On 05
Dec
2019
There are many benefits to having facial plastic surgery; it can easily address your areas of concern and help you appear 10-15 years younger. However, there are also a lot of things that facial plastic surgery cannot do—which is why it’s important you share your wishes with your surgeon and come into your consultation with the right expectations for your procedure’s outcome.
How False Information Leads to Unrealistic Expectations
There is no shortage of inconsistent and even flat-out inaccurate information on the internet about plastic surgery. Prospective facial plastic surgery patients are inundated with advertisements that offer low prices and quick fixes, but such shortcuts all too often leave patients dissatisfied.
Contrary to the fantasies conveyed in infomercials and other forms of media, plastic surgery is not the solution for all problems. All too often, people seek facial plastic surgery hoping it will be a cure-all for life's problems—but that's far from realistic.
Although a cosmetic procedure can't help you fall madly in love, it can have a positive impact on your life and career by boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Even with all of the benefits, the number one reason why you should consider facial plastic surgery is to help you feel better about your appearance.
Find Out What You Can Expect From Facial Plastic Surgery
It’s important to have a realistic idea of what you can expect, and an experienced facial plastic surgeon can work with you to reach your goals and achieve the best outcome.
Openly share your thoughts with experienced specialists so they can help paint a clear picture of what facial plastic surgery can do for you. A great way to do that is to come to your consultation with a journal that includes all of your thoughts, questions, and ideas about facial surgery in one place (i.e. recovery time, incision placement, cost of surgery, etc.).
Accurate and Helpful Facial Plastic Surgery Resources
It’s always a wise decision to research facial plastic surgery and the specific procedure you’re interested in before moving forward—but how can you separate the good information from the bad? Here are a few go-to resources you can count on for accurate information:
- The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is an excellent resource, with brief descriptions and videos of the most popular facial procedures.
- American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides a “physician finder” so you can search for certified facial plastic surgeons near your area.
- RealSelf is a consumer review platform where you can find a doctor and read about past patients’ experiences with them.
- The Clevens Face and Body Specialists website offers detailed information on a number of facial procedures, including answers to frequently asked questions, before and after photos, and a video gallery to help guide your research.
Throughout your journey, keep in mind that facial plastic surgery offers many benefits, however, it isn't the end-all, be-all solution for all the signs of aging. For instance, a procedure may lift and reposition your skin, or eliminate excess skin and fat, but it doesn't improve skin quality or restore volume. For optimal results, many patients select (and doctors recommend) a combination of surgical and nonsurgical techniques, such as laser skin resurfacing, injectables, and medical-grade skincare.
The more you know about the facial plastic surgery procedure you’re considering, the happier you’ll be with your decision and, ultimately, the results. A surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery procedures can manage your expectations and help you make an educated decision on what’s best for your future.
