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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.Sometimes being realistic is a challenge, but if you’re considering cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to know what’s possible and more likely to happen. Aligning your expectations with what is really possible makes for a successful surgery. An obese person who wants liposuction to substitute for dieting and good health habits isn’t being realistic. If he imagines that he’ll suddenly have the smooth body of a weightlifter, he’ll be terribly disappointed. But someone who’s already lost massive amounts of weight and wants a body lift to remove the extra skin is more realistic and may be very happy so long as he understands the scarring involved. Be fully informed and accept what your surgeon can and cannot do. Yes, lots of patients call their procedures “miracles,” but remember these are scientific miracles, limited and on a human scale.
You also need to be realistic about your recovery. You can take steps yourself to positively affect your recovery, including being in great physical shape and creating the necessary time and conditions to rest and heal. Don’t imagine that recovery is instantaneous. Your recovery will take time, so plan for it.
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, even with the best of surgeons, things can go wrong or complications arise. You’ll want to know how the practice you’ve chosen handles these situations. Find out what to expect from the doctor, the nurse, or other team members. Also find out in advance what complications are normal for this procedure and whether there’s anything you can do to help prevent them. For example, you’ll want to be completely honest with your surgeon about your health history, the medications you take, drug allergies, other sensitivities, and specific health conditions. Although you may think these things may be unrelated to plastic surgery, let the doctors — the surgeon and anesthesiologist — work with the most information to get you the best result. Many offices handle complications well, wholeheartedly support their patients, and fully resolve any problems. Look for a practice with that motivation and reputation.
If you go by the numbers, your surgical experience will be a happy one. You’ll come through surgery with a normal healing phase and reenter your life feeling better about your appearance and with a better self-image — like you’ve had an emotional facelift.
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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.