Considering Going Under The Knife? My Thoughts

a woman holding a piece of paper that says you are beautiful

Do you look in the mirror and see parts of your face or body that you want to improve? You're not alone, most of us have insecurities- at least one or two things we'd like to change. I know I've looked in the mirror at times and thought 'if I won the lottery, these are the things I'd change' (and proceeded to point to everything- ha). It isn't helped by the fact that we're forever surrounded by stunning photos on social media and in magazines, most of which have been Photoshopped or edited with an app to make them look their best. We see beauty idolised, and 'flaws' shot down with harsh words and comments. With that being said, as long as you've thought things through and are doing it for the right reasons, cosmetic surgery isn't a bad thing . Aim for perfection and unfortunately you'll always be disappointed, but if you want to make the most of your features with a small tweak then why not? Here are some things to think about before taking the plunge. 

Spend time thinking about your decision
Cosmetic surgery is seen as such a normal thing these days, that it can seem like it's not a big deal.  With the rise of 'lunch break procedures' and so many influential figures being open to the procedures they've had done, it's much less taboo than it once was. However, altering your appearance in any way and going under the knife is a massive thing. Be sure you're doing it for the right reasons. It can help to speak to family and friends, the people in your life who have your best interests at heart. Unfortunately, some people are against cosmetic surgery in general so will likely try and put you off, but explain your reasons or speak to someone who you know will remain objective. I've seriously considered lip fillers a number of times, but I know that I can't speak to my mum about it where she's so against the idea in general, not just for me. Instead, I know it's best to speak to a friend who isn't phased either way, as they'll be able to give me the best advice without their own bias in mind. 

Research your surgeon
One of the most important things to consider when you're thinking about getting cosmetic surgery is the clinic and surgeon who you want to perform the procedure. Once you find someone you like the look of, check for their credentials. Where they graduated, if they were part of fellowship programs and their board certifications. You can never be too meticulous with finding their background because after all, you're entrusting with a huge decision. Find out how much experience they have, the more knowledge and practice they've had in their craft the better. If possible, find a surgeon who specialises in the procedure you're having done. For example, https://www.drjoffily.co.uk specialises in body contouring so would be ideal if you were looking at breast augmentation or liposuction. Importantly, take a look at your surgeons portfolio. Make sure you're happy with the work they complete and how it looks on other clients. If you find a surgeon that gives everyone the same looking nose for example then that's a clue that they're probably not as skilled as they seem. A great surgeon will be able to make adjustments based on a persons existing face and features to make it look its best. You often hear about people going abroad to get surgery done because it's cheaper, but that seems crazy to me. There are some things in life that it's worth spending money on- for me, when comes to your appearance (such as tattoos, surgery and your hair) why would you scrimp? Surgery especially, as if something goes wrong your life is genuinely at risk. 

Have realistic expectations 
If you've been insecure for your whole life, chances are you won't wake up after surgery and instantly have all the confidence in the world. While of course it can help, the way that you feel is much more complex. Knowing this beforehand helps you to have realistic expectations. I used to be obsessed with plastic surgery programs on tv; when you see someone who's been through hundreds of surgeries and are clearly destroying their appearance it's hard to understand how they got to that stage. But when you see their stories, often it started as one or two insecurities leading to dissatisfaction, more surgeries, rinse and repeat. It's an example of how sometimes surgery isn't the answer to the problems they're looking for as their self image issues run much deeper.

Would you/ have you gone under the knife? What would you have done if money was no object?