IS PLASTIC SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Many people assume that if they want to enhance some part of their body or face with cosmetic surgery, it's as simple as finding a good surgeon. Very often they give little thought to the emotional aspect of plastic surgery. After all, any change to the body you were born with is going to have an impact on how you view yourself in the future, and while you may think that you'll be happier, because at last you'll have the perfect nose / breasts / thighs, it is worth taking the time to consider whether you are in fact a good candidate for what can be a life-altering procedure - and not only in the ways you may envisage.

Many surgeons nowadays will screen their patients to find out if they are good candidates for plastic surgery, but if you are traveling to another country to undergo your procedure the time constraints may not allow for this. It is therefore advisable that you have an honest look at your own motivation and expectations before embarking in this course of action.

So, are YOU a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

The following check list should help you to answer the question. Be honest with yourself!

Many people have found that plastic surgery has greatly assisted their levels of self-confidence, especially when they alter an area that has been the cause of years of embarrassment. Medical research shows that many people who have been on anti-depressants prior to surgery no longer need them by 6 months after a successful procedure.

Who, then, is not a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

Firstly, on the health front, if you suffer from any serious health conditions you may not be a good candidate for surgery, so discuss these with Dr. Wilkinson at the beginning. During your consultation, she will take a full medical history in any case. Examples of pre-existing conditions that may preclude you from certain surgical procedures are uncontrolled diabetes, any bleeding disorders, severe allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, excessive alcohol or smoking habits.

These and other health matters could lead to complications but there may be ways to improve your risks so do not be afraid to speak openly to Dr. Wilkinson. You also need to tell her of all and any medications and supplements you are taking.

Even if you are physically in good shape, you may still not be an ideal candidate for plastic surgery, and this is where you need to be completely honest with yourself. Ask a close friend to discuss some of these issues with you for further insight into your motivation that you may have not recognised on your own.

Are you:
• In crisis – dealing with death, divorce, retrenchment or any other major upheaval in your life?
• Unrealistic in your expectations - Do you think your whole life will change with a new nose or that you will take
  10 years off your appearance and win back a failed relationship based on that?
• Hard to please – the sort of person who is never satisfied?
• Obsessed over minor imperfections?
• Suffering from mental illness, from depression to severe psychosis?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above it does not mean that you need to rule surgery out forever. You may just need to deal with the issue, for example get through the crisis in your life first, and then you will be in a more stable position to consider surgery.