10 Common Plastic Surgery Mistakes

We've all heard the horror stories, but how can you stop yourself from becoming one?

If you’re considering having plastic surgery, you want to make sure you've done all your homework before you go under the knife.
Kate Moreland, Director of Clarify Clinic, shares with us the top 10 mistakes most people make before going under.

Mistake 1: Not Knowing Where to Start Looking

Just because someone has a slick marketing advert does not mean that they have the knowledge, skills and similarly talented hands in surgery, and, surprise-surprise, not everything you read on the Internet is accurate.
Friends and family may seem like good referral sources if they have undergone surgery themselves – but remember, everyone is created differently; and what worked for them with their specific procedure may not work best for you with your procedure or that same surgeon.
There is no substitute for research. If that’s not your forte, seek independent, unbiased advice.

Mistake 2: Choosing Your Surgeon Without Evaluating Their Training And Credentials

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon? No? Well you should.
Plastic surgery in Australia is unregulated. Regular doctors can perform the same plastic surgery as certified plastic surgeons. It is legal for any doctor with a basic medical degree to perform surgery. Plastic Surgeons however, have further specialised extensive surgical education and training. This includes a minimum of 12 years medical and surgical education with at least 5 years of specialist postgraduate training.
All surgical procedures carry risk, but you can reduce the chance of risk and complication by consulting a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is trained, qualified and accredited to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Mistake 3: Not Realising The Risks Of Fixing A Bad Plastic Surgery Job

Your highest chance of getting the best result is with the first procedure, not a secondary revision. With the first surgery, let’s say you will have a scar, which you will have if you go under the knife. Having to have further surgery will not improve that scar - but it might make it worse.
What you are looking at now, in essence, is reconstructive surgery. You are now in a highly specialised domain where you will have no option but to use the very best surgeons to fix you.

Mistake 4: Believing You Won’t Be Scarred

If you are cut, you will scar.
When it comes to scars from big procedures such as tummy tucks and breast lifts, many believe that it is a surgeon’s skill that determines how badly you will scar post surgery however, it really comes down to a patient’s genetic factors.
Find out how you are likely to react before going into surgery.

Mistake 5: Forgetting To Ask About Possible Complications

Yes, things can go wrong. There are risks associated with all procedures. Knowledge is king, as they say, and it is important for you to have a thorough understanding of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision.
As we say, you only have one body. Make sure you look after it. Get your surgery done once and get it done right.

Mistake 6: Getting Surgery For The Wrong Reasons

The best patients are the ones with realistic goals who are essentially happy with themselves but have a physical feature that they would like to improve.
It is important that you are motivated for the right reasons and are emotionally ready before considering undergoing any procedure. It has to be your decision and your desire alone to proceed- not anybody else’s.
Plastic surgery may enhance your self-esteem to help you better meet the challenges in your life with greater confidence, but it will not necessarily compensate for any emotional or psychological difficulties you may have in your life.

Mistake 7: Forgetting To Ask If You Are A Good Candidate For The Procedure

How many people do you think even consider this? Or more often than not, conveniently put it aside? Think you can go from an A cup to a D cup? Think again.
It’s so easy to get carried away, to get so focused on your dreams and desires that all logic gets thrown out the window.
What I often have to do is bring people back to the hard facts of what is, and what simply is not realistic for their body type. Perhaps you are just not a good candidate, from a medical point-of-view, for certain surgery. Accept it, or you will regret it. We are here to help you look as natural as possible.

Mistake 8: Choosing Your Surgeon Based On Price

Not all plastic surgeons are the same. They are not products- they are selling a service based upon their skills, knowledge, experience and talent. Do you think the best need to discount? Do you think Chanel would ever sell their shoes for $20?The next time you see a Plastic Surgeon advertising discounted surgery, ask yourself “Why”? If you are selling your house, why do you discount it? Because you can’t sell it. Why can’t you sell it? Because it is not worth that price.
You get what you pay for. You can’t put a price on your health - or your looks.

Mistake 9: Failure To Disclose Everything To The Surgeon

Without all of the facts, how can you make an informed and proper decision about your surgery? Well the same applies to your chosen surgeon. If you don’t give him all the facts he could make the wrong decision for you and it will be you who pays for it.
Did you know that dietary supplements could affect the way your body reacts to anesthetic? That the wrong drug or supplement interaction could kill you in theatre? If you smoke 12 cigarettes a day, be honest; don’t tell your
surgeon that you only smoke 5.
Doctors need to know everything you take. They are not judging you – they are simply asking crucial information to help keep you safe.

Mistake 10: Choosing A Surgeon With Whom You Don’t Feel Comfortable

If you don’t feel comfortable, get out. Now.
Would you jump out of a plane strapped to a skydiving instructor you didn't feel comfortable with, nor trust?
Surgery is not a one-time event - there will be follow-up visits. In essence you are entering into a type of relationship with a surgeon, one where it is important that you develop solid trust and rapport.