Top Fears People Have About Getting Plastic Surgery

 

Plastic surgery has become an increasingly popular option for people who are looking to improve their physical appearance. However, despite the growing trend, there are still many individuals who fear getting plastic surgery. This fear can stem from a variety of factors, such as not getting the desired results, complications during the procedure, and the recovery process. In this article, we will explore the reasons why people may fear getting plastic surgery.

 

Not getting results that match expectations

One of the most common fears associated with plastic surgery is not getting the desired results. Patients may have unrealistic expectations or not fully understand what is achievable through surgery. As a result, they may be disappointed with the outcome, even if the surgery was successful. This can lead to dissatisfaction and a feeling of wasted time and money.

It is important to speak with a few plastic surgeons before deciding which one to go with so that you can find someone who commonly does the procedure you want on people who have similar concerns and body type as you.

 

Complications

Like any surgical procedure, plastic surgery carries risks. Patients may worry about potential complications such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. These fears can be magnified if the patient has pre-existing health conditions that may increase the risk of complications.

To prevent complications that can be avoided, it is necessary to disclose all information about your existing medical conditions, drug use (prescription, recreational, and illegal), supplement consumption, smoking, and alcohol use.  Likewise, you must follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter regarding returning to these things once your surgery is complete.

 

Waking up during the procedure

Another common fear associated with plastic surgery is waking up during the procedure. While this is rare, it can happen. Patients may worry about feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure, which can be a frightening experience.

To help keep this from happening, answer your anesthesiologist’s questions honestly, and abstain from any supplements or other substances that are forbidden for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery to ensure they have cleared out from your body.  Many people do not realize that over-the-counter supplements can alter the way that anesthesia is processed in the body which makes waking up during surgery more likely.

 

Bad results – being “botched”

In addition to not getting the desired results, patients may also worry about ending up with a bad result, often referred to as being “botched.” This can happen if the surgeon is not experienced or qualified, or if the patient has unrealistic expectations. A bad result can leave the patient feeling worse about their appearance than before the surgery.

To help make this outcome less likely, be sure to research your plastic surgeon – not on Instagram – but by checking credentials, specific board affiliations, and standing with the local Board of Medicine.

 

Unanticipated costs for revisions

Patients may also worry about unanticipated costs for revisions. While some plastic surgery procedures have a high success rate, there is always the possibility that a revision may be needed. These additional costs can be a source of stress and anxiety for patients.

Always speak with your surgeon beforehand about the policies they have and when they will consider you for a revision if necessary.  Remember that healing takes a good long while and that requests for revisions that are too soon will fall on deaf ears.  Once the surgeon has determined that a revision is necessary, they will take into account whether or not they did enough, too much, or if the reason for the revision falls on the patient for not having followed their post-op instructions.

 

Looking “overdone”

Patients may worry about looking “overdone” after plastic surgery. This can happen if too much surgery is performed, or if the surgeon is not skilled in creating a natural-looking result. People who take care in choosing a surgeon who is skilled in working with people who are similar to them and whose results are consistent tend to come out looking fine.  The necessity of researching your surgeon cannot be overstated.

 

Pain

Like any surgical procedure, plastic surgery can be painful. Patients may worry about experiencing pain during the procedure or during the recovery process. This can be a source of anxiety for some patients.

There are, however, a number of things that can help to mitigate pain.  The first of which is getting a qualified lymphatic therapist to do true lymphatic drainage starting a few days after your procedure.  Do as much research on your therapist as you do on your surgeon.  Ensure they are licensed and have attended an accredited school for lymphatic training.  If they do not have this information on their website, call and ask.  Write down the info and look it up before scheduling with them.  There are many people who are unlicensed and untrained – or who have only had a couple of hours of continuing education online.  Do not go to these people.  They are not qualified and can harm you.

 

Possibility of Death

While rare, there is always the risk of death during any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery. Patients may worry about the potential for complications that could lead to death.

 

Addiction from pain medications

Patients may worry about becoming addicted to pain medications after plastic surgery. While these medications are typically prescribed for short-term use, there is always the risk of developing a dependence on them.

 

The recovery process and time involved

Finally, patients may worry about the recovery process and the time involved. Depending on the procedure, patients may need to take time off work or limit their activities for several weeks or even months. This can be a source of stress and anxiety for some patients.

 

Not having enough time off of work

Related to the previous point, patients may worry about not having enough time off of work to properly recover from their plastic surgery procedure. This can be a source of stress and anxiety, especially if the patient’s job is physically demanding.

 

Judgment from friends and family for being vain

Finally, patients may worry about judgment from friends and family for being vain. Some people may view plastic surgery as an unnecessary or superficial procedure, and may judge those who choose to undergo it.