Am I Healthy Enough for Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery can be a great way to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, but it is vital to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure.
Your health and safety should always be a priority, so consider your health status before any procedure to ensure you are in the best possible condition. Here are some critical things to consider before you make your decision.
Good Physical Health is Vital
The desire to look and feel your best is at the core of plastic surgery and related procedures. While cosmetic surgery can help you reach your goals, maintaining good physical health is the best way to achieve your desired look. By giving your body the nutrients it needs, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest, you will put yourself in an optimal position for successful surgical outcomes.
For instance, you will need to be at a relatively healthy weight before a physician considers performing surgery. For those who are too heavy, excess weight can lead to complications during surgery and post-surgery recovery. Alternatively, those who are too thin risk experiencing complications from anesthesia, including excessive bleeding.
Both being under and overweight can be problematic when it comes to undergoing anesthesia. For example, being overweight can make it difficult to determine the proper dose of anesthesia and also make it difficult to locate veins to deliver this medicine. It can also lead to an increased risk of breathing problems and make it difficult to place a breathing tube to ensure you receive enough oxygen throughout the procedure.
Being too thin also comes with surgical procedures and anesthesia risks, including a higher risk of bleeding due to anemia, a greater risk of unplanned cardiac operation, and even death.
Anesthesia is also harder to administer to an underweight patient because standard dosages do not always work. Underweight people often require smaller doses of anesthesia because they are more sensitive to it. This can run the risk of not getting enough (or too much) anesthesia, which can lead to complications such as difficulty breathing, difficulty maintaining body temperature, and a greater risk of unintended intraoperative awareness (a state of being awake during the procedure due to an inadequate dose of anesthesia).
Good Mental Health is Just as Crucial
Having good mental health before undergoing a cosmetic procedure is just as important as having a healthy physical body. Mental health affects how we feel, think, and act and can hugely impact our overall well-being.
Positive mental health can help reduce the risk of developing mental health complications, such as body dysmorphia, which negatively affects how you perceive yourself.
Taking the time to address any mental health issues before undergoing a cosmetic procedure is essential to ensure a successful outcome.
Cosmetic Surgery is a Personal Decision
Ultimately, it is essential to consider all potential risks and benefits before deciding to undergo a cosmetic procedure. With the proper preparation and the help of a qualified and experienced professional, you can make an informed decision that will leave you feeling confident in your new look.
Wondering if you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure? Contact our office today for a consultation.