Are you ready for plastic surgery?
Are you ready for plastic surgery?
Fact: The most popular plastic surgery in America is breast augmentation. The most popular procedures in 2002 were: breast augmentation, lipoplasty, eye lid surgery, nose reshaping.
Questions About Plastic Surgery
Have you carefully thought about the reasons why you are considering plastic surgery? Have you chosen the procedure you want? Have you researched the process and risks of this procedure on the internet, at the library, with your doctor? Is this something you have been wanting to do a long time or did you just recently decide to do it? Maybe you are still just thinking about plastic surgery.
As a psychotherapist, I talk to a lot of women who believe that having a surgical procedure will increase their self-esteem and make them feel much better when they go out into the world. When you are happy with you are and what you are doing with your life...this can be true. You may just want to tweak something that has been bothering you since you were young.
Or you may want to change something that has defined how you feel about yourself-- and in that case plastic surgery may not be the best solution. If you think a surgical procedure is the key to making you feel about yourself-- you are probably misleading yourself.
There have been many, many women including successful models who have had various plastic surgery procedures and still are not satisfied. Most self satisfaction must come from within. What is your value system? Do you live by that system? What are your accomplishments? Who are your friends? What have you contributed to this life? What do you think your family and friends will say about you when you are gone? How do you define success?
Still think you are ready for plastic surgery? Know the facts. Although many people are satisfied with the results of their plastic surgery -there are just as many who regret it, and there are serious risks...
Risks of plastic surgery
1. Multiple procedures performed at the same time may increase the risks of surgery.
2. There are risks associated with anesthesia, analgesics and antibiotics.
3. Smokers are at greater risk of complications including delayed wound healing, skin loss, scarring, and poor surgical outcome.
4. Another risk is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a formulation of blood clots in the veins, and pulmonary embolism (PE) which is a blood clot that goes to the lungs preventing the lungs from exchanging air.
5. General anesthesia and prolonged operating time appear to increase the risk of DVT.
6. Both DVT and PE are unpredictable and can occur outside the surgery. Things such as certain medical conditions or periods of immobilization (like long airplane flights) can bring on DVT or PE.
Talk About Plastic Surgery
The best thing to do before deciding on any procedure is research and discussion. Thoroughly research your procedure and your physician. Look for the best doctor in your area and for your procedure-- not the most economical. Talk to someone whose opinion you respect and who you trust. Tell them that you are considering the procedure, read about the pros and cons, and ask "what do you think"?
If you aren't sure if you are making the right decision for you, you may want to talk to a professional about your thoughts on plastic surgery. Are you doing this for the right reasons? Is your family supportive? Can you afford it? Will you be able to take time off of work to heal and recuperate?
Discuss your answers to these questions and more with a counselor at www.GirlShrink.com. Private and confidential email, chat, and telephone sessions are available.
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, writer, and speaker. She has been helping clients with all types of life issues since 1998. She is the Founder and Director of www.GirlShrink.com, a site that offers expert online advice, counseling and coaching for women on a variety of issues regarding mental health, money, health and relationships. Get information about our services or free resources by Clicking Here.
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