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Cosmetic surgery

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If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Why do you want surgery and what do you expect surgery to do for you? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there are two categories of patients who are good candidates for surgery:

The first includes patients with a strong self-image who are bothered by a physical characteristic that they'd like to improve or change.
The second category includes patients who have a physical defect or cosmetic flaw that has diminished their self-esteem over time.

It's important to remember that cosmetic surgery can create both physical changes and changes in self-esteem. But if you are seeking surgery with the hope of influencing a change in someone other than yourself, you might end up disappointed.

ASPS list of inappropriate candidates for surgery

Patients in crisis, such as those who are going through divorce, the death of a spouse, or the loss of a job. These patients may be seeking to achieve goals that cannot be met through an appearance change — goals that relate to overcoming crisis through an unrelated change in appearance is not the solution. Rather, a patient must first work through the crisis.
Patients with unrealistic expectations, such as those who insist on having a celebrity's nose, with the hope that they may acquire a celebrity lifestyle; patients who want to be restored to their original "perfection" following a severe accident or a serious illness; or patients who wish to find the youth of many decades past.
Impossible-to-please patients, such as individuals who consult with surgeon after surgeon, seeking the answers they want to hear. These patients hope for a cure to a problem that is not primarily, or at all, physical.
Patients who are obsessed with a very minor defect, and may believe that once their defect is fixed, life will be perfect. Born perfectionists may be suitable candidates for surgery, as long as they are realistic enough to understand that surgical results may not precisely match their goals.
Patients who have a mental illness, and exhibit delusional or paranoid behavior, may also be poor candidates for surgery. Surgery may be appropriate in these cases if it is determined that the patient's goals for surgery are not related to the psychosis. In these cases, a plastic surgeon may work closely with the patient's psychiatrist.

Because the changes resulting from cosmetic surgery are often dramatic and permanent, it's important that you have a clear understanding of how surgery might make you feel — long before a procedure is scheduled.

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Safety

If you're thinking about getting cosmetic surgery, it's your job to become an informed consumer. Selecting a qualified doctor, with a lot of training and experience in the procedure you'd like to get, is essential.

Ask the right questions to get the best treatment:

In which state is the doctor licensed to practice surgery?
Is the doctor board certified? With which board? The doctor should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How many years has the doctor performed this type of surgery?
Does the doctor have life-saving equipment and monitoring devices?
Who administers the anesthesia? Ideally, this person is a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
What are the risks of the procedure?
What is the expected recovery for the procedure you're having?

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Check out your doctor's credentials

If you're thinking about having your surgery in the doctor's office, there are advantages and disadvantages. The office might be convenient, private, and have more amenities than a hospital or ambulatory care center (non-emergency, outpatient facility). But it may not be safe. Don't assume that the doctor has the right credentials or the right equipment to keep you safe in the office.

Contact these organizations to find out your doctor's education, licensure, and board certification in addition to the doctor's or ambulatory care center's accreditation:

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAHC) – Accredits physician offices with surgical facilities.
Phone: 847-853-6060
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) – Certifies ambulatory surgery facilities and provides practice guidelines for surgeons working in ambulatory surgical facilities.
Phone: 888-545-5222
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)/ The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) – All of the surgeons listed through this service are ASPS members who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of surgical residency, usually three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery.
Phone: 847-228-9900
Federation of State Medical Boards (FCVS) – FCVS verifies medical education, postgraduate training, licensure examination history, board action history, and identity.
Phone: 817-868-4043

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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious illness in which a person is preoccupied with minor or imaginary physical flaws, usually of the skin, hair, and nose. A person with BDD tends to have cosmetic surgery, and even if the surgery is successful, does not think it was and is unhappy with the outcome.

Symptoms of BDD:

Being preoccupied with minor or imaginary physical flaws, usually of the skin, hair, and nose, such as acne, scarring, facial lines, marks, pale skin, thinning hair, excessive body hair, large nose, or crooked nose.
Having a lot of anxiety and stress about the perceived flaw and spending a lot of time focusing on it, such as frequently picking at skin, excessively checking appearance in a mirror, hiding the imperfection, comparing appearance with others, excessively grooming, seeking reassurance from others about how they look, and getting cosmetic surgery.

Getting cosmetic surgery can make BDD worse. They are often not happy with the outcome of the surgery. If they are, they may start to focus attention on another body area and become preoccupied trying to fix the new "defect." In this case, some patients with BDD become angry at the surgeon for making their appearance worse and may even become violent towards the surgeon.

Treatment for BDD

Medications. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are antidepressants that decrease the obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a type of therapy with several steps:
1. The therapist asks the patient to enter social situations without covering up her "defect."
2. The therapist helps the patient stop doing the compulsive behaviors to check the defect or cover it up. This may include removing mirrors, covering skin areas that the patient picks, or not using make-up.
3. The therapist helps the patient change their false beliefs about their appearance.

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Additional resources on cosmetic surgery

Breast surgery

Explore other publications and websites

Breast Augmentation (Copyright © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) — This Web page addresses the risks and results of breast augmentation, and explains how to prepare for the procedure.
Breast Implants — This Web page provides safety information about breast implants and breast implant surgery.
Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) — This publication provides information about breast lift surgery, including who is a good candidate for a breast lift.
Breast Reconstruction (Copyright © Susan G Komen for the Cure) — This Web page has information about breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This resource describes how procedures are done, and explains the differences between the procedures.
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a breast removed. Here you can find information to help you better understand your options if you are considering breast reconstruction.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) — This publication discusses who should consider breast reduction surgery and what the procedure entails.
Breast Reduction Surgery (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication provides consumers with information about breast reduction. It includes why some women opt for it and what happens before, during, and after surgery.
Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery (Copyright © La Leche League) — This Web page has links to breastfeeding resources for women who have had general breast surgery, breast augmentation surgery, and breast reduction surgery.
Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants — This publication provides information regarding the approval of the silicone breast implants.
What You Need to Know About Breast Implants (Copyright © National Research Center for Women and Families) — This publication talks about the history of breast implants in the United States, the known risks of implants, and other concerns such as breast cancer detection, financial costs, and how to get implants removed.

Connect with other organizations

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Botox

Explore other publications and websites

Botox® Injections (Copyright © American Academy of Facial, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery Inc.) — This fact sheet provides recommendations for those considering Botox® injections.
Wrinkle Fillers: Information for Patients — This fact sheet explains the factors you should consider before choosing to have Botox® or injectable cosmetic wrinkle fillers. It discusses the safety concerns, the risks, and who should not use these types of treatments.
Wrinkle Relief: Injectable Cosmetic Fillers — This fact sheet explains cosmetic wrinkle fillers, including what the filler materials are made from and what side effects you may experience. It also explains how wrinkle fillers differ from Botox® injections.

Connect with other organizations

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Liposuction

Explore other publications and websites

Cellulite — This Web page explains what cellulite is, how you get it, and how you can try to avoid it.
Do's and Don'ts for Liposuction (Copyright © ASDS) — This fact sheet offers some tips for having realistic expectations about the results of liposuction. It includes information about preparing for and recovering from surgery.
Liposuction — This publication has information about types of liposuction procedures, risks of the surgery, as well as what to expect before and after liposuction.
Liposuction — This publication explains what liposuction is, how it is done, and its pros and cons.
Liposuction: What Are the Risks or Complications? — This publications describes the risks of liposuction.
The Skinny on Liposuction — If you are considering liposuction, there are many factors to consider. This Web page discusses regulations, risks, and other information about liposuction.

Connect with other organizations

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Varicose or spider veins

Explore other publications and websites

Below-the-belt Dermatological Conditions (Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology) — This publication separates fact from myth when it comes to treating spider and varicose veins, cellulite, and problems caused by pedicures.
Do's and Don'ts for the Treatment of Spider and Varicose Veins (Copyright © American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) — This fact sheet offers tips for improving the appearance of varicose and spider veins. It also explains what increases your risk of varicose veins, and what you can do to prevent them.
Vein Treatments: What to Expect Before, During, and After (Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology) — This publication explains treatment options for varicose and spider veins, including how different procedures work and what you can expect as a patient.

Connect with other organizations

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Safety

Explore other publications and websites

10 Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure (Copyright © AAD) — Ask these ten questions before having a cosmetic procedure to help find a qualified practitioner and avoid complications.
Cosmetic Surgery: What to Know Beforehand (Copyright © Mayo Clinic) — This publication provides information on whether or not cosmetic surgery is right for you. It explains what the risks are, how to find a qualified surgeon, and what to expect from the consultation.
Medical Tourism (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) — People considering plastic surgery can choose among a wide range of providers and facilities, with some even offering low-cost travel packages in exotic vacation spots. This publication talks about "medical tourism" and whether it's safe.
Patient Safety Tips (Copyright © American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) — This page provides links to articles about what to expect if you choose to get cosmetic surgery.
Safety Tips for Patients Considering Cosmetic/Dermatologic Laser and Light Based Device Procedures (Copyright © American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery) — This fact sheet talks about the safety of cosmetic surgeries that use a laser. It tells what questions to ask your doctor, what to expect from the procedure, and what to do if you experience complications.

Connect with other organizations

Return to top

Additional resources on body dysmorphic disorder

Explore other publications and websites

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) — This article describes what BDD is, the symptoms of BDD, and how it is treated.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This fact sheet describes the symptoms and causes of body dysmorphic disorder. It also offers information about self-care and how to know when to seek medical advice.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) — This article for parents describes the causes of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the impact of the condition, and how it is treated.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © The Cleveland Clinic Foundation) — This fact sheet explains what body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is, what causes it, what the signs and symptoms are, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Mental Health Services Locator — This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

Connect with other organizations

More information on Cosmetic surgery

Explore other publications and websites

10 Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure (Copyright © AAD) - Ask these ten questions before having a cosmetic procedure to help find a qualified practitioner and avoid complications.
Below-the-belt Dermatological Conditions (Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology) - This publication separates fact from myth when it comes to treating spider and varicose veins, cellulite, and problems caused by pedicures.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - This article describes what BDD is, the symptoms of BDD, and how it is treated.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - This fact sheet describes the symptoms and causes of body dysmorphic disorder. It also offers information about self-care and how to know when to seek medical advice.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) - This article for parents describes the causes of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the impact of the condition, and how it is treated.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © The Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - This fact sheet explains what body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is, what causes it, what the signs and symptoms are, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Botox® Injections (Copyright © American Academy of Facial, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery Inc.) - This fact sheet provides recommendations for those considering Botox® injections.
Breast Augmentation (Copyright © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - This Web page addresses the risks and results of breast augmentation, and explains how to prepare for the procedure.
Breast Implants - This Web page provides safety information about breast implants and breast implant surgery.
Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) - This publication provides information about breast lift surgery, including who is a good candidate for a breast lift.
Breast Reconstruction (Copyright © Susan G Komen for the Cure) - This Web page has information about breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This resource describes how procedures are done, and explains the differences between the procedures.
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy (Copyright © American Cancer Society) - Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a breast removed. Here you can find information to help you better understand your options if you are considering breast reconstruction.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) - This publication discusses who should consider breast reduction surgery and what the procedure entails.
Breast Reduction Surgery (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - This publication provides consumers with information about breast reduction. It includes why some women opt for it and what happens before, during, and after surgery.
Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery (Copyright © La Leche League) - This Web page has links to breastfeeding resources for women who have had general breast surgery, breast augmentation surgery, and breast reduction surgery.
Cellulite - This Web page explains what cellulite is, how you get it, and how you can try to avoid it.
Cosmetic Surgery: What to Know Beforehand (Copyright © Mayo Clinic) - This publication provides information on whether or not cosmetic surgery is right for you. It explains what the risks are, how to find a qualified surgeon, and what to expect from the consultation.
Do's and Don'ts for Liposuction (Copyright © ASDS) - This fact sheet offers some tips for having realistic expectations about the results of liposuction. It includes information about preparing for and recovering from surgery.
Do's and Don'ts for the Treatment of Spider and Varicose Veins (Copyright © American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) - This fact sheet offers tips for improving the appearance of varicose and spider veins. It also explains what increases your risk of varicose veins, and what you can do to prevent them.
Liposuction - This publication explains what liposuction is, how it is done, and its pros and cons.
Liposuction - This publication has information about types of liposuction procedures, risks of the surgery, as well as what to expect before and after liposuction.
Liposuction: What Are the Risks or Complications? - This publications describes the risks of liposuction.
Medical Tourism (Copyright © American Society of Plastic Surgeons) - People considering plastic surgery can choose among a wide range of providers and facilities, with some even offering low-cost travel packages in exotic vacation spots. This publication talks about "medical tourism" and whether it's safe.
Mental Health Services Locator - This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
Patient Safety Tips (Copyright © American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) - This page provides links to articles about what to expect if you choose to get cosmetic surgery.
Safety Tips for Patients Considering Cosmetic/Dermatologic Laser and Light Based Device Procedures (Copyright © American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery) - This fact sheet talks about the safety of cosmetic surgeries that use a laser. It tells what questions to ask your doctor, what to expect from the procedure, and what to do if you experience complications.
Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants - This publication provides information regarding the approval of the silicone breast implants.
The Skinny on Liposuction - If you are considering liposuction, there are many factors to consider. This Web page discusses regulations, risks, and other information about liposuction.
Vein Treatments: What to Expect Before, During, and After (Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology) - This publication explains treatment options for varicose and spider veins, including how different procedures work and what you can expect as a patient.
What You Need to Know About Breast Implants (Copyright © National Research Center for Women and Families) - This publication talks about the history of breast implants in the United States, the known risks of implants, and other concerns such as breast cancer detection, financial costs, and how to get implants removed.
Wrinkle Fillers: Information for Patients - This fact sheet explains the factors you should consider before choosing to have Botox® or injectable cosmetic wrinkle fillers. It discusses the safety concerns, the risks, and who should not use these types of treatments.
Wrinkle Relief: Injectable Cosmetic Fillers - This fact sheet explains cosmetic wrinkle fillers, including what the filler materials are made from and what side effects you may experience. It also explains how wrinkle fillers differ from Botox® injections.