8 Simple Surgery Mistakes
We have all heard those horror stories or seen the pictures, but you would be surprised how often people make simple mistakes that can let them be that person, often it is not the clinicians fault – crazy weird side effects can happen – so you should be as informed as possible. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when considering plastic surgery or a cosmetic procedure.
MISTAKE NO. 1: BAD SCARRING
Many people believe that the only factor in a scar is the surgeon’s skill. Yes the more skilled the surgeon, the more trained – the risk is reduced; however a lot of the time it is down to the individual person. How a person prepares for surgery, and how they care for their wound post surgery influences the overall success. Also the darker your complexion, the higher the risk of developing discoloured scars etc.
MISTAKE NO. 2: NOT CHECKING YOUR CLINICIANS EXPERIENCE OR QUALIFICATIONS
In Australia the cosmetic and plastic surgery market is generally unregulated, meaning any registered medical professional or person who is supervised by a medical professional can perform cosmetic procedures. General Practitioners can perform the same procedures as Plastic Surgeons.
Although under Australian law, only registered medical professionals can prescribe Botox or Dysport.
MISTAKE NO. 3: NOT KNOWING WHERE TO START LOOKING
Marketing is one way to introduce you to a clinician, but should not be the only determining factor why you choose them. Asking friends, family and other health care professional for advice including your GP, is a good way to ensure you are making a well informed decision on who is right for you. Remember if it sounds to good to be true – it probably is.
MISTAKE NO. 4: FORGETTING TO ASK ABOUT POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
There are risks associated with all procedures and things can go wrong. The more knowledge and better understanding you have of any risks involved, the better informed decision you can make.
Not everything works immediately and healing does take time, the swelling and bruising can take a some time to dissipate.
MISTAKE NO. 5: FAILING TO DISCLOSE EVERYTHING
Clinicians are not there to judge you, they just want you to get the best result possible, and reduce the complication risk. If you are a smoker, some plastic surgeons will not operate on you. Heavy smokers have low oxygen content in the blood, so when they have any type of cosmetic surgery that requires a pull or lift, like a breast or face lift, they suffer from poor wound healing, wound separation, or the skin can become necrotic, turning black and dying.
Many people don’t realise dietary supplements can affect the way their body reacts to anesthesia, and that a bad drug/supplement interaction can kill them. Diet pills and over-the-counter stimulants like metabolic enhancers and fat burners make the heart muscle irritable and can cause cardiac arrest. Even simple things
MISTAKE NO. 6: SKIMPING ON THE PRICE TAG
The next time you see Plastic Surgeon advertising discounted surgery, ask yourself “Why”? There is no bigger investment that you will make in your life than choosing the right, talented plastic surgeon to work with. Yes, cost is a definitely a factor – just don’t let it be a determining factor. Why needlessly risk the consequences of living a life filled with regret? You can’t put a price on your health – or your looks.
MISTAKE NO. 7: GETTING SURGERY FOR THE WRONG REASONS
Yes it can help improve your self-confidence, your self-image, and improve your functionality, but you have to undertake a cosmetic procedure for you.
Having realistic goals, and being emotionally ready for surgery, not only gets the best outcomes, it also leads to faster healing times.
MISTAKE NO. 8: CHOOSING A SURGEON WITH WHOM YOU DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE
If you don’t feel quite right – then don’t do it.
I always advise that people should visit 3 surgeons before surgery – not only for an opinion and a quote, but to also see whom you feel comfortable with.
