Plastic surgery is an area of medicine where part of a successful outcome can be attributed to the patient’s research before the procedure. For purely cosmetic procedures, patients should consider their reasons for the surgery and expectations of results. Most surgeries will improve a patient’s appearance, but the appearance may not meet expectations or be a permanent solution. Reconstructive procedures can improve the appearance of the skin, but may not make an area look “like new.” Patients may have unrealistic ideas about the change and how it will improve other aspects of their lives.

Research into the growing number of plastic surgery procedures may also help a patient. Some newer, less invasive procedures provide results similar to invasive surgery. For example, some facial skin rejuvenation techniques may remove enough wrinkles to please a patient, rather than a surgical facelift. Many newer laser surgery techniques provide satisfactory results for treatment of some scars and birthmarks. Patients can educate themselves through discussions with the surgeon about available techniques, their expected results and potential complications.

The choice of a plastic surgeon is especially important. Patients should research a surgeon’s qualifications and history of performing the desired procedure. Physicians and surgeons may indicate that they are “board certified.” Most medical specialties have certifying boards that qualify physicians based on their education, years of residency and practice, oral and written examinations and procedures completed in a given field. Patients should identify which medical board has certified a surgeon and what criteria that board uses for certification.

Many surgeons provide visual examples, such as photographs or videos, of their work. Patients should ask to view these items to be sure they are satisfied with the results of the surgery.

Although it is impossible for physicians to predict the exact outcome of a plastic surgery procedure, they can estimate the results by evaluating certain factors. These variables include the patient’s age, skin type, general health, genetic background and the nature of their condition.

Some physicians use computer-imaging technology to show patients an estimate of their post-operative appearance. These machines enable surgeons to alter actual photographs of a patient to generate an image of the projected outcome. Patients should understand that results cannot be guaranteed, especially since a computer cannot account for a patient’s skin elasticity, bone structure, blood supply and healing ability.

After selecting a surgeon and scheduling a procedure, a patient should follow all pre-operative instructions from the surgeon. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, they may involve changes to diet, drinking, smoking and use of medications. The physician or nurse will obtain a medical history of the patient, which should include medications or supplements that the patient is currently taking, prior or existing medical conditions, as well as any allergies or reactions to medications or substances (such as anesthesia).