Is Cosmetic Surgery Right For You?

by: Elizabeth McGee

For most of us, we go through the majority of our lives not even noticing our skin; then one day we wake up and notice we just got older. I remember that day! We might begin to look tired with bags under our eyes, our eyelids look a bit droopier and our cheeks sag a little more than they use to. Perhaps you're getting tired of your thin lips or large nose or maybe you just want a fresher or more glowing look. Unlike years past, more and more people are looking into the option of plastic surgery for making their faces look younger, contouring noses and eyes or getting rid of the extra fat pockets that just won't go away. Did you know that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for about 1.2 million cosmetic procedures in 2004? It's a known fact that men don't want to look any older than women do. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the top 5 cosmetic procedures were: For women: 1 Liposuction 2 Breast Augmentation 3 Eyelid Surgery 4 Facelift 5 Chemical Peel For Men: 1 Nose Reshaping 2 Eyelid Surgery 3 Liposuction 4 Hair Transplantation 5 Breast Reduction The new five-year trending data shows cosmetic procedures are up 24 percent from 2000. So is cosmetic surgery right for you? Well, I can't speak for everyone but there are a few things to note on what to expect. First and foremost, cosmetic surgery is "surgery" and it hurts ...ouch! There is swelling and puffiness immediately after the procedure, so don't expect to look beautiful coming right out of surgery. Understand that a nose job or a face lift won't necessarily make you beautiful and it probably won't change how the world feels about you. In fact, patients have been known to feel a sense of disappointment after their procedures. Because of this it's extremely important to understand how much of a change you can expect. Changes could vary from subtle to extreme. If you're considering plastic surgery try asking yourself these things first: Q: Why do I want cosmetic surgery? Who am I doing this for? A: If it's because your co-worker says you have a big nose or if you think looking more beautiful for your husband will help him pay more attention to you then, you're a poor candidate. Pleasing your co-worker or hoping your husband will be more attentive are poor reasons. A new face, nose or body won't change how others feel about you and if it does, it will be temporary. Q: Can I afford This? A: Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance unless they are health related. If you have to scrape together the thousands of dollars it costs to have a procedure done then you're probably better off looking into non-surgical or less invasive treatments such as Botox, Chemical peels or microdermabrasions. Q: What if the results are not what I expected? A: There's always the chance that expectations won't be met. Be sure you are ready financially and emotionally to undergo more treatment if the results failed to meet your expectations. As with any high cost, risky procedure, be sure to think it through. Don't act on a whim. Discuss the procedure extensively with your doctor as well as with relatives and friends. Get some outside opinions. If you can, talk with people who have had the same procedures done that you are looking into. Talk with them about their experiences and get advice from them on their recommendations. If you're still interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery be sure you are in good health and free from any major health disorders such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. About the author: Elizabeth is an online skin care consultant who features and reviews fine beauty and skincare products. Visit her site at: http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com Circulated by Bandoni Media