| Plastic surgery is a type of procedure that is used to | | | | plastic surgery so they will be emotionally prepared to |
| improve the appearance and function of patients’ | | | | accept their new image. |
| bodies. Some plastic surgery procedures are called | | | | Before your procedure is performed your plastic |
| “cosmetic” and others are called | | | | surgeon will ask you some questions to determine if |
| “reconstructive.” Whether or not a procedure is | | | | you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is |
| “only” cosmetic depends on the reason behind | | | | important that you set aside any awkwardness you |
| its performance. facelift designed to provide a more | | | | may feel and speak candidly about the changes you |
| youthful appearance for a sixty year old woman is | | | | expect to see. It is essential that you and your surgeon |
| different from a facelift that is performed to | | | | understand each other completely. |
| reconstruct the face of an accident victim or a cancer | | | | Recovery time will vary depending on the type of |
| patient. | | | | procedure, your general health and your willingness to |
| The psychological effects of plastic surgery can vastly | | | | comply with post surgical instructions. Most patients |
| improve the quality of life for people who are unhappy | | | | find that the minor discomfort associated with |
| with the way they look. Each of us has a “self | | | | procedures are worth it because of the psychological |
| image,” a perception of how we believe we look to | | | | boost an improved appearance can offer. The |
| others. People who are happy with their self image are | | | | demand for plastic surgery continues to grow. |
| more likely to be self confident, effective in work and | | | | Plastic surgery procedures in the United States tend to |
| social situations and comfortable in their relationships. | | | | be very expensive and are usually not covered by |
| Those who are dissatisfied tend to be self conscious, | | | | health insurance. Because of this, more and more |
| inhibited and less inclined to accept assignments or | | | | people are joining the throng of medical tourists who |
| jobs that would put them in the spotlight in any way. | | | | go offshore to have procedures performed at a |
| This is particularly true for accident victims who | | | | fraction of what the procedures cost in the United |
| become suddenly disfigured and are forced to deal | | | | States. |
| with a vastly altered physical appearance. | | | | Some offshore plastic surgery clinics offer |
| Plastic surgery, whether it is cosmetic or | | | | “package deals” that include round-trip tickets, |
| reconstructive, promotes a strong, | | | | hotel stays and meals. The procedures are often |
| Positive self image. Even a small change on the | | | | performed by western trained doctors who operate in |
| outside can create a positive change on the inside. | | | | state-of-the-art clinics. Once you decide to have plastic |
| Because the changes resulting from plastic surgery | | | | surgery, it is important to conduct research to |
| are often dramatic and permanent, it is important that | | | | determine if you want to have it performed in the |
| you have a clear understanding of how surgery might | | | | United States or if an offshore procedure is |
| make you feel long before a procedure is scheduled. | | | | appropriate for you. |
| Some people undergo psychological counseling prior to | | | | |