Introduction
Cosmetic surgery has often been considered to be the forte of the elite. In the past there has been some exclusivity associated with ‘going under the knife’. Some people do not even mind attaching some stigma to getting a cosmetic procedure done. But, now the times have changed and so has the perception of people regarding the various cosmetic procedures that are now available.
Modern cosmetic surgical procedures can make any person look like what they wish to be. As cosmetic surgery is increasingly becoming non- invasive, more and more common people, not just celebrities are opting for getting their desires fulfilled with the help of cosmetic surgery. There is a solution to practically all cosmetic problems and this means that today no one has to live their life being too self- conscious or with low self- esteem.
One thing to understand here is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Almost all of us use these two terms interchangeably. Cosmetic surgery is done to enhance a person’s features by making changes to them in their current state. Whereas plastic surgery is mostly done for the purpose of repairing or reconstructing various body’s parts of a patient which may be abnormal or damaged due to trauma, cancer or congenital defects. With both the disciplines though, the desired outcome is the same and that is to enhance a person’s overall looks. Plastic surgery may include various surgeries as reconstructive surgery after cancer, craniofacial surgery etc.
Cosmetic surgery on the other hand is done mostly to alleviate signs of ageing or correct some existing features of the face. Cosmetic surgical procedure can be surgical as well as non- surgical procedures. Non- surgical procedures may include use of derma fillers, Botox, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion etc. Surgical procedure may include rhinoplasty, abdominopasty etc.
Both cosmetic as well as plastic surgery can bring about definite permanent changes to one’s body. In most cases these changes are irreversible therefore a person should think well before undergoing such procedures. Also communicating with a good cosmetic surgeon is also important to understand everything about cosmetic surgery.
Preparing for a cosmetic surgery:-
Any person who wishes to undergo cosmetic surgery should be very clear bout certain facts that are associated with cosmetic surgical procedures. Although these procedures can be greatly helpful in bringing about changes in one’s appearance they have their own limitations. They help in enhancement of feature and cannot change them completely. Therefore, before undergoing any cosmetic surgical procedure it is important to realistically understand about what to expect from the procedure. Cosmetic surgical procedures do not just change a person physically but can bring about mental changes as well. Therefore it is very important to understand fully the implications as well as the advantages of the procedure. Communication with the chosen cosmetic surgeon is extremely important to be comfortable with the entire procedure.
Precautions to be taken before the surgery:-
There are some pre- operative precautions that should be taken to avoid any complication before and after the surgery. A patient should completely refrain from smoking and the use of other tobacco products. High nicotine levels in the blood can lead to complications during the surgery. Smoking can also become a problem when the patient is given anaesthesia. No blood thinners should be taken for at least a month prior to the surgery. The patient should try to lead a healthy lifestyle before the surgery and be mentally prepared as well.
Risks associated with cosmetic surgery:-
Cosmetic surgical procedures can be invasive as well as non- invasive. But, a very important thing to remember here is that even cosmetic surgery has its own set of risks that are associated with them. Although these risks are rare but their possibility cannot be ruled out completely. To avoid any complication during and after the surgery, and to ensure quick and healthy healing there are some very important things that should be kept in mind.
Firstly, a potential candidate should not hide anything from the cosmetic surgeon. Everything in the medical history should be clearly told to the surgeon. Patients who have had a history of heart diseases, hypertensions etc. are at an increased risk of complications. One of the most common risks is the occurrence of infection at the site of incision. Scarring is also very common. Sometimes due to certain issues, fluid can accumulate under the site of surgery.
Also, a patient should never get influenced by the outcome of a certain similar procedure in some other patient. No two patients are the same. Therefore, two people going under the same procedure will not have identical outcomes. The outcome of a cosmetic surgery depends upon a lot of variables like the patient’s health; age etc. therefore, to understand the procedural outcome it is important to speak to the cosmetic surgeon openly.
