Plastic Surgery: Change Your Thinking About This Complex Issue

For many people, plastic surgery is a complicated and controversial topic. You don't see this kind of controversy surrounding dental work, hairstyling, or other procedures designed only for cosmetic purposes. When it comes to actually going under the knife, however, a lot of people feel differently. Where does the controversy come from? In some cases, it's down to misinformation. The average person doesn't know everything there is to know about a heart transplant, but they don't think they do, either. They probably don't know any more about breast augmentation, but the difference is that they think they know everything. If you're tossing around the idea of getting a procedure, here are some things you should change your thinking about.

Own Up To It

A lot of people get down on themselves for even considering plastic surgery. Why? These same people would think little of buying Spanx or dying their hair. Somehow, getting a medical procedure that will make you feel better about yourself and the way you look, though, is going too far? If you're feeling this way, you should look up some statistics about cosmetic enhancement. It's not just for the Hollywood elite anymore. You don't even have to look up statistics. Look in the phone book and see how many surgeons are practicing in the nearest halfway-decent metropolitan area. Unless a lot of people were looking for improvement, the economy couldn't handle that many practices.

Liposuction Isn't For Weight Loss

One of the most common questions a doctor who performs liposuction will hear during a consultation is, "How much weight can I lose?" This betrays a tremendous misconception in the public eye when it comes to liposuction. The procedure is designed to target problem areas. Love handles a little out of control? Lipo may be able to help. Flabby upper arms? Liposuction could be just the ticket. You don't know how much you weigh because your bathroom scale won't go that high? You need diet, exercise, or a much more advanced medical procedure.

Ask Questions

We hold doctors up on a pedestal in our culture. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, they certainly work hard to get where they are. It's normal to be nervous or intimidated when you go in for a plastic surgery consultation. Having said that, you have to get over it to an extent. When you get liposuction, breast implants, or any other cosmetic procedure, you're doing something you'll have to live with. You deserve to know exactly what you're getting into. That means asking questions.