Plastic Surgery: Expectations vs Reality
If you are considering plastic surgery, it is essential for you to construct realistic goals and expectations for any procedure.
Even a little research during your spare time can go a long way, with other people’s testimonies available easily as a click of a button.
Blogs and social media posts are great ways to get firsthand accounts of real patients who received real results. However, while crowd-sourced information can be a useful resource, it can be misleading if it isn’t clarified that results always vary from patient to patient.
1. Prepare Questions
Be as informed and educated as possible. Your surgeon is the strongest resource for developing healthy expectations, both physically and emotionally.
By having the right questions prepared, you can stay on-topic and narrow your assumptions regarding how you may look and feel post-operation. The right questions can also direct the capability of your selected surgery.
2. Know Your Surgery’s Limitations
Surgery is not always the way ahead. And, with the advent of social media, the air brushed and altered look can be misleading.
Taking the time to understand the capabilities of the surgery you wish to receive is a simple way of combating misunderstanding or conflicting information.
Your initial consultation is always a safe space for you to ask any question, no matter how silly or misinformed you think they might sound.
Questions to ask yourself could include:
- Why are you considering surgery?
- Do you want to change a physical feature that has bothered you throughout your lifetime?
- Are you expecting to look like a new and improved version of yourself?
- Are you attempting to keep up with the latest trends?
- Do you expect to become the spitting image of your favourite celebrity?
- Do you have a healthy sense of self despite perceived imperfections?
3. Ask for before and after images
Any good surgeon will have before and after images of the procedures and will be happy to share them with you. Discussing them is a great way to establish more expectations of what you wish to accomplish through your surgery.
This also develops a relationship with your surgeon, as it encourages your surgeon to be open and honest about what goals can or cannot be achieved.
4. Chat with a patient that has had surgery
Written and video testimonials or case studies are great but they are no replacement for human interaction.
Conversations with previous patients can help you discuss what the experience was really like and what goals were met.
You may also be able to see the results of their surgery if they are comfortable sharing, giving you an even greater sense of how realistic your goals really are.
Summary
Managing your expectations about plastic surgery is important regardless of which procedure you wish to have done. It’s critical to have realistic expectations about plastic surgery, but to also ensure you are on the same page as your surgeon.
To find out more about having a treatment, book your no obligation consultation. You will meet with Antony Fitton and receive expert advice tailored to your needs.
Please call us on 07494 250277 or book your consultation using our online form.
About your Plastic Surgeon: Mr Antony Fitton
MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng)., FRCS(plast).
Mr Antony R Fitton qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1989 with distinction in Surgery. He holds a MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng). and FRCS(plast). (Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons).
He is a member of BAPRAS (British Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), BAAPS (British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand).
Mr Fitton has received the Paton & Masser Award and the CM Matthews Award from the Royal College of Surgeons of England or his research in nerve injury.
Mr Fitton is licensed as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by the GMC.
Life-changing result
"I just wanted to thank you (and your team) for the life-changing result of my top surgery. This will provide me with the freedom that I’m excited to enjoy, including being able to go swimming and actually staying cool in summer! All jokes aside, you have helped to mark a new chapter in my life, for which I am incredibly grateful… ALL the best."
Our appearance has an impact on how others perceive us. We are experts in creating an improved version of you. Click on a procedure below for more information.
Body surgery (or contouring) can involve all or one of the following, with prime focus on areas such as the buttocks, tummy, thighs, arms, and breasts. Click on the links below for more information.
There are several different types of hand surgery but all aim to restore functionality while making the hand look as normal as possible. Click on the links below for more information.
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