Although plastic surgery is more popular and common than ever, there are still a number of concerns and worries that hold people back or that make them hesitate over having a procedure performed. From tabloids to reality TV, there are also plenty of sources of misinformation about plastic surgery or stories that hype up all that can go wrong. While it’s perfectly normal to have some concerns before undergoing a procedure, if you choose your surgeon carefully and take the time to plan out your surgery, you can minimize any risks and concerns.

The Risk for Complications

One of the biggest concerns people often have when considering any type of facial plastic surgery, from a browlift to rhinoplasty is that there will be complications or that something will go wrong during the procedure or as they are recovering. While the risk for complications can’t always be ruled out and every patient should go into a procedure with an understanding of the potential risks, there are plenty of ways to minimize those complications.

Making sure you are in the best health possible before surgery is one of the biggest ways you can cut down on your risks. Some conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your risk for bleeding and other issues. If you get any conditions under control and give up certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, before your procedure, you can help increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Going the extra mile when it comes to your health can also reduce the risk for complications. For example, getting to your goal weight or to a healthier weight is often recommended, as eating diet that contains plenty of nutritious, vitamin and mineral rich foods.

Worries About Your Results

Another big concern people have about plastic surgery focuses on their results. You might be worried that you will hate your nose after rhinoplasty or that your facelift will give you that windswept, pulled back look. Reviewing a surgeon’s work in the past, by looking at a variety of before and after photos, will give you an idea of how your own surgery might turn out. You can also talk to past patients to get an idea of whether or not how they looked after their surgery was in line with what they discussed with the surgeon and with what they were expecting.

Along with worrying about how your results will turn out, you might also worry about how people will react to your changed look. The opinions of some people will obviously matter more to you than the opinions of others. While you might be able to shrug off a sarcastic comment from a gossipy co-worker, you might be considerably more concerned if your partner or spouse is disappointed with how you look after surgery.

Getting your partner involved in the process can help him or her feel more comfortable with the idea of surgery and can help him or her get a sense of what it will or won’t do to your appearance. While the decision to have a procedure is ultimately completely up to you, getting your partner involved can make things go a bit more smoothly, particularly at the home front.

Concerns about the Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon for your procedure makes a big difference when it comes to how things will turn out. While you definitely want to look at the surgeon’s qualifications, to make sure that he is board certified and has ample experience performing the surgery you’re considering, you also want to weigh how comfortable you feel in the practice and during your consultation. You want to work with a surgeon who listens to you and who takes your concerns seriously. The atmosphere of the surgical practice matters, too. You want to feel welcomed there from the minute you step foot in the reception area.

Figuring out How to Pay for it

You’ve got your concerns about the surgeon and about complications sorted out and you feel pretty confident about going forward with the surgery. There’s just one issue that’s still weighing on your mind: how to pay for the procedure. If you have the funds to cover the surgery in full upfront, that’s great. But, there are other options, too, that don’t necessarily involve taking on a lot of high interest debt. For example, you might be able to use a special medical financing program, which offers either no interest payment plans or low interest plans. If you have a low interest credit card, with a relatively high balance, that can be an option for payment, too.

If you are considering facial plastic surgery, but still have a number of concerns, Dr. Stephen Smith, a fourth generation Ohio facial plastic surgeon, can help put your mind at ease. Dr. Smith can answer any questions you have about a procedure, from whether it’s a good pick for you to how you can best prepare. Dr. Smith’s practice has two locations in Ohio. For a consultation at the practice in Columbus, call 614-678-7180. For an appointment at Dr. Smith’s practice in Gahanna, Ohio, call 614-245-4263.