Embarking on a new cosmetic procedure is a major decision, and it’s one that should never be taken too lightly. While the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery asserts that between eighty and ninety percent of patients report being very satisfied with their cosmetic procedures, what does that amount to for the other ten to twenty percent? Often, dissatisfaction stems from disappointed expectations, wherein the patient expects more dramatic results than those delivered, or in rare cases, results of a different sort altogether.
So how can you steer clear of unsatisfying cosmetic procedures? Communication is the key. When choosing your doctor make sure to ask for before and after pictures of persons who underwent the same procedure that you’re considering. Talk over those pictures with your doctor, and ask him to clearly define any qualitative or quantitative language that he’s using. If, for example, you’re considering a face lift procedure and your surgeon promises an 80% reduction in wrinkles, ask to see before and after photos of an 80% reduction. Explore photos of 60% or 30% reductions as well, and take your time to really build an accurate picture of your procedure’s likely outcome.
More often than not, disappointment in a cosmetic procedure is one sided. Doctors are often glad with the results even while patients feel disappointed or even cheated. Why is that? Most commonly, it’s because the patients expectations were inaccurate and unrealistic.
When it comes to plastic surgery, don’t make an investment – emotionally or financially – until you’re positive that you understand the expected outcome. Talk to your doctor. They’ll be more than happy to make sure you’re both on the same page.
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S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS is one of the plastic surgeons in Hawaii performing breast augmentation and breast implants in Honolulu – BREAST IMPLANTS HAWAII and BREAST AUGMENTATION HONOLULU.
Hawaii Breast Augmentation is performed at our office in Honolulu. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS has over 30 years of Plastic Surgery Honolulu experience in Hawaii and has completed over 18,300 successful surgical procedures. Contact us to get a free consultation!
