What you should consider before cosmetic surgery.

By Harvey Abrams, MD

The popularity of Extreme Makeover TV shows has brought the underground in cosmetic surgery up to the surface. Cosmetic improvement is now for everyone, not just the privileged. People of all ages are exploring the latest treatments to help them look younger, healthier, and more attractive.

Once people start to investigate the latest categories of cosmetic procedures, they quickly realize that there are many options and that they are often confusing. Some of the latest treatments include laser skin resurfacing for skin tightening, breast augmentation, deep-level face lifts, liposuction for fat reduction and body contouring, Botox for wrinkle reduction, and a multitude of fillers for diminishing lines and wrinkles.

Where do you start your assessment of these various options?

The best place to start is with a "consultation." During the consultation you should consider the following factors:

1. An honest assessment of your personal wishes and goals: Consider if you are seeking to look younger or if you are seeking to improve on a weak chin, crooked nose, or a spare tire.

2. Consult an appropriate professional whether it be a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, dentist, etc.: Be careful to only consult medical professionals for medical procedures. There is a growing trend for beauty salons and aestheticians to advertise medical services such as Botox and laser skin resurfacing although they are not experts in delivering these services.

3. Experience and qualifications: Is the physician board certified? It is essential that the doctor be certified for the procedure you select/desire. Even family practitioners are starting to administer cosmetic procedures without having received formal training.

4. Down-time: what will be the time off from work or away from daily activities such as the gym or outdoor activities?

5. Risk factors: How often (what percent) could an infection occur, scarring, or even death? (probably very rare, but ask anyway!)

6. Reasonable expectations for result/outcome: will the procedure/technique provide the overall result you seek?

7. Cost -- always an important factor: The procedure or doctor should not be the least expensive, but be warned, the most expensive procedures or doctors do not guarantee the best result.

The most important factor in choosing a physician is selecting one who comes highly recommended by a friend, family member, or your physician. He/she ought to be someone who is experienced in the service you are seeking. The doctor should be someone who you trust, who engenders a patient, caring, and respectful attitude toward you during your consultation.

When you leave the consultation you should feel listened to, understood, and better informed.

Harvey Abrams, MD is a cosmetic surgeon at Wilshire Aesthetics Medical Group, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Promenade 2, L. A. For more information, call (323) 936-1245.