Plastic surgery, like any medical treatment, does come with a measure of risk. If you have to be sedated, then complications can easily occur. The results might not turn out as you expected, and you might need multiple procedures to achieve the look you want. 

However, in many cases, it is more than worth the risk. While plastic surgeries are elective, they can have a great impact on your mental and physical health.

Before you have any medical procedure, especially if it’s an elective treatment, you should be aware of the risks. As mentioned above, every operation has a risk of something going wrong, although some surgeries are riskier than others, especially if they involve major organs or blood vessels.

Ask your surgeon questions about the procedure and, if you do have concerns, make sure that they are heard. Sometimes more information is all you need to feel more comfortable about the surgery. 

One of the primary risks of plastic surgery is that things don’t turn out as you expected. A good way to mitigate this is to make sure that you use a reliable surgeon, such as Joanna Kam M.D. who will ideally specialize in your specific surgery. 

Look at patient reviews and ask about past surgeries similar to yours. 

Some procedures require multiple phases, so if you aren’t happy after the first surgery, be aware that it can take time for things to turn out how you wanted. Even a simple surgery will result in swelling afterward, so you will have to wait for things to settle down before you know what you will look like. 

One of the biggest risks of plastic surgery is that it can be addictive. Only spend what you can afford on elective surgeries, especially if they only have an impact on your appearance. Give yourself time to get used to your new appearance. 

Most people get plastic surgery to correct specific problem areas. Again, this might be a purely aesthetic choice. However, it can also correct health problems and make your body more functional.

A nose job might fit into both of these categories. Some people want surgery to make their nose look smaller or to change its shape. In some cases, the way your nose forms can cause breathing issues, especially if your nostrils aren’t large enough or if your nose is crooked. A nose job can correct this issue. 

Another example might be a breast reduction to relieve back problems caused by excess weight in your chest. 

Plastic surgery can also correct deformities, many of which can cause health problems. Elective procedures such as dental surgery and laser eye treatment fall into a similar category. While these procedures might not be necessary to save your life, they can greatly improve your quality of life.

Another treatment under this umbrella would be weight-loss surgeries like a gastric band. Obesity can cause severe health concerns, and if you’re struggling to lose weight quickly enough or keep it off, then surgery might be a much better option. 

Bear in mind that being overweight will also increase the risk of issues during the procedure, so your surgeon will likely recommend losing some weight before they can proceed. 

While plastic surgery changes your appearance, many people try to use plastic surgery to restore how they used to look. A traumatic injury can cause physical and emotional pain alike. However, restorative plastic surgery can change lives for the better.

The most common reason for plastic surgery after an injury is to remove or reduce scarring. In some cases, such as burn victims, this might be a necessary medical step. A skin graft after severe burns can reduce the chance of infection and lessen scar tissue that would otherwise cause pain and restrict movement. 

You may need repeated procedures to restore your skin and body after a disfiguring injury. In many cases, there will still be evidence of the injury, but it will be much less noticeable and you will be able to function better. 

Scarred skin doesn’t work in the same way as healthy skin. It might be more sensitive or have reduced sensation. It is often inflexible and doesn’t stretch in the same way as healthy skin. Large patches of scar tissue can be uncomfortable and painful. As well as the surgery itself, your doctor will likely recommend topical skin treatments to help your skin to heal. 

As mentioned, plastic surgery can have an incredible impact on your physical and mental health, reducing pain and helping you to be more confident in your appearance. If you are insecure about an injury or a problem area, then plastic surgery can reduce this.

With this in mind, it’s also a good idea to seek professional mental health care, especially if you’re dealing with trauma. This can help you to come to terms with your new appearance. Plastic surgery is an amazing tool and it’s constantly improving, but you still might not look exactly as you want or expect.

As well as surgery, you might have to put in work. If you want to look good, then you will need to eat right and exercise to keep your weight down and your body strong and toned. If you’ve been injured and are recovering, then you will likely need to undergo physical therapy to maintain your strength and recover functionality in your body.

Talk to your friends and family and, if you do have a therapist, mention any issues with self-confidence or self-esteem to them. It can be a bit of a cliche, but you should also learn to love yourself and engage in self-care.