Is it Time to Consider Plastic Surgery?

Everyone ages – but not everyone ages the same way. For some, aging is a graceful and natural process that occurs over decades. For others, sun damage, genetics, and environmental factors have made aging anything but graceful. Plastic surgery is a personal choice, and while it certainly isn't for everyone, it can be a good choice for many individuals looking to halt the effects of time. Dr. Kevin Ruhge is a leading Pasadena Plastic surgeon, assisting those who are considering plastic surgery.

Most women and men begin thinking about plastic surgery as they approach middle age. Sometime after 50, the signs of aging become apparent and much more difficult to disguise. When skin cream and makeup no longer offer the desired results, it may be time to consider plastic surgery.

While most people want to wait until they absolutely "need" a procedure, in truth, plastic surgery results may be better if you don't wait. For starters, it is safer to have surgical procedures performed when you are younger. In addition, the older you get, the longer your skin takes to repair and heal. Also, having cosmetic surgery sooner, ensures that the results you see will look more natural and less dramatic. This can be important for individuals who wish to keep their plastic surgery a bit private.

Before choosing to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, it is important to consider a few factors:

• Weigh the risks and benefits carefully: Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. As such, the decision to undergo plastic surgery should not be made lightly. Be sure you discuss all the risks with your plastic surgeon, so that you can make an informed decision. If a surgeon glosses over these risks, that should be a major red flag.
• Don't make a rash decision: If you have recently gone through a particularly emotional or difficult time in your life, you may want to wait until things settle down before making a final decision regarding plastic surgery. Rash decisions are never wise – especially ones that involve surgery.
• Be sure you have realistic expectations: Plastic surgery won't make you look like the latest "it" model, nor will it make you look 20 years younger. If you have unrealistic expectations, you will be disappointed in the results. When plastic surgery expectations are realistic, patients reported the greatest satisfaction with the surgery and their lives.
• Add it up: Plastic surgery procedures are not cheap and some can be rather expensive, especially since most health insurance plans don't cover them. Don't try to save money by choosing a cheaper surgeon. Instead, add up all the costs associated with having your procedure done and then plan ahead and budget accordingly. Ask about payment plans or health care credit union plans before deciding if you can truly afford the procedure.
• Understand the recovery: Depending on the surgery you undergo, recovery time can be just a few days or several months. While each person will heal differently, it is important to understand the recovery process and what is expected of you during that time. You may be asked to avoid certain tasks during this time.

Contact Our Pasadena Plastic Surgeons

If you are considering breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, a facelift, or any plastic surgery procedure in Pasadena, you need to choose your plastic surgeon carefully. Do you know why so many men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgery procedures? His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure. We invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.