Cosmetic surgery changes can be very dramatic and permanent. These changes can promote a positive self image. People who opt for cosmetic surgery are often self conscious and inhibited. The surgery can give them a boost of self confidence.

If you opt for cosmetic surgery you must be honest with yourself. Exactly what are your expectations? What do your believe cosmetic surgery will do for you?

If you are seeking cosmetic surgery with the hope that it will change someone else's opinion of yourself you may be disappointed. Your expectations should be based entirely on the way you feel and think about yourself.

Some people are prime candidates for not getting plastic surgery. These patients are people going through a personal crisis, with unreal expectations or people who are obsessed with a minor flaw.

When consulting with a plastic surgeon they will ask you point blank questions and expect honest answers. They will ask you questions about how you feel about your looks, how you feel about other people's perceptions of you and your looks and how you'd prefer to look and feel.

It is important that you are candid and honest with your cosmetic surgeon. At the end of the consultation you should feel confident in your plastic surgeon and confident that they understand exactly what changes you are seeking.

After the plastic surgery procedure has been completed it is important that you take time to adjust to the changes in your appearance. Especially if you have had breast surgery, nose surgery or another surgery that dramatically changes your appearance. The image in the mirror may not seem familiar to you.

After surgery many patients feel depressed. It is important that you have emotional support during your recovery. During the first week of recovery most patients will be swollen and bruised. They will not be looking their best. It is important that you have somebody there for support. Either a family member, friend or your cosmetic surgeon.

Knowing what to expect after surgery can help you through this period. Don't be afraid to ask your cosmetic surgeon as many questions about your post operatic condition as the plastic surgery procedure.

The results of your surgery will probably create a lot of comments from your family, friends and associates. Some may be positive and others less so. Some people will not understand why you had cosmetic surgery at all. Everybody has their own opinion.

It is important that the reason you had plastic surgery in the first place was for you and how you wanted to feel about yourself. If you are happy with the way you look then the surgery was successful. Nobody else's opinion should matter.

(c) Dorothy Dunnawaye