Is plastic surgery right for me?
So you’re considering a cosmetic procedure? This can be an extremely exciting process! But planning your surgery or treatment also comes with many important details to consider. After reviewing the fine print, you may catch yourself wondering if this is the right decision for you. Here are some points to keep in mind when considering a cosmetic procedure:
1. Is this something YOU want?
You should never undergo an aesthetic procedure if you feel pressured to. This could be societal pressure or even interpersonal pressure. If you love the way you look, hold your head up high and own it! Uniquity defines beauty––not ubiquity!
A partner or loved one should never pressure you or be the reason you decide to permanently alter your appearance. Those who truly matter will love and appreciate you for your authentic self.
Conversely, if you want a cosmetic procedure because you think the opposite sex will want you more, or that you’ll be more attractive in the eyes of another person, you should think twice before going under the knife. Say it with me: “Self-confidence is sexy!” Other people shouldn’t be the key factor in pursuing a cosmetic procedure.
Side note: It’s important to remember cosmetic procedures are elective. As Dr. Lee likes to say, “It’s not like your appendix is bursting!” Give yourself time to think over such a big decision as opposed to jumping into a commitment you’re not entirely sure you want yet.
2. Does this physical attribute physically or emotionally exhaust you?
Sometimes procedures that are classified as cosmetic are integral to your mental and physical health!
On a physical level, does this attribute literally pain you or weigh you down? Maybe this physical attribute is a painful cyst, or maybe your breasts are much too large and heavy for your figure. A great example of a health-related cosmetic alteration is breast reduction. Although breast reduction surgery is often considered cosmetic, the surgery can avoid long-term health-related consequences that arise from oversized breasts, including chronic back pain, rashes beneath the breasts, nerve pain, etc.
On an emotional level, is your self-confidence diminished every time you see this feature staring back at you in the mirror? Does this feature impact your daily routine at all?
We should never be so affected by a particular feature that it changes the way we live our lives. The daily routines that some of us implement to hide a part of ourselves can become energy and time consuming! This could look like binding your chest every morning because it doesn’t align with your sexual identity or feeling compelled to wear makeup, baggy clothes, or certain accessories every single day to camouflage a certain feature. If this description reminds you of a ritual in your daily routine, it may be time to consider plastic surgery.
3. Are you realistic about the results?
It’s important to have realistic expectations from the start of your aesthetic journey. Your results may be transformative, but not necessarily miraculous. With that said, you should also keep in mind that your final result will not be an overnight process! Quality aesthetic procedures take time and proper aftercare to heal. The final results typically aren’t seen until 1-year post-op.
Aesthetic procedures can not only transform your look––it can potentially boost your confidence as well. (But the key word here is boost, not give.) Therefore, it’s important that you have a sense of self-confidence before the procedure too! If you want to change your appearance because you think it will transform how you feel on the inside, plastic surgery might not be the best option for you.
4. Are you financially prepared to pay for a cosmetic procedure?
A good question to ask yourself is if you are fiscally ready to take on the associated fees of an aesthetic procedure. If you’re hoping that your insurance company can be billed for your cosmetic procedure, you may want to put the brakes on that surgery you have scheduled next month!
The truth is: most cosmetic practices are considered out-of-network for insurance purposes, including us. Surgery fees must be paid out-of-pocket prior to surgery but we do encourage clients to submit a claim for reimbursement. Insurance policies are ever-changing––so there is no guarantee that you will receive reimbursement.
It’s no secret that cosmetic procedures can be costly. So if insurance coverage is an option, be sure to strategize with your insurance provider (i.e. “How much will I be reimbursed?”, “How likely is it that I’ll be reimbursed?”) before making any major financial decisions! A good rule of thumb is to be sure you are fully prepared to pay for the entire procedure if all else fails.
Luckily, there are also financing options available to help lessen the load of upfront costs! Our office is affiliated with CareCredit and Alphaeon. If you’re interested, contact a CareCredit or Alphaeon representative today to see how much credit you qualify for!
5. Have you scheduled an initial consultation yet?
The final checkpoint in affirming whether plastic surgery is right for you is booking your initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Michelle Lee! During this time, your doctor can get to know you and your needs and will formulate a treatment plan that’s right for you. It’s important to voice your concerns and to be completely transparent when speaking with your plastic surgeon so that you both are on the same page in terms of goals and expectations.
We know it can be daunting verbalizing your biggest insecurities to an absolute stranger. But really, there’s no need to be embarrassed or beat around the bush––trust us, they’ve heard it all!
Some important qualifications you should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon include:
- Are they board-certified?
- Have they studied at prestigious medical institutions?
- Do they have positive reviews on platforms such as Yelp, Google, RealSelf, etc.?
- Do they specialize in the procedure you’re consulting about?
- Do they have an appropriate bedside manner?
- Do they seem mainly financially-motivated or are they motivated to operate on you for the right reasons?
- Do your goals align with their treatment plan?
If you think plastic surgery is the right option for you, give our office a call at (310) 400-6180 or email [email protected] to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Michelle Lee today!
