Mayo Clinic Advice Before Cosmetic Surgery

The Mayo Clinic posted an plastic surgery advice page to answer general questions about elective cosmetic surgery. The page includes the following sections:

• Why consider cosmetic surgery? This section details reasons one may elect to have surgery done, including self confidence and improved social lives.
• Is cosmetic surgery for you? This section of the Mayo clinic page reviews initial expectations, the time and expense involved in surgery and previews potential risks.
• What are the possible risks? This section itemizes most serious risks of plastic surgery including nausea, dizziness, pain, numbness, bleeding, infection and assymetry.
• How to find a qualified cosmetic surgeon. This section details certifications and referrals for plastic surgeons and warns of false certifications or getting referrals from any sources unknown by the patient.
• What to expect during an initial consultation. This final section reviews what to expect from initial interviews with a plastic surgeon and suggests that the following questions be asked of potential surgeons:
  
  
  1. Are there treatments other than surgery that might work just as well or better for me?
  
  
  2. Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
  
  
  3. How many times has the surgeon performed similar procedures, and what were the results?
  
  
  4. Can the desired effect be accomplished in one procedure, or are multiple procedures anticipated?
  
  
  5. What are the surgical options and the pros and cons for each?
  
  
  6. What type of anesthetic will be used, and how will it affect me?
  
  
  7. Will I be hospitalized and, if so, for how long?
  
  
  8. What results can I expect?
  
  
  9. What are the possible complications?
  
  
  10. How will my progress be monitored after surgery? What follow-up care will I receive?
  
  
  11. How often is "touch-up" surgery needed, and is it covered in the cost estimate?
  
  

The Mayo Clinic is a highly regarded medical facility and the advice given on this Plastic Surgery advice page should be viewed as excellent place to begin an exploration of the decision to have most types of elective cosmetic surgery.