How to Avoid Regrets After Plastic Surgery
When you’re thinking about undergoing plastic surgery, chances are you’re thinking a lot about it. After all, you want to choose a procedure, surgeon, and timeline that work for your personal needs and desired results. Unfortunately, while pondering and weighing all the factors, many patients worry about making the “right” decision, which can lead to regret among patients in this industry.
Here at The Lucas Center, we want every patient to feel great about their results long after surgery. That doesn’t mean you have to make one specific, “perfect” decision before your procedure. (In fact, there may be several good options for you to consider!) What matters most is making well-informed decisions with the help of an experienced surgeon — and setting realistic expectations together along the way.
Keep reading for a few tips that can help you prevent plastic surgery regrets and make the right decision for you…
Tip #1: Do Thorough Research
Before making a decision about plastic surgery, arm yourself with credible information to avoid post-op regret. Here are some of the questions your research should answer about the procedure(s) you’re considering:
- What should you expect before, during, and after surgery?
- What will recovery be like?
- Who is a good candidate? Is it a fit for your lifestyle, health, and age?
- When will you see the “finished” results?
- How long will the results last?
- Will the results be timeless, or reflect a trend that may change soon?
Rather than turning primarily to social media, we recommend well-respected clinical (yet accessible) sources like:
Tip #2: Choose an Experienced Board-Certified Surgeon
Whatever procedure you’re considering, it should be performed by an experienced surgeon you trust. So, spend some time researching your options to identify a highly-qualified plastic surgeon in your region who:
- Is board-certified, so you know they maintain their knowledge & expertise!
- Is highly experienced in performing the relevant procedure(s)
- Has great reviews and patient testimonials
- Listens to your needs and desired results
- Shows concern for your overall health beyond a single procedure
- Has before and after pictures that align with your aesthetic preferences
- Uses innovative, evidence-based techniques and technology to maximize results and recovery
Beyond simply viewing their website, the initial consultation with a surgeon is your chance to ask questions and determine whether you’re a good fit for one another. Remember, a single appointment does not obligate you to proceed with a surgeon if you don’t come away with a high degree of confidence.
For more on this, check out our blog on what makes a plastic surgeon qualified.
Tip #3: Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself
One of the biggest ways to avoid regrets after plastic surgery is to go into the procedure with realistic expectations about your likely results and recovery time.
Many procedures have wonderful, transformative results. Still, human bodies are perfectly imperfect; in everyday life, even the most beautiful people don’t look like the heavily filtered and airbrushed images you may see regularly on social media, on TV, or in magazines.
How, then, do you set realistic expectations?
- Do your research (see tip #1) to understand recovery times and how long it will take to see the results you want.
- Look at plenty of before & afters, especially from the surgeon you’re considering.
- Listen to (or read) real patient stories.
Tip #4: Follow All Pre- and Post-Op Instructions
For optimal healing and results — and, of course, to help avoid regrets later — carefully follow all pre- and post-op instructions. A good plastic surgeon will give you evidence-based best practices designed to help you: avoid complications, prevent infection, heal fully in a timely manner, and enjoy the best possible results.
Tip #5: Get Personalized Guidance from Knoxville’s Premier Plastic Surgeon
Lastly, a personalized consultation is key to ensure true, long-lasting confidence after surgery. In your initial consultation here at The Lucas Center, Dr. Jay Lucas takes time to learn about you, assess your overall health, identify your goals, and create a customized surgical plan to meet them. For certain procedures, Dr. Lucas also uses state-of-the-art VECTRA 3D Imaging to help you visualize your desired results before moving forward.Whatever procedure you decide is “right” for you, it’s always our team’s goal to support that decision and help you achieve true, lasting confidence — no regrets! When you’re ready, schedule your personalized consultation with us, or give us a call at (865) 217-0572 to learn more.
