After you’ve decided you’re interested in a particular cosmetic procedure, the next thing to decide is when you should have it done. This decision involves everything from lifestyle factors, to financial considerations, to other reasons that may be unique to your case. Be very, very skeptical of a cosmetic surgeon who tries to encourage you to get a procedure done as soon as possible. Here are four scenarios in which the right decision may be to wait:
- You’re planning to have kids in the next couple of years. Pregnancy and breastfeeding frequently cause dramatic changes to your body. It’s typical to gain weight during the pregnancy but then lose it when your body is actively producing nutrients for the breastfeeding process. Many women also report that even after returning to their pre-pregnancy weight, the distribution of weight around their body is a little different after the pregnancy. For these reasons, if you’ve been thinking about a liposuction or tummy tuck procedure but think you may be having a child in the next couple of years, you may be better off waiting until after the pregnancy and breastfeeding to get these procedures done.
- You’re experiencing weight loss or weight gain. To look its best, a cosmetic procedure should be done on a body that’s fairly stable. So, if your weight is currently fluctuating, you may want to wait for it to stabilize before going in for the procedure. As an aside, if you’re having trouble with weight fluctuation, our on-staff registered dietician may be able to help you figure out a diet and exercise plan that works for you.
- Your body part has not fully developed. We’ve heard some inquiries from parents whose teens may be interested in a particular procedure. As a general rule, we discourage cosmetic surgery, because a teenager’s body is still changing—it makes the most sense to wait until the body has fully developed before moving forward with a procedure.
- When the procedure is new, or you’re new to the procedure. We tend to be inherently excitable creatures. If you hear about a brand new type of procedure, you may be excited to jump on the bandwagon and get it done. Or, maybe it’s a well-established procedure, but you’ve only really been thinking about getting it done over the past couple of weeks. In either case, you owe it to yourself to slow down and carefully consider whether your desire for the procedure is a rational, long-term decision (as it should be) or just some short-term excitement. Use your plastic surgeon as a sounding board if you’re not sure about something. He or she should be able to give you an experienced take on why you should proceed or wait.
Do you have a question about whether you should move forward with a procedure or wait? Contact us today to set up a consultation!
