Protect Yourself Against Surgery Risks

One of the biggest concerns that patients have when they are considering plastic surgery is the fear of complications. Every time you have surgery, despite how minimal the surgery is, there are still some inherent risks involved. Technology and research have made plastic surgery the safest it has ever been, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of complications and less than stellar results. Even so, there are things that you yourself can do to reduce those risks even further.

Choose Your Doctor Carefully

This is your body we’re talking about and you want someone who is going to see you as more than a payday. You also want to choose a doctor who has a great deal of training and experience in the procedure you want. Take the time to look into different doctors who perform the procedure. Look over their resumes to see what kind of education and experience they have. See what other patients have to say about them by reading patient testimonials. Call their office and ask questions. And remember, you don’t have to necessarily choose a doctor who is near you! Many doctors are capable of accommodating out of town patients, so don’t limit yourself to local practices.

Remember that Sometimes Less is More

A lot of patients feel that they have to have a lot of surgery to get the results they want. In some instances, patients will need more than one procedure to achieve their goals. However, the more surgery you have, the greater the risks involved. That’s why Dr. Weniger follows a “less is more” policy with his patients. He believes that a conservative approach can help patients achieve their goals without jeopardizing their health and safety.

In some cases, of course, more surgery is inevitable. However, you should be willing to consider that you won’t need a ton of work done to look your absolute best.

Schedule Some Time with Your Doctor

A patient consultation goes a long way to establishing trust and cooperation between you and your doctor. It gives you the opportunity to assess your doctor in person and judge for yourself if they are the right doctor to perform your surgery. You’ll also be able to ask questions about the procedure, the facility, and even your doctor themselves. The appointment also allows the doctor to get to know you as a patient and determine the best course of action for your surgical goals. By the end of the consultation, you should feel totally comfortable and secure in your choice of surgeon.

Take Care of Yourself

Being in the best possible health will give you the best possible defense against complications from your surgery. When your body is in good health, it will be better able to protect you against infections. It will also aid in your recovery because good health means your body can bounce back from injuries quicker. That means eating right, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and taking good care of your skin.

Follow Directions

Your doctor will provide you with a list of before and after surgical instructions that will both prep you for surgery and aid in your recovery. Follow these instructions carefully, no matter how odd they may seem. Your doctor is giving them to you to ensure that surgery and recovery go as well as possible for you.

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself

No matter how small your surgery may seem, it can still take a significant toll on you, both physically and mentally. You’ll be experiencing some pain and probably some frustrations after your surgery is over and you’ve been recovering for a few days. You can manage your pain by following your doctor’s instructions and taking as much time as you need to relax and let your body heal. Mental frustrations are a little harder to combat, but if you maintain a positive attitude and try to avoid criticizing yourself too much, you’ll be able to get through it with flying colors.

Practice Good Communication

Above all, keep your doctor in the loop. It’s important to them that you are honest and forthcoming with any questions, concerns, or issues that you may have. This is true before your surgery and it is true after your surgery. You should feel comfortable communicating with your doctor about anything and everything related to your surgery. Their job is to keep you safe and healthy while they help you achieve your surgery goals; they can’t do that if you don’t talk to them.

Here at Weniger Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide variety of surgical procedures designed to help you look and feel your best in your face and body. If you would like to learn more about these procedures or schedule a consultation, call us at (843) 757-0123.