Face lift surgery: is it for you?

You might be contemplating facial surgery for all sorts of reasons. You could have a school or college reunion coming up or perhaps you’ve caught sight of yourself in photos of some recent family get together and wondered who that person was.

You may know someone who looks years younger after a succesful face lift or you may be influenced by the images of successful celebrity plastic surgery in so many magazines.

Even those of us who feel we don’t want to go the facial surgery route. Even if you’ve got knife phobia you can be influenced by positive media coverage of facial surgery.

Shows like “Ten Years Younger” or “Extreme Makeover” make us think we can instantly look like our younger selves with just a minor bit of facial surgery.

Of course – this isn’t the reality. If you are considering facial cosmetic surgery of any kind – a reality check is what you need before you go for it.

This is not to say you shouldn’t do it – facial cosmetic surgery may not be right for some women but could turn out to be the right approach for others. It has got to be a personal choice.

The most important thing is that you don’t opt for a serious surgical procedure – especially something that will change your face – without some equally serious research and thought. So before you do anything – get prepared.

Start off by identifying exactly what it is about your appearance that makes you unhappy.

Find out whether there are any safe, effective and less invasive procedures that could help you tackle things another way.

Consult reputable plastic surgeons on an information only basis – without commitment. Find out as much as possible about the procedure you are considering.

Take as long as you need in consultation – don’t be rushed and don’t be intimidated into making a commitment to facial cosmetic surgery before you are ready.

Find out about the downsides of the treatments you are considering – what are the risks? – how likely are bad side effects and what are they?

Go on the internet and search out sites that carry reviews, comment and before and after photos of facial cosmetic surgery – specifically of the procedure you are considering. There is an increasing amount of information out there as more and more ordinary men and women share their experiences of plastic surgery.

Ask the plastic surgeon for examples of patients who have had facial cosmetic surgery – if possible ask to speak to a previous client who has had similar procedures about their experience.

Be honest and realistic about your hopes and expectations and ask the plastic surgeon to tell you honestly how far the procedure you are considering will get you what you want.

Take your time and weigh up all the evidence and information you have gathered. Any good plastic surgeon will tell you this is the ONLY way to approach such a serious decision. Chances are – if you’ve done your homework you’ll feel happier about the decision – whether you decide to go for facial cosmetic surgery or not.