TikTok, Facebook, Instagram – the list goes on – are powerful social media advertising tools. But, when it comes to influencing cosmetic surgery procedures, edited and filtered images can contribute to unrealistic expectations. Which is why consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon above all else is essential to achieving safe and individualised results, with realistic expectations on the frontline.
Unlike social media which delivers instant gratification, any plastic surgery is a surgical procedure – there is recovery time to factor in and results that unfold over time. Whilst it may be tempting to reach out for advice from social media groups, the risk of being misinformed and receiving unqualified information is high. When you communicate directly with a qualified plastic surgeon – here in New Zealand seek those with Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) qualifications – you assured of accurate information sharing and individualised outcomes.
And unlike the lure of screens, an in-person consultation confirms best practise and safety. When you attend a consultation, you commit to placing yourself in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in the procedure you are wanting to undergo. During an in-person consultation the surgeon will discuss the limitations of the surgeon, detail a unique surgical plan to your face or body anatomy, and discuss other possible treatments and procedures to help you achieve your goals – this may involve non-invasive body contouring treatments, or appearance medicine treatments like Botox or dermal fillers. A qualified surgeon will also be realistic what can and canno tbe achieved, and accurately map a recovery pathway for you.
Look at facelift surgery for example. If you’re planning a facelift this year or into the future, reaching for a plastic surgeon who specialises in facelift surgery and knows facial anatomy inside out and back to front, is the first step. An experienced surgeon, will spot your facial asymmetries and manage them by making adjustments during surgery, to drive the best outcomes. As part of the consultation process, they’ll conduct a thorough evaluation questioning how much damage your skin has sustained, alongside the types of asymmetries your face shows. And, as part of any thorough surgical facelift procedure plan, your surgeon will also consider volume.
“As we age, we lose fat which results in facial sagging, not just the cheeks and eyes,” explains Adam Bialostocki, Da Vinci Plastic Surgery Clinic’s cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. “Pre-facelift, it’s essential the options for adding volume back into the face are discussed and planned. This plan can include filler injections, fat transfer or implant surgery.”
Whether you’re seeking cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery as part of a breast, body or facelift journey, having a one-to-one consultation and treatment plan in place that champions your individual needs and goals should be essential.
