So, you’ve been thinking about cosmetic surgery. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted. Or maybe, to deal with the physical changes that come with getting older, you’ve gradually changed your mind. If you find yourself seriously considering cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to do some research. Make sure you understand the procedure, the risks, and the expected results. Discuss your idea with your healthcare provider, not a plastic surgeon, first. Make sure you have no pre-existing conditions that make plastic surgery more risky. Ask your provider any questions you want a truthful answer to.

All women will admit they aren’t happy with at least one aspect of their physical appearance. It’s okay, and in fact natural, to want to change how you look. And if you think the only way you can truly get the desired change is through surgery, then that might be okay, too. Some women choose to change lifestyle, diet and exercise to promote change. But if there’s one aspect of your appearance that really gets on your nerves—such as a crooked nose—then you might be considering surgery instead of lifestyle changes. With cosmetic surgery comes a slew of possibilities. There is no predictable outcome with any procedure. You have the possibility of being happy with the results of your surgery. And there’s also the possibility of risks. With all surgery, you run the risk of further complications. You’ll have to consider all of these possibilities—and weigh the possible positive outcome with the possible negative risks—before you come to a decision.

Many patients don’t fully consider the recovery period after cosmetic surgery. Be aware that the time it takes to fully recover and to see the desired results after a surgery can be longer than expected. You might be out of work for weeks, even months, in recovery. You also might not see full results or the elimination for scarring for up to two years after a surgery. Not to mention that there are periods of bruising and bandaging immediately after the surgery that can be unpleasant. Talk to your surgeon about the expected recovery period to gain a firm grasp on the reality of the situation before you make any purposeful decisions.

When cosmetic surgery becomes a feasible option, take a step back and think about your reasoning. And really, be honest with yourself. For example, if you find yourself driven by poor body image, a lack of self esteem, or the desire to attain unrealistic goals, you might want to seek a different alternative. If your aim for the procedure is something that can be achieved through healthy lifestyle changes, you might want to try those options first. If somebody else, such as a husband or the desire for attention, is pressuring you into cosmetic surgery, think about what you want for yourself. Cosmetic surgery will alter your entire perception of your physical self. How will that affect your mental and emotional health? You need to be completely sure you want the surgery, and confident in your ability to deal with the changes, before you get in over your head. And most of all, if you must, you need to choose cosmetic surgery for yourself and not for anyone else.