What Makes a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

If you are considering plastic surgery you should know that your results will depend upon a number of factors, many of which are under your control. If you meet all these criteria you should be ready for an initial consultation. If not, you may find that you can become a good candidate for plastic surgery by making a few changes.

Overall good health is essential, and that depends on living a healthy lifestyle. Eating balanced meals, getting plenty of exercise, regular sleep patterns, low stress, emotional balance and maintaining balanced weight are essential for a good cosmetic surgery candidate.

Smoking: Smoking is known to decrease the elasticity of skin and to impede good results. Nicotine constricts arteries, reducing blood flow. Good circulation is necessary to healing. You need good circulation for a quick recovery and to reduce scarring and bruising

It takes several weeks to rid your body of the tobacco’s toxins. Some surgeons require their patients to stop smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery.

Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine are two substances known to affect the elasticity and quality of skin. Try to limit these, at least before your surgery and during healing. Avoiding these substances can extend the benefits gained from surgery.

Medications: Many common medications, including over-the-counter meds and herbal remedies can be very dangerous. For instance, taking St. John’s Wort can cause malignant hypotension, a fatal drop in blood pressure, when taken even two weeks prior to having general anesthesia.

Other dangerous medications include aspirin or other “blood thinners” such as Coumadin. These drugs slow blood clotting. They can cause hemorrhaging and bruising. Also, anesthesia is a known risk of any surgery.

Poor Health: While good health contributes to the best outcomes, poor health can cause serious complications. For example, a bleeding disorder can cause anything from excessive bruising to uncontrollable bleeding–not a pretty picture during surgery. In addition to bleeding disorders, more common health issues include:

• heart disease
• uncontrolled hypertension
• high cholesterol
• lung disease
• uncontrolled diabetes
• obesity
• uncontrolled allergies
• arthritis
• depression

Patients with any of the above are already compromised, and possibly on medications that increase the risk of surgery and/or anesthesia. Some of these conditions inhibit healing. Some affect circulation, increase the chance of reactions, infection, pneumonia and more.

Above all, have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery cannot change your age or perform miracles. As with all surgery, there are risks.