Some plastic surgery centers advertise their procedures as a "quick-fix" and de-emphasize the risks and side effects involved. But other plastic surgeons like Orange County's believe that a fully informed patient is better able to make positive cosmetic surgery choices and will be happier with them in the long run.

With the popularity of procedures like and liposuction on the rise, cosmetic surgeons and medical professionals have an inherent duty to ensure patients are well aware of all the risks, benefits, and potential results before consenting to surgery. It is important for you to get a realistic view of plastic surgery and to understand there are limitations with every procedure. Read the sections below for tips on how to be proactive about your cosmetic procedure.

The Consultation

While do their absolute best to fill you in on all the details of your procedure, they also rely on you to ask questions and communicate your comfort level. If you are unsure of a particular step in surgery, nervous about the anesthesia process, or concerned about the healing process, please make it a point to discuss your feelings with your surgical team.

Their goal should be to answer all of your questions thoroughly, and to help allay any anxiety by arming you with knowledge. During your initial consultation, you are able not only to take in valuable information about your procedure, but also to get a true feel for the practice and the level of personal care.

Support

While the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a highly personal one, it is essential to have close emotional support while you go through it. Potential plastic surgery patients are encouraged to share all the important pre and post-operative information with a close friend or family member. In moving forward, it can give you an added sense of confidence knowing that someone else may be going through the process along with you in spirit.

Having someone involved and able to deal with your surgery team after the procedure, while you are still sedated, can be a definite plus, especially if there are post-operative instructions that need to be relayed. Also, it is helpful to have the support when dealing with something as dramatic as an appearance adjustment. Not only will you need a friend or family member to drive you home, but you'll also need help during your recovery period when you may be significantly limited in what you can do for yourself.

Results

While it is your job to clearly communicate to your doctor your ideal beauty goals, it is your cosmetic team's job to use their years of experience to give you an idea of what to expect following surgery. No medical professional can predict your exact results. But they can show you the results we've helped others achieve, and give you an approximation of what you might look like after your full recovery. It is important to remember that no two patients will achieve the same result with the same procedure, and that complications can and do occur. However, statistically speaking, if you are in good health and follow post-operative instructions carefully, there is no reason why you shouldn't see success with your chosen cosmetic procedure.

Remember - it is up to you to decide your comfort level and to learn as much as you'd like about your cosmetic surgery. If you feel a particular doctor or center is not meeting your needs or giving you straight answers, visit another cosmetic surgery center in your area and compare levels of personal attention.