You have looked in the mirror, counted your birthdays, and decided you’d like to try looking younger while you are getting older. You are not alone. In a recent article in Allure magazine, beauty experts stated, “There is one thing everyone agrees on: 84 percent of men and 91 percent of women say that women are under more pressure to look young than men. And, perhaps logically, while 56 percent of women are worried about the physical signs of aging, only 34 percent of men are.” They also stated that “Forty-two percent of women would consider anti-aging injections or plastic surgery.”
If you are among that 42 %, then, this blog is for you. Orlando Cosmetic Surgery Clinic offers you some basic considerations regarding your cosmetic surgery decisions. We call them baby steps. Our four “baby Steps” will help you make decisions before you get your incisions! Make the following considerations and then decide whether or not cosmetic surgery is for you.
Baby Step 1. Consider Your Goals
Research has recently reported that plastic surgery patients “could experience more joy in life, a higher sense of satisfaction and greater self-esteem.” That being said, we also advise you not have outrageous expectations for your surgery. A psychological boost of self confidence, plus a new or renewed physical appearance are probably your motivations for investigating cosmetic surgery.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Margraf, Alexander von Humboldt Professor for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the RUB, investigated the long-term psychological effects of plastic surgery on approximately 550 patients.” Their statistics prove that you are not alone in expecting good results both physically and psychologically from your surgery.
The Group: The research study included three groups: 544 first-time surgery patients, 264 people who had decided against surgery, and on the other hand, 1000 people from the general population who have never been interested in such operations. Only 12 % of the large group listed unrealistic goals.
The Time: Patients were tested before their operations and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after their surgeries and the reports were impressively positive.
“On average, the participants claimed to have achieved their desired goal, and to be satisfied with the results over time. Compared to those who had chosen not to have plastic surgery, the patients felt healthier, were less anxious, had developed more self-esteem and found the operated body feature in particular, but also their body as a whole, more attractive.”
Baby Step 2. Consider Your Daily Schedule: How long do you have to recover?
Today’s cosmetic surgery brings you both surgical and non-surgical alternatives. Realistically, you must expect that more extensive surgery will require more recovery time. You will have to make arrangements for work and family obligations. If your free time is limited, and your concerns are facial, then you might consider non-surgical procedures which require a minimum of recovery time.
Baby Step 3. Consider Your Years: How long do you and your doctor expect results to endure?
Some surgical procedures are once in a lifetime events with long-term results. Others will need to be repeated as your aging process effects your appearance.
Baby Step 4. Consider Your Checkbook: How much can you afford to spend?
Although cosmetic surgery continues to become more affordable every year, keep in mind that some procedures will always be more expensive than others. If you elect non-invasive procedures, like botox, you must also account for repeat sessions, since such treatments typically must be repeated every three to six months.
This could ultimately result in costing more over the course of time, than a long term procedure like a face lift might have cost in the first place. Since we can only address examples in these blogs, and every case presents different alternatives, we suggest you rely on your cosmetic surgeon’s advice about your options.
4. Consider Your Mirror: How much change are you prepared to accept psychologically and socially, in your personal appearance?
According to ASAPS, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “many surgical procedures, like breast implants, offer dramatic results, which will likely be noticed by friends and family.” If you are not prepared for comments about your youthful, new appearance, then perhaps you and your doctor can investigate subtler, non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Please feel free to utilize this website as a reference guide. Click on the home page buttons and you will find pages and blogs on all major cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Whether you are interested in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, or simply injectable fillers, like the liquid face-lift, our qualified experts at Orlando Cosmetic Surgery LLC will discuss your options with consideration and compassion. We’ll help you through these “baby steps.”
