Cosmetic Surgery: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

It’s a fact that cosmetic surgery is gaining popularity. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 11.5 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2006.

Better technology — and new procedures — in the areas of facial rejuvenation and body rejuvenation allow cosmetic surgeons to increase safety while minimizing risks and to provide patients with the results they desire.

Know Your Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Although extremely rare, complications can occur. Weighing the benefits against the risks and costs is a personal decision that takes time and careful thought. Remember — choosing a highly skilled surgeon, and following pre- and post-op instructions, can greatly minimize these risks.

Seek Life-Changing Results
There is one school of thought that believes elective surgery for physical enhancement is unnecessary and worth no amount of risk. Then there’s another school of thought that views the confidence and satisfaction achieved through cosmetic rejuvenation as priceless. Just ask some of my patients if they believe cosmetic surgery changed their lives. From having more energy due a positive self-image to smiling more and taking more social opportunities, the list of benefits goes on and on.

Have Realistic Expectations
Cosmetic surgery is not a cure-all. I do a thorough physical and psychological evaluation on all of my patients to ensure they are moving forward for the right reasons — and with realistic expectations. If you are weighing the benefits and risks to determine if cosmetic enhancement is right for you, do the research, examine your goals and visit with an experienced surgeon for more information.

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic’s Cosmetic Surgery page: What to Know Beforehand.