Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more people opting to enhance their appearance. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for such procedures.
While plastic surgery can be life-changing for some, it is not without its limitations and potential risks. Certain factors may disqualify you from undergoing these procedures, whether they are underlying health conditions or unrealistic expectations.
Here are some reasons why you can be disqualified from getting plastic surgery:
1. Your Expectations are Unrealistic
If someone has unrealistic expectations and expects to look like a completely different person or achieve perfection, they may be disqualified from undergoing the procedure.
Your surgeon prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of their patients. Keep in mind that plastic surgery is not a magic solution to self-esteem issues.
Open and honest communication with your surgeon is important to make sure that your expectations align with a more realistic procedure.
2. Mental Health
Plastic surgery is a life-changing experience, and it can affect your mental state in more ways than one. Some patients still develop body and self-esteem issues even after undergoing procedures such as breast augmentation, BBL, or liposuction.
Some mental health disorders can also bar you from taking any procedure. Below are some specific illnesses that might disqualify you from getting plastic surgery.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
BDD is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with BDD often have distorted perceptions of their bodies, leading to excessive concern and anxiety.
Plastic surgery is not recommended for individuals with the condition since it may not address their underlying psychological issues and can potentially worsen their condition.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
If you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety, it may affect your ability to make informed decisions, follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions, and cope with potential complications. It’s important to put your mental health first before any procedure.
Addiction
Substance abuse disorders or addictive behaviors can seriously impact your ability to make sound decisions and follow post-operative care instructions. Individuals struggling with addiction may prioritize substance use over the necessary healing process, leading to potentially dangerous complications.
Plastic surgeons typically require a commitment to sobriety before proceeding with any procedures.
Recent Trauma/Loss or PTSD
Recent traumatic experiences or losses can greatly impact your mental well-being, and undergoing surgery in such conditions may worsen your emotional state or impede the healing process. It’s important to give yourself time to heal emotionally before considering plastic surgery.
At the end of the day, it’s important to consult your doctor or therapist before jumping into cosmetic surgery. Call us at 504-717-4259 at The Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery to learn more.
3. Medical Condition
Some of the medical conditions that would prevent you from getting plastic surgery include:
Heart Disease
Individuals with heart disease may not be suitable candidates for plastic surgery. Any surgical procedure can put additional stress on the heart, and those with heart conditions may be at a higher risk of complications during and after surgery.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infections. It’s crucial to have your diabetes under control before considering any elective surgery.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can put extra strain on the cardiovascular system, making surgery riskier. It’s essential to have your blood pressure well managed before undergoing any procedure.
Obesity
While being overweight does not automatically disqualify you from plastic surgery, it can increase the risk of complications. Excess body fat can make it more challenging for the surgeon to achieve the desired results and may prolong the recovery process.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma can affect the body’s immune response, making healing after surgery more challenging. These conditions may also increase the risk of infection and other complications.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Individuals with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or a history of blood clots, may be at a higher risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. It’s important to disclose any blood-clotting disorders to your surgeon before considering any procedure.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications, particularly if anesthesia is required.
4. Financial
Plastic surgery can be expensive. With the rise of popular procedures such as Botox or breast augmentation, surgeons now charge more, including maintenance.
Below are other financial factors that can disqualify or make it hard to get your desired procedure(s):
Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance plans do not cover elective cosmetic procedures since they are considered non-essential. Insurance providers typically classify plastic surgery as a cosmetic procedure unless it is deemed medically necessary.
Inability to Afford the Cost
If you can’t afford the upfront costs associated with the surgery, it may disqualify you from proceeding with the procedure or make it hard for you to even get the procedure.
The cost isn’t just exclusively for the procedure: plastic surgery, including surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, operating room fees, and post-operative care expenses, are some of the inclusions that come with the cost.
Existing Debt and Financial Obligations
You might get an idea to ask for a loan to cover your plastic surgery expenses, but if you have existing debt, you might need to hold off on the procedure.
Evaluate your current financial situation and prioritize essential expenses before considering elective cosmetic procedures. It’s more important to focus on clearing your debts first and improving your financial health.
Unstable Income
If you are currently unemployed or have an unstable income source, it may disqualify you from getting the procedure. Plastic surgery requires both upfront payment and a period of recovery, which may result in a temporary inability to work.
Limited Savings and Emergency Fund
Unexpected complications or additional treatments may arise during or after the surgery, leading to additional expenses. Without sufficient savings or an emergency fund, you may face significant financial strain or be unable to afford these unexpected costs, disqualifying you from getting the surgery.
5. Lack of Conditions for Proper Aftercare
Plastic surgery procedures typically involve incisions, tissue manipulation, and the use of implants or other materials. As a patient, you have a responsibility to care for your body post-op.
Post-operative surgery includes:
- Taking the prescribed medications
- Managing swelling/bruising,
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from certain activities such as drinking and exercising
- Wearing prescribed garments
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Keeping stitches clean
Making the Right Decision Before Taking Plastic Surgery
Taking the steps mentioned above will help you determine whether you’re qualified to have a cosmetic procedure.
It won’t hurt to consult first with a plastic surgeon to go over your options as well as if you have the right qualifications to go through with the procedure.