Botched plastic surgery rates high on patients' lists of concerns. Sometimes, patients have allergic reactions to various procedures. Other times, it's the result of a negligent doctor.
Still yet, some patients perceive a procedure to be botched when, indeed, it was exactly what was discussed. The end result simply wasn't what the patient had in mind.
Bad plastic surgery can be devastating. Some of 2018's worst cosmetic mishaps include bacterial infections, blood clots, and even sudden death.
Should you ever face a surgery gone wrong, here are some of the steps you can take to rectify the situation.
Ask Yourself If This Is Normal Healing
After most surgeries, there's bound to be bruising and swelling. In some instances, things might look relatively normal immediately following the surgery. Then, in the next day or two, things might look anything but normal.
Ask yourself if your discontentment is just part of the healing process. Your surgeon may have even said something along the lines of, "It's going to get worse before it gets better." Keep this question in mind as you proceed to the next step.
Call Your Surgeon
The next course of action is to set an emergency appointment with your surgeon, unless you no longer trust him or her. It's important for them to know something has gone very wrong and see what they have to offer as a solution.
Don't make any quick decisions after you've gone in to meet with them. Hear them out, take that information home with you, and then make an informed decision.
Do your research; talk to your loved ones. Then, with a clear mind, see what's necessary to put your mind and heart at ease.
Get a Second Opinion
The best way to help you make an informed decision is to make an appointment with another surgeon. Seek out a second opinion to see how their advice lines up - or conflicts - with the initial surgeon's assessment.
Make sure your second opinions are coming from a surgeon who is board certified. This means he or she has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements for licensure. They've gone on for further education in order to perfect their skills.
Try to secure an appointment with someone who specializes in the procedure you had performed. And, of course, if they're booked too far out, move on to the next board certified surgeon.
Look Into Corrective Surgery
Did you know certain surgeons specialize in corrective surgery? They don't specialize in breast reductions or nose jobs but, rather, correcting surgeries gone wrong by others in the medical field.
The only stipulation here is that you may be required to wait one full year before having another surgery on the same area. Doctors might require this in order to prevent greater risk or trauma to the affected area.
Keep Detailed Records
From the moment you realize something's gone wrong, keep diligent records. Gather as much as you can from the initial surgery, including dates and procedures.
Then, as soon as it's time to seek further medical attention, maintain detailed records. Include symptoms, problems, the dates they occurred, photos, and conversations with the medical staff.
Level Your Expectations
When you lay your expectations on the scale, ask yourself if they were realistic. Something like rhinoplasty can be very difficult to achieve. What's more prominent on our face than our nose?
And if you envisioned one outcome, only to be faced with another, you have to consider your expectations. Was what you had in mind ever achievable?
Remember This Is a Part of the Process
Was this surgery one of a series of surgeries? If so, remind yourself this is all part of the process. Some cosmetic surgeries require several appointments.
In fact, very little in the world of plastic surgery is a quick "in and out" procedure. Patience is key when seeking to make major medical changes to our appearance.
Consider a Reversal
One of the procedures that is fairly more straightforward is Botox. If you ever feel like you've crossed the invisible line with Botox or filler, you can consider having them removed.
The beauty of skin is its elasticity. Fillers are not permanent and their removal is always a possibility. Later on down the line, if you'd like to consider them again, that might be a conversation worth having.
Consider Speaking to a Therapist
Once the dust has settled and you've determined whether or not this is just part of the healing process, consider speaking to a therapist. It happens from time to time that, for some, they're just never happy with their appearance.
This may be a result of low self-esteem, a history of abuse, or even body dysmorphic disorder. Sometimes, it's a matter or self-love, no matter how we look on the outside.
If you suspect this may be you, consider speaking to a therapist. They may be able to help you to come to terms with who you are and learn to love yourself.
Botched Plastic Surgery
Botched plastic surgery isn't something you'll have to deal with in our offices. Here at Dr. Aesthetica in Birmingham, we work to solve your cosmetic issues with non-surgical interventions.
We offer a wide range of services, including dermal filler treatments. Dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin's surface and can provide natural enhancements to our faces.
Wrinkle relaxing treatments are also popular treatments. These help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, including forehead lines and crow's feet. Feel free to call us today for a consultation!
