What To Consider Before Having Plastic Surgery

Rapid advancements in technology have made many medical procedures much safer for patients, and also more accessible. When it comes to plastic surgery in particular, there are more procedures that patients can choose from. However, it should be stated that before you commit to having any type of surgery, there are a variety of things you need to consider.

What is Your Motivation?

There are a number of reasons why someone would want to get plastic surgery. For example, someone looking for a tummy tuck might be in good physical shape, but their body carries an excess amount of skin or fat around the abdomen. This might be caused by substantial weight loss, the aftermath of pregnancy, or simply aging. In such situations, dieting or exercise or any other “natural” solution will likely not work. If you are of good physical and mental health and are making an informed decision about your body as in the above example, your decision to have plastic surgery is easily justified. The choice of plastic surgery should never be motivated by negativity or feeling pressured by anyone else. It’s a very personal decision that needs to be made for the right reasons.

How Many Procedures Do You Need?

Again, the answer to this question will vary from patient to patient. Some people may only want to have a single procedure that will help them achieve the look they feel they deserve, such as a facelift or liposuction to tone their arms. Others, like mothers who have undergone several pregnancies and are struggling to get back their pre-pregnancy body, might need to undergo several procedures to regain their confidence. With the advanced surgery options and anesthesia methods available today, you may be able to combine several procedures into one, and your recovery times will be shorter than even a decade ago. This gives you the flexibility to get the look and feel you really want.

What Does Your Doctor Recommend?

This should go without saying, but any informed decision to have plastic surgery shouldn’t be made without first consulting your primary care physician. He or she will have the best understanding of your personal health, and will be able to discuss potential ramifications and risk factors. Some people may not be well-suited for plastic surgery because of health issues or because of the medication they take. If that’s the case, your doctor can help you devise a plan to improve your physical well-being so that you become eligible for plastic surgery in the future.

How Do You Find a Surgeon?

Often times, when looking for a surgeon, you’re going to make your decision based on the type of procedures her or she offers. When you meet with your surgeon for the first time, make sure to have a candid conversation about what you’re trying to achieve and the motivation behind it. Your first consultation will also allow the surgeon to perform his own vetting process in regards to your physical and mental health. But most of all, you will want to select a surgeon based on your comfort level with him. This is someone who will be performing a life-changing and very personal surgery, so you want to make sure that you feel comfortable around him. Selecting your surgeon carefully will make the entire plastic surgery experience that much better for you.

If you are looking for plastic surgery in Nashville, please contact our Nashville Cosmetic Surgery Practice for a consultation. To schedule a consultation for plastic surgery in Memphis, please contact our Memphis Cosmetic Surgery Practice.


Each patient is unique. What your treatment will look like is determined by you and the plastic surgeon who you will meet with in a personal consultation.