1.Do you really need it? First of all, make sure if cosmetic surgery is absolutely necessary in your case: do not be afraid to look into other non-surgical options such as face lift creams, controlled diet or excesises. Think carefully about why you want the procedure done and before the final decision, try to work first on your self esteem. If you are thinking of having liposuction done, is it for the right reasons? Are you only minimally overweight and have not tried exercising and dieting first? Or, are you very overweight to the point that it is affecting your health, and you have tried exercising and dieting already?



2.Why you want this procedure? Are you doing it for yourself or to please someone else? Body image dissatisfaction is often associated with decreased self-esteem, self-confidence and psychological well-being. If you feel you need a new face, a thinner waistline or bigger breasts to be likable and to feel good about yourself, cosmetic surgery may not be the answer for you. In fact, some studies show that extensive cosmetic surgery may make psychological issues worse.

3.Do you know exactely what result you are hoping to achive? Be honest about your expectations. Will the surgery change your appearance the way you hope? For example, if you want your breasts enlarged, what size do you want them to be? Having a clear idea is essential for a proper discussion with the surgeon. It can be easy to think that every woman will come out of cosmetic surgery looking like a super model but sometimes the reality can be a little bit different... So in order to avoid any disapoitments make sure your expectations are realistic . Some websites offer a service which allows you to visualise changes to your face and body after undergoing surgical or non surgical procedures. All you need to do is to send them pictures of yourself and they digitally enhance the images to give you an idea of how you may look. Although this will cost you ( about L50), it is money well spent and if you think seriousely about surgery, it's worth investing in this - you can then use such images as a point of reference when talking to a surgeon.

4.Talking to your family doctor. Are you sure you are a good candidate for surgery? With your family physician you can discuss your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery; your specific health issues which may be important when considering surgery; and general information about cosmetic procedures. For example, pregnancy, some medical conditions, and certain medications make cosmetic surgery unadvisable. Any medical conditions should also be discussed with your cosmetic surgery provider. Ask your own doctor for a referral - he may be familiar with the experience and training of surgeons who provide cosmetic procedures in your area.

5.Doing your research. Hospitals and clinics offering the procedure you are considering can provide information that may help in your decision-making. Although many physicians have websites that provide details about their treatments, often with ?before and after? photographs, websites are in themselves a form of advertising and photographs of patients before and after procedures may be best-case scenarios. Look for other objective information from multiple sources ? friends, family, the internet, etc. When you see the physician, ask to see pictures of other patients that have had the procedures you are considering. If available, consider talking to past patients who have had the same procedure.

6.Checking out the surgeons credentials . This is very important. Always make sure any qualifications the surgeon has are verified and where possible ask to speak to past patients. Any doctor claiming to be a ?plastic surgeon? should have at least 5 years training in the relevant specialty and should have passed appropriate exams. You need to look for someone with a lot of experience in the procedure or area in which you are interested. Make sure the surgeon use up-to-date techniques with successful results.

7.Booking a consultation with the surgery provider. Make sure you have a proper consultation with the actual surgeon who will be operating on you. Be suspicious if you are not charged a fee for this consultation ? a good surgeon's time is valuable. A ?free? consultation will probably be with a counsellor, nurse or salesperson.The consultation is your opportunity to get the information you need to make a decision. You should not feel pressured to proceed just because you have had a consultation. This consultation should include a detailed medical history, a discussion about your aesthetic concerns, and a thorough explanation of all the options available to you to address your concerns. In addition, you should get a clear explanation of all the associated risks, benefits and complications associated with each option. It is very common for pre-operative pictures to be taken at the time of the initial consultation and the costs associated with each option are usually discussed at the time of the initial visit.

8.Good preparation for a consultation with a surgon. Before your appoitment, make a note of all your questions. Not to be afraid to ask! Remember this is actually your body the surgeon will be operating and therefore you have every right to make enquiries. Do not forget to bring with you a list of your current medicines or pills you may be taking, that includes any vitamins and supplements you may take. If the answers are not absolutely clear to you, say so and ask for a further explanation. Remember that you are paying for this consultation. Ask about the doctor's qualifications including how many procedures like this he or she has done, what kind of training or certification he or she has, complication rates and how complications are handled.

9.Getting a second opinion. All medical procedures have serious complications, and you should obtain more than one opinion. The truth is that different doctors have different approaches and you need to find one that suits you best.

10.Don't rush into anything and don't be pressured by anyone else. you, nobody else will be undergoing surgery, so do it ONLY if you are 100% convinced about it and if you REALLY want it for yourself. After the initial consultation, allow yourself a ?cooling off ?period of about 2'3 weeks. Give yourself time to think clearly about the procedure before making the decision to go ahead. Remember, you can always change your mind and cancel right up to the moment you go to sleep for surgery.