Are You a Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

Making the decision to get any type of cosmetic surgery procedure done is a big step. People get plastic surgery procedures done for a number of reasons, but the main reasons are strictly cosmetic, corrective and restorative. The reasons for your desire or interest to get plastic surgery completed can play a big role in whether or not you are a good candidate for plastic surgery.

So first realize which category you are in:

• Cosmetic- This means the purpose of your plastic surgery is strictly to look younger or thinner or to opt for something you feel will make you more attractive. Examples of this could be an eye lift, breast augmentation or rhinoplasty if not being used to correct an issue with your nasal passages. The patients enduring cosmetic surgery for this purpose are hoping that the end result will leave them feeling more confident and better about themselves. This can be the case if someone has an issue such as inadequate breast size or a large nose and it is something they have felt self-conscious about for a long time.
• Corrective - A good example of this would be fixing a crooked nose or otherwise obstructed nasal passage. While the patient may still see cosmetic benefits from the rhinoplasty procedure, the primary focus is actually to be able to breathe easier. This may also be to correct a defect that has been present from birth such as a cleft palette.
• Restorative - Generally restorative cosmetic surgery is intended to restore the patient back to his or her original or earlier state of physical appearance. The reasons for restorative plastic surgery can be cosmetic, corrective or both. This is often used for someone who has suffered a tragedy such as being burned or having lost a breast to cancer. Of course it can also be something more superficial such as having a breast lift to restore the boobs to their original state.

So What Does It Mean?

More than likely, you are aware of which category you fall into from the above choices. The category you are in can have a good bit to do with whether you are a good candidate and whether or not you will be successful in the aftermath should you follow through with a procedure.

Things to keep in mind:

• Cosmetic only can have the highest rate of follow up depression. If people have an issue with some physical aspect of the body and think getting it changed will change their lives or make them feel better about themselves long term, this may be a disappointment. If you are struggling with self-esteem issues, you should address that before getting a breast augmentation and hoping that will cure the problem.
• Be realistic too. Often times men or women go into the procedure thinking the end result will have them posing for the cover of a fashion magazine or starring in the next Hollywood blockbuster. Correcting a bumpy nose or lifting your eyes can certainly improve your appearance, but you are still going to have the same basic face.
• Those who are getting something corrected such as rhinoplasty for better breathing are more likely to not suffer from post-surgery depression. The reason for this is that the end result is a better quality of life and the improved look is a side benefit. Even some women who have had breast implants to reconstruct losing a breast to cancer have reported feeling negatively. Feelings of guilt and depression were reported in some women. Others admitted they had come to accept and appreciate their bodies “as is” and getting a replacement breast did not fill them with a sense of joy.

The best thing you can do is work with a plastic surgeon who can help you understand why you are considering a surgical procedure and determine if the end results will leave you feeling better or worse about yourself.