Those thinking about cosmetic procedures — whether surgical or non-invasive — should know which ones to consider and which ones to avoid, depending upon the time of year. This is according to Dr. Richard Westreich, a top New York City plastic surgeon.
Westreich says it is important to consider: “What are the best cosmetic procedures to consider doing right now?” and “Which treatments should be avoided?” This is not a simple couplet of questions to answer, for there are seasonal factors to take into account.
For instance, Westreich says: “Avoid resurfacing procedures, laser treatments, body surgery and neck treatments (if you care about looking a little swollen in public)…Summer is the time for noninvasive face and body treatments since you can’t cover up.”
Westreich adds that breast augmentations can be done year-round, and laser treatments should be planned for October or November.
Westreich adds: “Whatever procedure you’re considering, due diligence is still the best defense against potential post-op problems.”
“My best advice to people is to go back to the mindset before the Zoom boom,” Westreich says, explaining that virtual consults have streamlined the process and tightened the timeline between concept and completion. “Don’t rush into something just because it’s easy or convenient.”
Popular procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery and facelifts. Whichever cosmetic procedure, Westreich has provided some safety tips for Digital Journal readers, designed to can improve a person’s chances of a better outcome.
- Tip 1: Make sure any doctor you schedule through a virtual visit allows you to cancel AFTER an in-person meeting for surgery. There is no substitute for face to face.
- Tip 2: Your health doesn’t belong in the bargain bin.
- Tip 3: Medical tourism can be dangerous. Laws may differ; regulations may differ; problems with after care may arise.
- Tip 4: Understand informed consent. Ask for examples of not only the good outcomes but also the potential bad ones. Ask for data specific to the procedure and the doctor performing it (complication rates, death rates).
- Tip 5: Surgery belongs in accredited operating rooms. Ask to see accreditation certificate.
- Tip 6: Make sure the board certification of a doctor makes sense for the procedure they are performing.
- Tip 7: If significant issues arise after a procedure (surgery or office injection), seek a second opinion on management.
By observing such tips, procedures like rhinoplasty, septoplasty, secondary and reconstructive rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery and nonsurgical procedures, can each have a better outcome.
