Keeping It Real Going Into Plastic Surgery With Realistic Expectations Whether it is a minor procedure, such as a breast reduction, or a major procedure, like a mommy makeover, plastic surgery can bring a variety of long-term positive benefits. However, with any surgical procedure, there are risks to the surgery and lifestyle changes required to maintain the changes. Tummy tuck, breast argumentation, breast reduction, and liposuction can all take a toll and require getting ready before even having the procedure. Statistics show that over 34% of patients regret having their surgery 10 years after the procedure done. These regrets are often times are due to conflicts with a person’s personality and their new physical reality. Major changes can cause major stress. In other cases, the changes from plastic surgery only lasted short-term due to a lack of lifestyle changes, resulting in clients feeling that they did not need the procedure completed. Plastic surgery changes how a person looks, not how they feel. Procedures, such as “tummy tucks” and breast argumentations, can solve physical issues but do not address any underlying issues with self-consciousness. Over 62% of people who have plastic surgery feel the urge to have a second, follow-up surgery. Sometimes this is due to an increased comfort with the process but, in other cases, people may need to reevaluate their expectations. Liposuction procedures are the most common body procedures to be repeated after the first attempt. Maintaining the weight loss from liposuction requires lifestyle changes beyond simple surgery. Otherwise, the fat deposits will eventually return. Plastic surgery can help correct problem areas and assist people in reaching their physical goals. However, going into surgery with realistic expectations is important. Changing your body and changing how you feel about your body are often two separate tasks. For example, a mommy makeover can help new mothers remove excess pregnancy weight and regain their old bust. However, these physical changes will not help deal with the stress of being a new parent or any angst about over the extreme changes your body has undergone recently. Going into surgery with realistic expectations can help you enjoy your new body while preparing you for the maintenance required to reach any additional goals, like keeping weight off or accepting your new mommy body. If you are looking for a successful plastic surgery case with outstanding long term benefits, it’s important to consider the following:
What am I trying to fix with this procedure? Are my goals physical ones or emotional ones? Can my goals be met with physical changes or do I need to make other changes in my life? How will this surgery impact my lifestyle after surgery? (e.g. dietary changes)
If you are considering plastic surgery, discuss these questions with friends and family. It can help you get in the right mindset for major change. Also, make sure to select a plastic surgeon who understands your
goals and has a solid track record of success. Patients in San Antonio should consider Dr. Suresh Koneru, a board certified plastic surgeon with over 18 years of experience.