Most cosmetic surgeries are elective, so that means the decision to have a procedure done is very personal to you and you alone. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to have cosmetic surgery, so, before you start searching for a plastic surgeon, search within yourself and decide if those reasons really make sense. If you truly feel that cosmetic surgery will make a difference in your self-esteem and ultimately your life, then you are probably ready to start shopping around for a cosmetic surgeon.

All cosmetic surgeons are not created equal, so you have to gather several opinions to make an informed choice that will best suit your needs. Take the time and do a little research to narrow down the particular doctors who perform the procedures that you want accomplished on you. Once you have several names on your list, the next step is to ask some questions. Here are a few of them to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon:

1) What procedure do you suggest for my goal of a facelift, brow lift, laser skin resurfacing and forehead lift (or whatever your goal is)? By leaving this a rather open-ended question, the cosmetic surgeon has the chance to show you how much he knows. Each may have slightly different answers as to how to help you achieve your goal. You job is to determine which sounds the best for your lifestyle.

2) How many years and how often have you been performing this procedure? Obviously, this question is asking the skin specialist how much experience he really has. You want someone who has been around the block a few times.

3) What results can I expect from this cosmetic surgery? This is a realistic expectation to have. You want to know the possibilities. Ask your plastic surgeon about computer imagery to compare a before picture and a realistic expectation of what your results might be.

4) Can you tell me the possible risks and problems I might encounter? Being warned ahead of time is important in case the operation is not quite what you expect. Sometimes it could be a reaction to anesthesia or an infection at an incision site. Preparedness is helpful for peace of mind.

5) How long will it take to recover from the cosmetic surgery? No two cosmetic surgeons are the same, nor may they use the same surgical procedures to accomplish your goal. Each situation is different and recovery times will also depend on your own general health. The healthier you are to begin with, the quicker you bounce back to real life.

6) What is the cost of getting this skin care treatment? Also ask them if insurance could pick up the tab. Sometimes, payment plans are an option. Ask in advance what their fees and other costs cover. Will it take care of post-operative care and follow-up visits?

7) If I smoke, does it matter? Be sure to tell them if you smoke or not. If you are a smoker, this could potentially have an impact on your recovery time and even the choice of anesthesia and other medications, especially those for post-operative pain.

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