6 Reasons Not To Undergo Plastic Surgery (At Least Not At The Moment)

Making the decision to undergo plastic surgery is deeply personal and often involves considerable thought and planning. While these procedures can offer aesthetic and functional benefits, there are times when postponing or reconsidering plastic surgery may be in your best interest. Below, we share general information about the factors that may indicate now is not the right time to proceed.

1. Misguided Motivations

Plastic surgery may sometimes be viewed as a solution to self-esteem or body image issues. However, unresolved mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), can affect your ability to make an informed decision. It’s crucial to approach surgery with stability and clarity, which is why obtaining a GP referral and undergoing BDD screening are vital steps in the process. Consulting with a qualified mental health professional beforehand ensures your motivations and expectations are realistic and well-grounded.

2. Unrealistic Expectations

Having clear, realistic expectations is essential when considering any form of plastic surgery. While these procedures can make changes on certain features, they cannot entirely transform your life or stop the ageing process. Unrealistic expectations may lead to dissatisfaction post-surgery. Speaking with a specialist can provide clarity about what is achievable and help align your goals with realistic outcomes.

3. Lack of Understanding About Risks and Recovery

Every surgical procedure, no matter how minor, carries potential risks and requires a period of recovery. If you’re unaware or unprepared for these aspects, it might be worth taking more time to educate yourself. Recovery often involves physical discomfort, temporary limitations on activities, and sometimes additional treatments or follow-ups. Being fully informed about the risks of plastic surgery ensures you can commit to the process without unnecessary stress or surprises.

4. Financial or Emotional Unpreparedness

Plastic surgery is a significant investment, not only financially but emotionally as well. If you’re experiencing financial strain or emotional instability, it may not be the ideal time to move forward. Surgery is best approached from a position of stability, where the cost won’t cause undue hardship and you feel emotionally prepared to handle the experience and its outcomes.

5. External Pressures or Influence

Decisions if you should get plastic surgery must always be made for yourself, not to meet someone else’s expectations or preferences. External pressures, whether from social media, family, or friends, can lead to regret if the choice doesn’t align with your true desires. Take the time to evaluate your motivations and ensure the decision is genuinely yours.

6. Major Life Changes or Stressors

Undergoing plastic surgery during a period of significant life changes, such as moving, changing jobs, or navigating a relationship transition, can add unnecessary stress to an already demanding process. Waiting until you have more stability can lead to a more positive overall experience.

Seek Personalised Advice

If you are considering plastic surgery, the most important step is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. They can provide tailored advice based on your unique circumstances, help you understand the process, and guide you in making an informed decision. Sometimes, postponing surgery allows you the opportunity to prepare more fully and ensures the best possible outcomes when you’re ready.

To learn more about plastic surgery, its risks, costs, and expectations, reach out to our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras. As a highly skilled and board certified plastic surgeon, he can assess your unique situation and recommend the suitable option for you. Book a consultation today.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.