Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a significant decision that can dramatically alter an individual’s life’s physical and emotional aspects. The procedure requires meticulous planning and a focus on patient well-being, from initial consultations to post-operative follow-up appointments.

Establishing clear goals for your procedure before the initial consultation is essential, as non-specific goals leave room for interpretation and fall short of ideal results.

Choosing a Surgeon

It is essential to take the time to find a surgeon with whom you are comfortable and feel confident. Talk to your family, friends, and other trusted sources for recommendations.

Make sure your surgeon is board-certified in your desired specialty. Also, look for a surgeon like Dr. Joel Aronowitz, with years of experience performing the surgery you need, zero disciplinary actions, and excellent patient reviews.

Once you have narrowed down your list of surgeons, ask to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, your surgeon must ask questions and listen to your concerns. Be wary of surgeons who rush the process or try to pressure you into scheduling a surgery. It’s a significant decision, and you deserve the time to think through it.

Researching Your Surgeon

Informed patients are more likely to get the results they want. Whether a patient is seeking cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, they should seek out multiple surgeons and specialists to consult with. If a doctor doesn’t encourage this, that should be a red flag.

Research procedures, read articles, and gather inspirational photos to communicate what you want to your surgeon. A skilled plastic surgeon should be able to look at your inspirational images and offer guidance about how they can work with your facial structure and features to help you achieve the results you desire. The consultation allows both parties to establish trust and build a solid surgical partnership. You can also use this time to learn more about your surgeon’s credentials and office atmosphere.

Taking Reference Photos

During your consultation, ask your surgeon to show pictures of patients who underwent the procedure you’re considering. A quality set of photos will help you visualize the changes a surgery can achieve and give your surgeon a sense of whether or not your goals align with their eye for beauty.

A skilled plastic surgeon like Joel Aronowitz MD, will have a wide range of images for you to review and should be able to point you toward photos that are a good fit for your face shape, body type, age, and ethnicity. In the end, plastic surgery aims to make you a better version of yourself — not to change you into a Kaley Cuoco face or Angelina Jolie’s lips.

Keep your expectations in check to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience from consultation to recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

Following your surgeon’s medical instructions is essential during the weeks leading up to surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications or supplements, taking prescribed blood thinners, and restricting activity.

Plan a relaxing place at home where you can stay during recovery, and ensure that items like pain medication, tissues, movies, books, and snacks are easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to recruit friends and family for help as you will recover for a while.

Shower thoroughly with antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of your surgery, and wear loose-fitting clothes to the surgical facility. Also, remove fake or acrylic fingernails, which can interfere with monitoring equipment during surgery. Make sure to bring an ID and method of payment with you.

Post-Operative Care

Following your surgeon’s instructions ensures your procedure goes as smoothly and effectively as possible. It is also essential to keep your surgeon informed of any changes in your health, such as a new medication or a change in weight or activity level, as these can affect surgery outcomes.

Some patients require additional support in the days after surgery. This can include transport to and from the hospital, shopping for medication and equipment like aids for daily living and eating, or arranging home help.

Ideally, your surgeon can provide detailed information about post-operative care during the consultation and on your surgery date. This will involve both general and specific guidance based on your particular procedure.