A surgical cosmetic procedure is a serious thing, and it should not be taken lightly. We all change our minds about plenty of things as we get older and wiser. That’s why it’s so important to be sure you’re ready to undergo the particular procedure you’re considering and can commit to its results for life. The importance of ignoring plastic surgery fads is discussed below.
One crucial safeguard in the decision-making process should be your cosmetic surgeon. During the consultation phase, it’s his or her job to get a sense of your motivations for undergoing the procedure, assess if you’re a good candidate, find out if you have realistic expectations of the outcome, and ensure that the procedure is a good idea for you. Beware of any plastic surgeon who seems too eager to get you in the operating room.
Here are 4 questions to ask yourself about a particular procedure to assess whether it’s a good long-term option for you, rather than a short-term impulse.
- Did the procedure exist 10 years ago? If a procedure is less than 10 years old, it may be a fad. This isn’t always the case, but in general, you should approach newer procedures with more caution than ones that have stood the test of time.
- Has the procedure been approved by the FDA? Though it sometimes has cumbersome hoops that new procedures have to jump through, FDA approval is a good indicator that a procedure has been proven as safe.
- Does the procedure agree with centuries-old aesthetic standards? Sometimes, a certain type of cosmetic procedure is taken to its limit. Think of excessively large breast implants that are big enough to cause discomfort and back pain. Before undergoing a procedure, ask yourself if it agrees with general aesthetic standards. If not, you may have a fad on your hands.
- How long have I wanted the procedure? There is no right answer to this question, because people make decisions differently. It may take someone several years to decide they want to go through with a procedure, while another person may come to the same decision in a month. The important thing is that it feels like the right amount of time for you, and that you don’t feel rushed in your decision to get the procedure.
Sometimes, a procedure may be relatively new but not be a fad. For instance, buttock implants are currently having a moment, and have been for the past 10 years or so. However, when executed well to match the patient’s physique, there’s nothing to say that these procedures are a fad and aren’t instead a change in the aesthetic ideals of our society.
If you’re on the fence about a particular procedure, that may be reason enough to hold off. You should be absolutely sure before you commit to any cosmetic procedure. Don’t hesitate to use your plastic surgeon as a resource as well. Surgeons have a lot of experience consulting with patients, and know where trends are headed. Your doctor should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Have a question about a particular procedure? Reach out to us today to set up a consultation and speak with Dr. Ghaderi!
