The beauty boom has grown exponentially in recent years, and it’s no longer just creams and facials that are tempting us. Instead, surgical enhancements are now more accessible than ever.

If you’ve considered plastic surgery, and we’d wager that you have, you’re not alone. There were some 28,000 operations in 2018* alone, and is it any wonder? We’re shown our appearance daily, our aging appearance at that. Our smartphones take frighteningly good photos, which we then upload to the gram for judgment by our peers. When we’re not being judged, we’re the ones doing the judging. The rise of the influencer, Love Island and the Insta-glam yummy mummy has left us willingly, or not, comparing our every line, curve and ‘postpartum mum tum’. So when seeing it every day gets too much, why not do something about it? After all, 28,000 others are.

Plastic Surgery is more acceptable these days; it’s a commonplace practice. It is no longer done on the QT but rather something we’re proud of. Spending money on our appearance is now considered money well spent. It’s self-care, self-love. It’s for you and to improve your wellbeing, not just the way you look.

It sounds perfect, doesn’t it? And for many, it is. But not everyone. Plastic surgery can go wrong, and people don’t often talk about it when it does. Plastic surgery is just that; it’s surgery. It’s an invasive procedure that, like any operation, isn’t without its complications. You may be going under the knife voluntarily, but that doesn’t make it any less of an ordeal for your mind and body. Deciding to have plastic surgery shouldn’t be done lightly. You need to go into it fully informed and fully prepared.

Know the pitfalls – what can go wrong how to avoid them.

Scarring

You could have the very best plastic surgeon there is but that doesn’t mean you won’t develop a scar. Where surgery involves an incision, it is penetrating your skin, and that can leave a scar. You may even be genetically more prone to scarring. It doesn’t mean your plastic surgery has gone wrong, but it is still an after-effect you may not have bargained for. Speak to your surgeon about the incision sites; a good surgeon will aim to carry out a procedure on an area that is less noticeable and where most people heal well.

Wounds also take time to heal and do so in phases. Well looked after surgical sites may be less prone to scarring. Aftercare is important, and your surgeon should give you all the facts and information on how to look after yourself post-op, so be sure to get them. Knowing what to do and when to contact the professionals if you’re recovery isn’t going as planned will help reducing scarring and keep complications to a minimum.

The results don’t look how you thought.

Perhaps one of the most common and potentially most distressing side effects of plastic surgery. We’ve all seen the infamous celebrity ‘plastic surgery gone wrong’ snaps in the gossip columns, and the fear of it happening is real. That fear is well-founded because, actually, the result of plastic surgery can often be a disappointment. Plastic surgery is not in the business of perfection but rather enhancement. It is not there to build a new part of you; it works with the body you already have.

Furthermore, recovery takes time. You will look more like you’ve done ten rounds in the ring than undergone cosmetic enhancement post-facelift. Your breasts won’t sit where you expect them to, or maybe even look the way you want them too the first time the bandages come off. Everything takes time to heal, but even then, it may not heal the way you expected.

Have realistic expectations

Having realistic expectations about the results and a thorough conversation with your surgeon about just what you can expect from a procedure is vital to avoiding feeling like your plastic surgery has gone wrong. Research the procedure before and after meeting with your surgeon. Knowledge has always been power, and in the case of plastic surgery, this is no exception. A good tip is to try using plastic surgery simulators online or in the surgeon’s office. This will help realize what the potential outcome will look like on you and not a model with a completely different body type to yours.

Another way to avoid disappointment is to be sure of the reasons you want this surgery. Is it for you and you alone? Remember, your children don’t care if your nose isn’t perfectly straight, and your partner’s penchant for a Brazilian butt doesn’t constitute a viable reason for putting yourself through surgery. If you want a breast reduction to ease the pain on your back or a rhinoplasty to improve facial symmetry and ergo your confidence, that is great, but be sure you know your why and what you expect from it to avoid disappointment.

You have to go back for more.

Sometimes you may need more than one operation or if you are unhappy with the first, you may have to go back for correction surgery. Not only is this another toll on you mentally and physically, it increases the risk of scarring, complications and it isn’t always the fix you hoped it would be. Not to mention the extra financial burden. Whilst some surgeons may offer corrective surgery free of charge, you may have lost confidence in your original doctor and will feel more comfortable going elsewhere. Have you got a contingency fund to plan for what to do if you find yourself facing a plastic surgery gone wrong nightmare? If you don’t are you mentally prepared for it? Being emotionally and financially prepared for every eventuality is something to consider before going under the knife.

Surgical complications

As with any surgery, plastic surgery brings with it a host of possible complications. Bloody clots, infections and blood loss can all be common side effects you need to be aware of. They might be rare, but they’re not impossible. Your surgeon will explain these to you, and they are not to be dismissed – read the entire surgical booklet.

Other steps you can take to protect yourself.

Research the surgeon

One of the best tips we can give to avoid a plastic surgery gone wrong mishap is to do the groundwork and research your surgeon. Are they registered with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)? Do they have speciality procedures? What about their experience and education? Hospital websites will often have a portfolio piece on their surgeons and are a great place to get this information. Other sites to do your due diligence include Linked Inn or a simple Google search. You’ll be able to view their CV, work experience, academic history, medical accolades and specialties. It’s not to say things can’t wrong, but at least you know you’ll be in good hands if they do.

Ask Questions

You can never ask too many questions when it comes to surgery; the consequences are too significant. Make sure you are fully informed about absolutely everything. Make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page, and you both understand what the other is saying. Whilst corrective surgery may be an option, ultimately, you want to get it right first time.

Last but not least.

It is important to remember that surgery can be life-changing with numerous benefits, but it is not something you medically need. You are beautiful the way you are, and your body works. Plastic surgery may help you look a certain way, and that may help you feel a certain way. That alone can be worth it, but don’t forget surgery doesn’t fix an underlying problem; only you can do that.