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Being a good candidate for cosmetic surgery depends on several personal factors, including your health, your goals, and your understanding of the procedure. Because every patient is unique, candidacy is best determined through an individualized consultation where your needs and expectations can be carefully reviewed.
Cosmetic surgery is more than just the procedure itself. It includes anesthesia, the surgical process, and the recovery period that follows. For this reason, deciding whether surgery is right for you is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Multiple considerations must be evaluated before moving forward.
Patients who are in good general health and are well informed tend to be strong candidates for cosmetic procedures. Factors such as existing medical conditions, lifestyle habits, the area of concern, the complexity of the procedure, and the desired outcome all play a role in determining whether surgery is appropriate and safe for you.
Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications both during and after surgery. For patient safety, candidates must be non-smokers. Individuals who currently smoke may still be considered if they are able to stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery and remain smoke-free for two weeks after their procedure.
Successful cosmetic surgery begins with clear and realistic expectations. During your consultation, your goals will be discussed in detail, and recommendations will be made based on what can be safely and effectively achieved. Results vary from person to person and depend on each individual’s anatomy, health, and treatment plan.
Reviewing before-and-after photos of real patients can also help you better understand potential outcomes.
Pregnancy can significantly affect the body’s appearance. For this reason, consultations are typically recommended at least six months after delivery. Many patients choose to explore post-pregnancy procedures, such as a Mommy Makeover, once their bodies have fully healed.
Patient safety is always the top priority. Candidates must meet specific health guidelines, including BMI requirements. Surgery is generally not recommended for patients with a BMI above 34.
Patients who do not yet meet this criterion may consider non-surgical options such as our medically supervised weight management programs before pursuing surgery.
If you are not planning to move forward with surgery within the next 6 to 12 months, it may be best to delay scheduling a consultation. A surgical plan is based on your current health, lifestyle, and goals, all of which can change over time. Meeting closer to your intended surgery date ensures that recommendations are accurate and up to date.
If you are in good health, have clear goals, and feel ready to take the next step, a consultation is the best way to determine whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.
When I first published The 7 Critical Questions to Ask Before Letting Any Surgeon Touch You, I had no idea that it would be so popularly received. Since its publication, this brief guide has helped thousands like you to more safely navigate the world of cosmetic surgery. The 7 Questions have been updated and a bonus section, Applying the 7 Questions, has just been added. Be my guest to read, learn and share.
