10 things to do before you undergo cosmetic surgery

Before you call and book an appointment for cosmetic surgery, sit down and think about why you want it. Is it something that's bothered you since childhood? Or are you doing it to simply boost your self-esteem? Explore your thought process and ensure you're doing this because you want to, not because a loved one is pressuring you, or you're feeling like you have to keep up with your friends or colleagues. Here are a few things you should consider before making a life-changing physical alteration.

1. Do your research
"A great place to start is the Internet, says Dr. Stephen Mulholland, cosmetic surgeon and owner and director of SpaMedica in Toronto. When looking into a particular surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist or clinic, visit the following sites to verify that the doctor and/or clinic you are considering is accredited:

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (rcpsc.medical.org);
• Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.ca);
• Canadian Society of Aesthetics Plastic Surgeons (csaps.ca); and
• Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (caaasf.org)

All surgeries performed in a clinic must be accredited and approved by the CAASF, and all physicians that maintain their fellowships in good standing are listed (along with their specialty and certification date) on the Royal College's of Physician and Surgeon's Maintenance of Certification section. Be thorough – you're interviewing the people who will change the way you look, so take the extra time to investigate.

2. Don't be shy
Just like a fresh set of highlights, if you like the way the furrow in your friend's brow has suddenly vanished, ask her who did her work. To counter, if you didn't love her work, make sure you get that surgeons name too, says Mulholland. Ask your surgeon to show you before and after photographs of patients who've had the procedure(s) you're considering. For further reassurance, ask to speak with a patient who visited the doctor you're considering.

3. Get the right Doc for the job
If you're after a nose job or an eyebrow lift, a physician who specializes in body contouring and breast augmentation might not be the best fit for you. Surgeons tend to develop reputations for what they're best at. Look for someone with a specialty in your category of concern so they can best assist you in getting a great result.

4. Meet and greet
"At the end of the day, you need to meet the physician, interview them and see if there's a sense of trust," says Mulholland. "If your friend had a good outcome, you probably will too."

5. Remain focused
If a surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist is pushing you into additional surgeries that seem unrelated to your area of concern or procedures that make you weary, go home and think about it before agreeing to anything. Remember, you're undergoing a change, regardless of how big – feeling comfortable is incredibly important.

6. Anticipate the unexpected
Sure, maybe your best friend healed completely over a weekend after a laser treatment or your sister can do her Botox over lunch. That doesn't mean you're in the clear. "Different types of skin can react very differently," says Dr. Mulholland, who says lifestyle and genetics can influence how a person responds to certain treatments.


Page 1 of 2 – Thinking about plastic surgery? Discover four more must-dos before going under the knife on page 2.