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COSMETIC MEDICINE<br />
and advise you to stop taking all forms of aspirin, as well as any medication or<br />
vitamins which could increase the risk of blood clotting.<br />
Preparing for any cosmetic procedure isn’t just physical. You must also be<br />
mentally and emotionally prepared for the changes that are about to take place.<br />
GETTING READY<br />
FOR YOUR<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
Being well prepared will in turn<br />
make your recovery faster, easier<br />
and with less risk of complications.<br />
• Avoid using medications<br />
containing aspirin or any antiinflammatory<br />
agents. Aspirin<br />
reduces the ability of your blood<br />
to clot and could increase your<br />
tendency to bleed during the<br />
recovery period.<br />
• Do not smoke for at least<br />
two weeks before and after<br />
as this increases the risks of<br />
complications and inhibits<br />
wound recovery.<br />
• If you are having a general<br />
anaesthetic, choose a support<br />
person (a close friend or family<br />
member) who can drive you to<br />
and from the procedure and be<br />
with you the first 24 to 72 hours<br />
afterwards.<br />
• Fill prescriptions for your<br />
painkillers and antibiotics if<br />
required before your treatment<br />
and prepare icepacks to reduce<br />
any swelling or bruising.<br />
RECOVERY<br />
Recovery will depend on the technique and whether anaesthetic is administered,<br />
as well as the extent of the procedure and the individual patient.<br />
The specific length of recovery is dependent on factors such as your age,<br />
lifestyle, activity level as well as the number and type of procedures you have<br />
had performed.<br />
RISKS & COMPLICATIONS<br />
Every surgical or medical procedure involves a certain amount of risk. <strong>Cosmetic</strong><br />
procedures have a good safety profile but despite the highest standards of<br />
practice, complications can still occur. The most effective way to minimise the<br />
risks involved is to undergo a thorough physical examination with your doctor<br />
and follow instructions to the letter.<br />
Although complications are rare, they can include infection, nerve damage,<br />
blood clotting, fluid loss and negative reactions to anaesthesia. Bruising may be<br />
common with facial treatments such as fillers or anti-wrinkle injections.<br />
<strong>Cosmetic</strong> Elegance Clinic has a sound post-procedure complications<br />
management protocol.<br />
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF<br />
• Why do you want to have a particular procedure?<br />
• How do you feel about your body image now?<br />
• Is anyone prompting you to have the treatment?<br />
• Do you suffer from an emotional or psychological disorder?<br />
• Did you recently experience a stressful event eg. divorce or loss of a loved one?<br />
• Are you a perfectionist, and do you find minor flaws with many parts of your<br />
body and with your life?<br />
• Would you be prepared to handle a complication if something goes wrong?<br />
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?<br />
The most important decision you will make when considering cosmetic<br />
treatments is whether the treatment, with its inherent risks and complications as<br />
well as its benefits, is the right thing for you.<br />
Once you have weighed it up and decided to proceed, the key to a successful<br />
outcome is having realistic expectations and understanding the procedure’s<br />
limitations for your individual case. It is also important to follow the post-treatment<br />
plan prescribed <strong>by</strong> the doctor or consultant.<br />
The psychology behind the decision to proceed is one of the most important<br />
aspects of the procedure. A good candidate is mentally and physically stable<br />
and understands the reality of what can be achieved.<br />
DR EDDIE ROOS WWW.COSMETICELEGANCE.COM.AU // 39
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