible. 

Who’s Performing The Surgery?

Not all surgeons are equal, and credentials and qualifications are going to make all the difference, so make sure you ask about them, and about experience, and how often they perform whatever procedure it is you’ve chosen. 

On top of that, look for before and after photos of their actual patients and read reviews if you can so you get a true picture of who they are and how they work, not to mention what their outcomes are. Feeling comfortable and trusting your surgeon is essential, and asking these questions will help you make the right choice. 

What Will It Really Cost? 

Costs can actually be more than the surgery itself, so just because you’ve got a figure for that, it might not be everything you’ll need to pay. After all, there are various consultations, anaesthesia, facility fees, aftercare clothing, medication, and follow-up appointments to take into account. 

In some cases, certain procedures can be partially covered, like breast reduction via insurance (PPO), depending on the medical criteria. It’s worth asking both your surgeon and your insurance company what’s going to be covered and what isn’t. 

Am I Prepared For The Emotional Side?

Cosmetic surgery can affect how you feel emotionally, not just physically, and some people feel an immediate boost in confidence, while others need a bit more time to adjust to the changes.

In the end, it’s totally normal to have mixed feelings, and it’s okay to talk about that with your surgeon, a therapist, or friends and family ahead of time to ensure you know what you’re getting into. That way, everything’s covered.