Women now spend about $225,000 on their appearances over the course of a lifetime. That’s enough to send a student to Harvard! If you’re interested in feeling beautiful, don’t waste money on ineffective products.

Instead, consider getting plastic surgery this year.

You shouldn’t rush to schedule cosmetic surgery without considering your needs, goals, and care plan, though. Instead, read on to discover the seven factors you need to consider before scheduling a procedure!

1. Know Your Goals

First, determine exactly what you want to accomplish through cosmetic surgery. Otherwise, you might choose the wrong procedure. You might choose a plastic surgeon who lacks experience with the procedure you’re interested in, too.

For example, maybe you want to smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Some people are more concerned about saggy skin on other parts of their bodies instead. Make a list of your concerns.

Don’t make the mistake of scheduling plastic surgery on a whim, though. It’s important to sit down and review all your options. There are some noninvasive procedures you might want to consider instead.

Ask yourself how the procedure will improve your life. Otherwise, schedule a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon.

Working with a professional will help you gain a better understanding of your concerns and goals.

They can help you develop a customized treatment plan based on your beauty and wellness concerns.

If you have multiple concerns, consider ordering your goals based on different priority levels. Don’t rush to schedule multiple procedures at once. Your plastic surgeon might help you recognize one procedure can accomplish different goals, too.

Otherwise, you might choose a procedure that leaves you unsatisfied with the results.

2. Establish a Budget

Before scheduling cosmetic surgery, consider how much you want to spend on your beauty and wellness efforts this year. Establish a budget before you start looking into procedures and surgeons. Otherwise, you might not realize you can’t afford a procedure until after the fact.

When you begin searching for a plastic surgeon, consider scheduling consultation appointments with at least three professionals. Then, ask each professional for an itemized list of their services.

Requesting more than one estimate can help you understand the local average price for services in your area. Pricing could vary based on the procedure, surgeon, location, and other factors, though.

For example, the average surgeon fees for cosmetic procedures nationwide in the US for 2020 included:

• Chemical peel: $519
• Cheek implants: $3,669
• Botox: $466
• Lig augmentation: $2,299
• Microdermabrasion: $167
• Laser skin resurfacing (ablative): $2,509
• Brow lift: $3,900

Most cosmetic surgeons aren’t covered by health insurance plans, though. A single procedure could range between hundreds or thousands of dollars. Consider consulting your insurance company before scheduling your procedure.

When comparing your options, pay attention to any prices that seem far higher or lower than the rest. Determine why that surgeon offers different pricing. For example, perhaps that surgeon has more experience than others in the area.

3. Plan for Post-Op Care

Before your procedure, it’s important to have a plan for your post-op care.

For example, you’ll likely need someone to drive you home after the surgery. You’ll need to avoid wearing make-up for some time. Your plastic surgeon will help you gain a better understanding of these steps.

They can also help you determine which signs to watch out for if you’re not healing properly.

4. Maintain Realistic Expectations

Don’t schedule cosmetic surgery unless you have a full understanding of the potential outcome. Start by reviewing before and after photos of previous patients. Do the results of their procedures align with your goals?

Avoid looking at celebrity photos, which are usually touched up. Instead, talk to an experienced surgeon. Reviewing their before and after photos can help you gauge their experience and expertise.

If their work doesn’t meet your goals, continue searching for a surgeon. Otherwise, make sure you’re maintaining realistic expectations.

5. Research the Procedure

Take the time to learn as much as possible about the procedure before visiting a plastic surgeon. Then, make a list of questions you want to ask about the procedure.

For example, what problems does the procedure usually treat? What side effects might you experience? When should you visit your surgeon after the procedure?

Your surgeon can help you feel confident you’re choosing the right procedure based on your goals.

6. Look for a Surgeon

Before scheduling your procedure, make sure to vet the plastic surgeons who work in the area. Prioritize finding a plastic surgeon with years of hands-on experience in the industry. Finding someone with years of experience will give you peace of mind.

An experienced plastic surgeon is less likely to make mistakes during your cosmetic procedure. They’re more likely to help you achieve your beauty and wellness goals, too.

Take the time to review each surgeon’s credentials. Make sure they’re licensed and board-certified. Confirm that they don’t have any medical malpractice or disciplinary actions filed against them, either.

Try to find a plastic surgeon who specializes in the type of procedure you’re interested in, too.

7. Don’t Rush

Remember, you don’t want to rush when making the decision to get plastic surgery.

Instead, take the time to consult a few different plastic surgeons in the area. Discuss your concerns and goals. Ask if they would recommend another procedure instead.

Discover the pros and cons of the procedure you’re considering, too. Research will help you manage your expectations.

Otherwise, rushing through the research stage could leave you with regrets after your plastic surgery procedure.

Consider your health as well. Make sure you’re in the best possible condition before the procedure.

If you have any chronic health concerns, discuss them with your surgeon beforehand. They can help you determine if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Beautiful Results: 7 Factors to Consider Before Cosmetic Surgery

Don’t make the mistake of scheduling cosmetic surgery on a whim. Instead, consider these factors before scheduling plastic surgery. With these tips, you can make a more informed choice before going under the knife.

Then, you can accomplish your beauty and wellness goals without stress.

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