DO YOU NEED COSMETIC SURGERY ?

The question that most people begin to hear once they tell others about their decision to have cosmetic surgery is whether or not they need it in the first place.  And while there may not be a clear answer or a 'right' answer for this question, there are three individual answers that can occur.  Where might you fit in?

Yes, I do need it

In some cases, a patient will know for certain what they want for their body and exactly what they need to do to get it.  And in other cases, the person might truly need the surgery in order to get by in their everyday lives.

Those who have a gastric bypass surgery, for example, often lose weight so quickly that their skin can not adapt to the ever-shrinking body.  This weight loss is great for the patient's health, but severely damages their self esteem when they see large flaps of skin that remain behind.

The only way to remove these flaps of skin is through cosmetic surgery, so in these cases, it seems that 'yes' is the best answer.

In other cases, medical reasons like cancer, infections, illnesses, and deformities necessitate certain cosmetic procedures. 

There are other people who might need to have cosmetic surgery because of a condition that is hindering their quality of life.  For example, those who might have too large of breasts might need a reduction to help them lessen back pain or shoulder troubles.

No, I don't need it

Also know as elective cosmetic surgery procedures, those who actually don't need to have cosmetic surgery are generally a fairly larger group.  This is why it's essential that plastic surgeons carefully screen the patients that they see for consultations.

When someone doesn't actually need the surgery, they may not take the risks and the after care instructions as seriously as they need to.  This will result in lesser results than were expected.

Others that might not require cosmetic surgery may not see the drastic results that they envision in their mind.  This can lead to general dissatisfaction in their appearance as the surgery didn't change all of their flaws.

Those who are younger may also fall into the category of 'no.' Since the human body changes and grows through the teenage and the young adult years, it might be best to wait for the growing to stop before assessing the need for cosmetic surgery.

Patients who want to radically change their appearance are generally not the best candidates for cosmetic surgery (seen Michael Jackson lately?).  When you want to have multiple procedures in order to create the 'perfect' body, you will never be satisfied, which may not make you the best person to receive plastic surgery.

Maybe now, maybe later

Those who are on the fence about cosmetic surgery will constantly go back and forth about whether they actually need cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance.  There may be very good reasons for them to have the surgery, but on the other hand, they realize that they might not be the best candidate at this point in their life right now.

For example, patients who aren't in great health or who have busy schedules might want to wait for a more appropriate time of their lives.

These patients might have procedures in mind that their body may not need yet too.  Those who might want to have liposuction may want to try to diet and exercise first before they have the actual procedure.  They may very well be able to lose the weight and shrink their bodies on their own, after all.

Or those who are looking to create a more youthful appearance might want to wait until they are a bit older and actually showing their age as much as they think they might be.

Making the final call

In the end, it's actually not up to the patient to decide whether or not they need plastic surgery in the first place – that decision is up to surgeon who will perform the surgery.

Doctors have become more careful about selecting the candidates that will be best for the surgery.  They need to weight not only the anticipated results and satisfaction, but also the probability of the surgery progressing without complications.

By sitting down with a surgeon and discussing the ways they will be able to help the patient, the two will find out what the overall goals are and how that will work for both parties.  The doctor can point out the potential results of the surgery by showing pictures of the past patients they have had and how their surgeries have turned out – but this is not a guarantee that you will get the same results.

Through a series of questions, the doctor will assess the need for the surgery.  While they want to get your business, your health and your happiness are more important.  At the same time, a doctor might refer you to someone else they know who might be able to specifically address your concerns.

In the end, if a patient gets a 'no' from a doctor, this is probably the best decision for the patient – at that time. Ask why the surgery isn't a good idea and whether it might be in the future.  From the doctor's answer, you might be able to find out how to ready yourself for a future procedure.

Of course, you can always find a surgeon that will tell you 'yes,' but often these will be doctors who aren't as concerned about your health and your results.  This is why it's so important to realize for yourself whether or not you actually need the surgery.

Deep down, you probably already know that you don't need the surgery, so why risk your health for something you can't change in the end?