first cosmetic procedure

So It’s Your First Cosmetic Procedure

We all do it, but we don’t discuss it. When looking in the mirror, many of us tug at our skin or pout our lips to envision what we might look like with a little cosmetic boost. 

But you can’t hold that pose permanently. You may need a skilled medical professional to lend a hand and elevate your appearance. After all, aging is natural, but we do not need to accept our aesthetic situation. Your skin replenishes itself more slowly as you mature. With the right strategy, you can reverse the hands of time and bring natural, youthful dimensions back to your face and body – no tugging required!

Some of the reasons for cosmetic enhancement surgery include facial asymmetry, sagging skin, persistent wrinkles, or deformed features. For example, if you are dissatisfied with your nose, a rhinoplasty procedure can bring balance back to your face. A plastic surgeon can address redundant skin with a facelift. For a less invasive solution to deflated, depleted skin, you may want to consider the possibility of facial fillers.

The allure of beautification is how individualized it is. Your journey is unique to you. The following will give you a broad overview of what to expect during your first trip to a trusted surgeon.

Empower Your Look

Every significant improvement begins with a simple conversation. You will meet with your physician to discuss the procedures that interest you most. Your doctor will conduct a brief physical exam and assess your medical records, but you must always remember, you are in control of your cosmetic destiny.

No doctor should pressure you into getting an enhancement you don’t want to receive. Every procedure entails its own set of opportunities and challenges, and you deserve honest answers about all of the above. In general, you should plan to quit smoking several weeks before any invasive procedure takes place. Tobacco products drain moisture from the skin, which is counterproductive to your aesthetic journey.

Doctors will tailor the specific instructions for your cosmetic enhancement to your medical history. Your physician may advise you to stop taking certain supplements that increase the risk of bruising or impeding the general healing process. 

The most crucial ingredient of the consultation process is an open dialogue. Ask plenty of questions to reassure yourself about every exact detail of the overall process. After all, a healthy patient is an informed patient.

Build Your Support System

There are two ways to process aesthetics: internally and externally. Most practitioners focus solely on the façade, but that is shortsighted. The reasons for cosmetic improvement must originate from within yourself. Nobody can tell you what to do with your body, so be sure to ask yourself why YOU want to explore your enhancement options, not what anybody else has to say about the matter. 

Studies show that plastic surgery can have a wonderfully positive impact on your quality of life. This belief indicates how you feel about yourself, so only you control its fluctuations. If a cosmetic alteration would deliver the psychological improvement you desire, then you should pursue such a course of action.

You are not alone in your quest to be the best. Once you have decided to follow through with your cosmetic procedure, seek loved ones who can support you through the process. You will need a caregiver to drive you to and from the clinic on the date of your enhancement. They must also watch over you in the coming hours.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure

No matter which level of improvement you decide upon, there are several guidelines to keep in mind for the date of your visit. Mainly, try to be comfortable. Wear loose clothing and skip the makeup. Medical professionals will cleanse the skin around your treatment area regardless, so save those products for another day!

You will meet with your doctor immediately before your procedure to review the details of your case. A great physician will ensure that you are aware of the parameters of your surgery before proceeding.

Don’t Rush Your Recovery

Recovery times vary from procedure to procedure. For example, Botox is considered a “lunchtime” appointment, meaning you can resume your regular daily activities following a series of safe, effective injections. Please allow a few hours for any minor redness to subside. The full effects of Botox may require 4-6 days to appear, and the results can endure for up to four months or longer.

Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, usually entails two weeks of downtime. Your physician may request a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress halfway through the recovery period to adjust or remove any used splints during surgery. 

At the other end of the spectrum, a facelift may require a month of recovery. The procedure involves the gentle removal of excess skin, so your body needs ample time to adapt to its fabulous new contours.

There is no timeline for feeling and looking your absolute best. Consider a measured approach if you are curious about cosmetic enhancement but not quite ready to dive in. For example, you can start with a dermal filler to get a preview of how your skin will look with more volume. If you like the results, ask your doctor how you can enjoy this appearance for an even longer duration.

Cosmetic enhancement is amazingly versatile. Just as your skin evolves, so too should your aesthetic strategy. Create a plan with your medical staff and reap the rewards of a smart, safe approach to improvement. The new you is just a click or call away.