How to Avoid Bad Plastic Surgery - Ten Precautionary Steps

Cosmetic plastic surgery can produce wonderful transformation in appearance that results in greater feelings of self worth and self confidence. However notwithstanding the obvious benefits, there is the possibility of surgeries not going the way you intended.

The good news is that there is much that you can do to avoid 'plastic surgery gone bad'. If you are thinking of going for it, here are some practical things you can do to ensure you do not experience any untoward incidences.

1. Ask if your doctor is registered on the country's National Specialist Register.

Plastic surgery is a specialist field that a normal general practitioner is not qualified to perform. Hence you must ensure that the surgeon is formally certified by the country's Ministry of Health. For example in Malaysia, surgeons should be certified by the Malaysian National Specialist Register or be a member of the Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and CranioMaxillofacial Surgeons. This ensures that the surgeon specializes in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, has years of cosmetic surgery training, undergone extensive examinations and established the necessary competence in the surgical specialty.

2. Verify that your Doctor specializes in the procedure you're seeking.

A plastic surgeon whose specialty is hand surgery may not be the best choice to give you a breast augmentation.

3. Your expectations should be realistic.

What you envisage your appearance to be like after the operation may very well be unattainable for legitimate reasons. Examine your personal motives and be realistic.

4. Make sure that your physical and emotional health is good.

A competent plastic surgeon would give you a thorough examination of your past and present physical health and check your emotional health and motives for wanting this procedure. As with any type of operation, this requirement is non-negotiable.

5. Stop smoking if you are a smoker.

Smoking causes vascular constriction which means the blood flow to the skin is restricted. This slows down healing considerably. Thus, smoking can lead to complications and poses a hindrance to achieving the desired result through plastic surgery. Even if you cannot quit for good, abstaining from smoking for two weeks before and after the procedure is a MUST.

6. Choose a well-equipped hospital for your surgery rather than a clinic.

Clinics may not have enough of the necessary equipment or personnel needed for any complications that may arise during surgery. A well-equipped Medical Center is advised.

7. Consult at least one more physician.

There is safety in numbers. Too many less-than-qualified physicians seek to entice patients in this field with their slick promises and cut-low rates. They can sound very convincing. Be wary and at the very least, ensure that they are Board Certified in plastic surgery.

8. Get pictures and testimonials.

Any experienced surgeon with a good track record will be able to show you pictures and testimonials of former patients. It would be a good idea to see if you can speak with ex-patients.

9. Be certain you understand the costs of cosmetic surgery.

A surgeon offering a cut-low rate may not be suitably qualified. If you are considering leaving the United States for cheaper operations, you need to check whether that country adheres to an acceptable standard of medical practice. And if so, you still need to calculate all costs including air fare, hotel, meals, etc.

Also, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually not covered by medical insurance, unless they are for health-related reasons. For those on a limited budget, it is important to think about whether paying for such procedures will leave you so financially strapped that the benefits you get out of it are not worth it.

10. Be aware of the risks of plastic surgery.

All surgeries carry risks. Among the risks are infections, reaction to medications, blood clots, respiratory difficulties etc. Plastic surgery is no different. A good surgeon will inform you of all these and tell you how to avoid or minimize such risks.

11. Simultaneous multiple surgical procedures are best advised by your surgeon.

The more complicated the procedure, the higher the risks. If such an operation is absolutely necessary, your surgeon will discuss it with you.

12. Make sure you adhere to ALL the post-surgery instructions given by your surgeon.

The operational procedure ends after the surgery but the follow-up procedure that happens after that is just as important. A thorough follow-up treatment will ensure the best results of the procedure. And this can only happen if you strictly follow your surgeon's post-operation instructions.

If you bear in mind all the above information, it will greatly increase your chances of having a wonderful new you and help you avoid a bad plastic surgery outcome.

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By Dr. Charles Lee