non-surgical cosmetic treatments

There is a common misconception that cosmetic surgery is something that patients can take lightly. While it’s true that plastic surgery is safer than ever, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and should be taken quite seriously. It’s important for patients to think long and hard before any cosmetic procedure. I always instruct my prospective patients to take their time and not try to rush the process, regardless of how eager they are to improve an aspect of their appearance. To help patients have the best-possible plastic surgery experience, I have put together a short list of tips for prospective cosmetic surgery patients to consider.

Make the Most of Your Consultation

The pre-surgery consultation is a great opportunity to get better acquainted with the specifics of a cosmetic procedure as well as the plastic surgeon who will be performing it. Being prepared by doing research before the consultation can go a long way towards finding the right cosmetic surgery path for your needs. I instruct patients to write out a list of any specific questions or curiosities they may have about their surgery and not to be afraid to ask. If you are looking to treat more than one area of your body, ask about the possibility of a combination procedure like a mommy makeover.

Be Aware of Potential Recovery Time

Recovery is an essential and unavoidable part of undergoing any surgery. The amount of downtime required after cosmetic surgery may vary depending on the procedure performed as well as each patient’s medical history and ability to heal. Since downtime for recovery can affect a person’s ability to work, drive a car, or perform normal everyday tasks like household duties for a time, it’s important to be prepared. Speak with your surgeon about how much recovery time you can expect after surgery and then make the necessary arrangements at work and at home to help make your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ask About Non-Surgical Alternatives

Patients should be aware of any potential non-surgical treatments that may be able to help them reach their aesthetic goals without the need for surgery. In many cases, my patients still end up choosing cosmetic surgery, but it never hurts to thoroughly discuss all the available options. For instance, non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments like Botox® or facial fillers can often help patients who thought they would need facelift surgery to refresh their look.

Knowledge is power in the world of cosmetic surgery. That’s why I try to provide all of my patients with the in-depth information they need to make a fully informed decision about their cosmetic surgery. I make it a priority during all plastic surgery consultations to fully understand my patient’s aesthetic goals in order to best help them achieve the improved appearance they desire. For more information or to schedule your consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.