Plastic Surgery Advice & Information
How Much Plastic Surgery Do You Need?
When you bring up the topic of cosmetic plastic surgery most people immediately think of a face lift.
This is not surprising, as face lifts are one of the most common cosmetic procedures people undergo.
A face lift can be a great way to make you look 10-15 years younger if you have deep wrinkles, sagging cheekbones, loss of definition in the jaw line and/or a sagging neck.
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Not everyone however requires a full face lift. For example, if your eyes look tired or droopy or you have bags underneath your eyes then cosmetic eyelid surgery may be all you need.
This type of plastic surgery can help to improve the appearance of your eyes and the surrounding skin area, making you look brighter, rested and more refreshed.
Forehead Lift
Some people may have a wrinkled forehead, and so rather than getting a full face lift they may only need a forehead lift, or brow lift.
Such procedures can help to eliminate or reduce deep frown lines, sagging eyebrows, a low brow line and furrows between the eyebrows.
The result is an improvement in your appearance which makes you look younger and more alert.
Facial Implants
If the shape of your face is of concern to you then you may consider facial implants. There are implants for virtually every area of your face, such as chin, jaw and cheek implants.
Facial implants can help to make certain areas of your face more prominent, or help to even out uneven areas of your face.
Overall, facial implants will help your face to look more symmetrical, which many experts agree is an important determinant of how attractive a person is perceived to be by others.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
The nose sits in the center of your face, so it is something that tends to get a lot of attention.
If your nose seems too big, or misshaped, then plastic surgery for the nose, also called rhinoplasty or a nose job, can be an excellent way to significantly improve your overall appearance and boost your confidence levels when meeting and dealing with other people.
When Is The Right Time To Have Plastic Surgery?
As a general rule if you look older than your age, or your looks are negatively affecting your confidence / levels of self esteem, then you can undergo plastic surgery at any age on any part of your body or face.
For example, most face lifts and forehead lifts are carried out on people aged 40-60, whilst most rhinoplasty is done on people aged 20-30.
But just because you reach a certain age doesn’t necessarily mean you need a particular procedure.
People age at different rates, so whilst one person may require an eyelid lift in their 30s, someone else may require it in their 40s.
The major reasons for this variation is due to your genetics, your lifestyle and your skin care routine. The better you look after your body and skin, the later you will require plastic surgery, if any.
Plastic Surgery For Teenagers
One thing that is important to note is the issue of plastic surgery for teenagers. Plastic surgery is generally not recommended for people aged under 20.
The reason being is that the body is still growing, so any surgery you have done is not going to give you the best results in the long run.
You can however understand why teenagers would want plastic surgery, as there is much social pressure on them to look like the beautiful models and actors they see on TV.
So it comes as no surprise that breast implants and rhinoplasty are the two biggest cosmetic procedures carried out by teenagers.
Factors Affecting Plastic Surgery
If you do decide to undergo plastic surgery, there are certain things you should be aware of which may cause complications when you undergo surgery.
Below you will find a list of some of the most important.
Health Issues Affecting Cosmetic Surgery
Before you undergo plastic surgery you will have to undergo a series of tests to determine your current level of health.
This will also include an investigation into your health history, such as any surgeries you have had in the past, any current medical conditions and treatments you may have received.
Of course it is possible not to be truthful about such matters, however it is in your own best interest to tell your surgeon as much as you can to avoid complications later on and to ensure your surgeon can provide you with the best treatment.
Medications Affecting Cosmetic Surgery
If you are taking any form of medication it is extremely important you tell your surgeon about them.
Some medications for example can affect how much you bleed, which if the surgeon is not aware of beforehand could prove to be life threatening.
You should also disclose to your surgeon any vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking, as they may interact with any anesthetic you are given which could cause complications later on.
If your surgeon asks you to stop taking any medication or supplements before your surgery, make sure you do so.
Your Weight & Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is often carried out to make people look thinner than they currently are.
But if you are currently overweight and are planning to lose weight because you are on a diet, it is best if you tell your surgeon about this beforehand.
Your surgeon may recommend waiting until you have lost the weight before carrying out the surgery, because losing the weight after your surgery may negatively affect the results you get.
For example, if you are getting a facial procedure done it is always best to get such a procedure done after you have lost the weight.
Medical Conditions & Plastic Surgery
Certain medical conditions may alter the way in which your surgeon carries out a procedure on you.
It is extremely important therefore that you inform your surgeon about conditions such as blood clotting problems, heart problems, allergies, eye disease and diabetes.
Smoking & Cosmetic Surgery
If you are a smoker it is up to you whether you continue smoking before and after your surgery.
However be aware that smoking restricts blood flow through the body, which subsequently affects the rate at which the body heals itself.
So if you do smoke before and after your cosmetic procedure, you are unlikely to get as good results as a non smoker would.
