As you begin to consider facial plastic surgery and are thinking more about your chosen procedure, you probably already have questions. When making such an important decision, be sure to do plenty of research, about the procedure itself and about the surgeon who will be performing it. Learn as much as you can before making these choices. Here are the top questions you should ask before undergoing facial plastic surgery:
What are the surgeon’s qualifications?
Look for a surgeon who is board certified in surgery by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Check whether your surgeon is a member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS). This professional organisation upholds high standards for surgical training and expertise.
What are the costs involved?
In Australia, the costs for cosmetic surgery are generally due before the procedure is performed. These costs vary widely depending on the surgical procedure, the surgeon chosen, and other variable factors. Surgery performed solely for cosmetic reasons is not covered by health insurance. If there is a chance that your procedure could qualify for insurance coverage, ask whether the surgeon’s office is willing to work with your insurance provider. If cost is a concern, ask about payment options offered by the surgeon’s offices.
What are the risks?
Like all surgical procedures, facial plastic surgery carries some degree of risk. Before agreeing to go under the knife, be sure you understand the potential complications, which vary depending on the patient and the procedure. Ask your surgeon about the risks that apply to your situation, and how often these complications occur. Your fully informed consent is essential to your surgical treatment.
What can I expect during recovery?
Most facial plastic surgery procedures require you to avoid returning to normal activity for at least a week. If you are planning to undergo facial surgery, you may be particularly interested in the visible signs of healing, such as swelling, bruising, and redness, and whether such effects may be safely camouflaged with makeup during the recovery process. Be sure to plan for sufficient recovery time and ask your surgeon what to expect during this period.
When can I see the final results? Are the results permanent?
With facial plastic surgery, it is common for side effects like swelling and bruising to obscure the results of the surgery for weeks or even months. It may also take some time for your skin to adjust into its final contours. How long until the final results will become evident? And will the benefits of surgery be permanent, or will your face return to its pre-surgery appearance at some point in the future? The answers to these questions help you to have realistic expectations about the outcome before you commit to surgery.
Your selected surgeon should be willing to answer all your questions thoroughly before signing you up for facial plastic surgery. A good surgeon will welcome questions about his or her professional background, avoid pressuring you into additional procedures, and make sure that you are informed about all potential risks before committing to surgery.