Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Surgical Outcome

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Surgical Outcome

Chances are when you begin to consider a plastic surgery procedure, you have a certain image in mind of what you want to look like. But, what’s in your head and what’s realistic may be two different things.

If you want to get the most out of your procedure, it’s important to set realistic expectations. This will help you avoid disappointment and any wrong signals between you and your plastic surgeon. Remember to keep in mind that the results of your plastic surgery should be in line with your other facial features to create balance. Here are some things you can do to set yourself up for a successful surgical outcome.

multiple faces of woman with different angles showing facelift contour lines

Think About the Reasons You Want Plastic Surgery

Having a clear thought about why you want plastic surgery can help you set realistic expectations. Some people want to look younger, others want to correct a feature they’ve disliked for many years. Whatever the reason, it’s good to have a clear idea of why you want the surgery.

It’s unrealistic to think that plastic surgery will solve all of your problems or make other people treat you better. If these are on your list of reasons why you want plastic surgery, you may want to reexamine your reasons.

Show Your Plastic Surgeon a Photo of Your Expectations

Before the procedure, show your plastic surgeon photos of what you hope the procedure will accomplish. Your surgeon will let you know right away if what you want is realistic. After all, plastic surgeons are not magicians! Knowing ahead of time what is realistic and why something may not be, is helpful. Your plastic surgeon will let you know why the image you have in your mind doesn’t match your features if that’s the case and make recommendations about what may better accomplish your goals. 

Preview Digital Images of Expected Results

One way to see how the plastic surgery results will look is to see if your plastic surgeon can provide you with digital images. This can be beneficial in two ways. It will not only let you know how your procedure will look but can also allow your plastic surgeon to show you why a certain image you may have won’t create harmony and help you to appear natural.

Although the term is “plastic surgery”, you don’t want to look plastic and fake. You want your surgery to enhance your other features.

Have an Honest Conversation

After seeing 3-D imaging of the results of your surgery, have an honest conversation with your plastic surgeon. Would you be happy with the results? Are you 100% sure the procedure you had in mind is right for you? If you can’t answer yes to both of these questions, then it’s time to reassess your plastic surgery goals.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Surgical Outcome for Men

How to Achieve Harmony With Plastic Surgery

When you visit your plastic surgeon, he or she will look at the proportions of your face and take measurements. Your surgeon will look at your features and note their spacing and how they relate to each other. This will give them a better idea of how to proceed. This will also help them give you an idea of whether your goals are realistic.

This is especially true if you’re considering rhinoplasty. The nose is at the center of the face, so anything you do to alter it will change the entire look of your face. Choosing a look that is not in proportion with the rest of your face can throw everything off. This is one procedure that needs to be done with great expertise.

There are many times when one procedure may enhance another and help to provide balance. If this is the case, your plastic surgeon will make recommendations for you. Ultimately it will be your decision on how to proceed. 

Call Dr. Ladner for Your Next Plastic Surgery Procedure

If you’re looking for more information on a plastic surgery procedure, call Dr. Keith Ladner. During a consultation, Dr. Ladner will let you know if your expectations are realistic. He may also offer suggestions to help you get the look you desire or perhaps suggest a different procedure. Dr. Ladner is experienced in many different plastic surgery procedures. He is also double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Call today at (303) 253-7686 or go online to schedule a consultation.

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