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Cosmetic Surgery: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Certain changes are inevitable as we get older. And while society expects us to all gracefully embrace these changes, some are easier to accept than others. If you’re finding yourself disliking your appearance because of the changes caused by aging, you may find yourself contemplating cosmetic surgery. There’s no shame in it—and chances are, you may even know someone who’s done it before.

But cosmetic surgery can sometimes be invasive and difficult to recover from—and there are seldom no risks. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.

Pro: You’ll like how you look

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can be a great choice for some—but it’s not without its risks. Be sure to go with a licensed professional who has considerable experience in the operation you’re considering—and don’t choose based on price, even if it’s not covered by your insurance.

If you don’t recognize yourself in the mirror anymore or no longer like how you look, cosmetic surgery could have a profound effect on how you see yourself—and your quality of life. Sometimes cosmetic surgery can go a long way toward making you feel better, improving your confidence, and improving your life.

Con: You may not look the way you want

It’s possible the results of the surgery may not be what you wanted. Complications can actually make your appearance worse—sometimes permanently.  It’s important to think this through before making the decision—and talk to your doctor about the possible risks for this.

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Pro: Serious cosmetic surgery procedures must be performed or supervised by a doctor

If you’re working with someone with a lot of experience, you’re less likely to get good results, have a shorter recovery time, and experience negative outcomes.

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Con: Your doctor may not be that experienced

However, some doctors are more experienced than others. Some doctors may rarely perform the procedure you want. It’s important to choose a physician that has a large body of experience in this precise procedure, not just cosmetic surgery in general. You can check with your state’s medical or dental board to find out whether or not the physician you’re considering using has a disciplinary history or holds the right licenses.

Pro: You may have improved health

Some cosmetic surgery procedures—such as breast reduction surgery, rhinoplasties, or cosmetic surgery to repair damage done in an accident or as a result of an illness such as cancer—can actually alleviate pain and improve your health. Depending on the type of surgery you need, you may see better mobility, better energy levels, lessened discomfort, and other benefits from the surgery.

Con: You may suffer complications

Then again, cosmetic surgery complications may decrease your health—or even be life-threatening. With some procedures, the risk of dangerous complications is higher than with others. Be sure to do some research to find out how often negative complications happen with the surgery you want—and decide whether the risk is worth it to you.

Pro: Your confidence can increase

Taking care of a feature about yourself that you don’t like can boost your confidence—which can have positive effects in all areas of your life.

Con: It’s usually not covered by insurance

Most health insurance won’t cover elective cosmetic surgery. However, the situation is different if your cosmetic surgery is tied to some kind of legitimate health concern. Talk to your doctor and your insurance company to determine the specific case for you.

Cosmetic surgery can be a great choice for some—but it’s not without its risks. Be sure to go with a licensed professional who has considerable experience in the operation you’re considering—and don’t choose based on price, even if it’s not covered by your insurance. When it comes to your health, it often doesn’t pay to cut corners. Cosmetic surgery can improve your looks and your confidence—but not every procedure ends with a positive result. Do your research, and you’re much more likely to get a positive result.