Having a clear understanding and being properly prepared is essential to the success of any cosmetic procedure.

Whether you're seeking cosmetic surgery or a minimally invasive treatment, having a clear view of what the procedure entails will help you alleviate concerns, minimise the risk of potential complications and achieve optimal results.

Credentials

One of the most important decisions when electing to undergo a cosmetic procedure is your choice of doctor. Both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures should be conducted under the care of a trained specialist, so ensure in your pre-procedure research you check your physician's credentials.

The combination of training, experience and judgment that the practitioner brings to your case strongly affects your procedure. You should also feel comfortable enough with your chosen doctor to express your concerns and desired outcomes.

Your doctor's training and certification should be appropriate to the procedure you are after. Find out what training the doctor has and whether it is in the field of surgery you are considering. Certification by the appropriate medical board or body tells you that your doctor has met additional requirements for continuing education and experience in cosmetic surgery.

Research

A reputable surgeon will never be put out if you come to your consultation armed with a barrage of questions. Learn as much as possible about the procedure you are seeking.

The internet offers a wealth of knowledge to help you understand some of the pertinent details about your chosen procedure, such as precautions, possible complications and post-operative care, as well as the procedure itself. Websites dedicated to beauty and cosmetic procedures, such as www.cosmeticbeautydirectory.com.au and www. Realself.com can be a good place to start.

Once you've conducted plenty of background research, it's a good idea to put together a list of the specifics you're interested in discussing with your doctor. Areas to query can include post-operative care, complications and precautions.

This is also the time to gauge your doctor's experience in the procedure you're undergoing, so don't hesitate to ask for photo examples of their work or the number of surgeries they've performed. Ask which hospitals the doctor admits patients to in emergencies, then ring the hospital and check their credentials.

You should never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost. This may indicate corners have been cut somewhere or qualifications are lacking.

Facilities

Cosmetic procedures are most safely performed in facilities accredited by the Australian Council of health Care Standard (ACHS). These will be fully equipped with life-saving and monitoring devices and staffed by professionals. Be wary of undergoing cosmetic procedures outside a medical setting, such as in a private home or at a ‘party'.
Many more minor procedures are performed in day surgeries, so don't be hesitant to confirm what protocols your practitioner has in place in terms of sterilisation and equipment.

Risks

Being prepared for surgery mentally and physically will result in less anxiety and minimised risks. All surgery has associated complications and risks, though less invasive procedures generally have smaller risks and major procedures have larger risks. It's logical that if an incision is made there will usually be a scar, or if skin is cut there is a possibility of bleeding or infection. Many steps are taken to reduce risks, but even if everything is performed perfectly a small chance still remains that something may occur.

Put the time aside for a thorough evaluation and collect detailed information about the risks and benefits in order to give full informed consent. Ensure you fully disclose your medical history, any medications or supplements you may be taking, and are examined and evaluated for the specific treatment.

There is a small percentage of the population that is allergic to chemicals used in anaesthetic. If applicable, find out who will be administering your anaesthetic and discuss these risks with them.

Pre-operative

There are risks associated with any surgery, but following your doctor's instructions regarding your specific procedure will help reduce these risks and allay fears.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to undergo lab testing or a medical evaluation to establish your health. Your doctor will advise of any adjustments in the medications you may be taking and ask you to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. If you're a smoker, quit at least four weeks prior to surgery. Besides the obvious general health risks and acceleration of the ageing process, smoking greatly increases the rate of complications during and after surgery.

Know what to expect

Day of surgery

Medications will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. This may be local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgery and your comfort level. Monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

Following surgery you will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring, after which you will be able to go home if you underwent an outpatient procedure providing all is well. If you have undergone a general anesthetic, a caregiver should assist you for the first 24 hours or you may require an overnight stay.

A reputable doctor will be available for necessary follow-up care. The relationship should not end with you being taken out of the operating theatre.

Recovery

The rate of recovery depends both on the procedure performed and how quickly . The first few days after surgery should include rest and you should expect bruising and swelling, which typically disappears within seven to ten days, depending on the procedure. Keep the operated region elevated and treated with cool compresses if specified by your surgeon.

The first few days are usually when the most discomfort is experienced and you can expect to use oral pain medication as directed. This should ease by the fourth to seventh day.

Depending on your surgery, the incisions will be closed with either absorbable sutures that disappear on their own or sutures or staples that need to be removed. You will be instructed on how to keep these clean and of your care regime during healing.

After immediate healing is complete, using certain creams to speed scar maturation and applying sunblock to help avoid scar pigmentation is recommended.

Follow your doctor's directions at all times. It may be best to avoid any strenuous activity for the first few weeks after surgery, although resuming gentle day to day activities as possible is often recommended. This minimal activity is enough to significantly reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

The best way to maintain your surgical results are to protect the elastic properties of your skin by avoiding smoking, using sun protection and maintaining a stable weight.

Is it for you?

Some of the lifestyle factors that may be discussed to determine your candidacy during the consultation with your chosen doctor may include:

• Current weight and history of weight fluctuations

• Mental health

• Nutrition and vitamin supplements

• Exercise frequency and type

• Smoking habits and exposure to second-hand smoke

• Alcohol consumption

• Sun exposure

• Sleep patterns

• Stress levels and coping mechanisms.

Possible side effects of cosmetic procedures

• After any surgery your body will respond by creating fluid around the operative region. The fluid can be seen as edema (soft swelling of the skin), or if a seroma (a fluid collection under the skin) occurs, drains may be placed to remove this fluid.

• All incisions made during surgery need to heal and occasionally delayed healing can occur. Smoking and vascular conditions are known to slow down healing.

• Variable amounts of bruising are possible, but this can be minimised with lymphatic drainage massage, avoidance of aspirin and taking the herbal remedy Arnica. Ice packs and elevation will also assist post-operatively.

• It is normal to have some numbness near scars as skin incisions divide small sensory nerves. Typically, sensation will return over a period of months.

ACSM #45