Cosmetic surgery offers a solution to boost your confidence in your self-image. If you’re considering a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, learn more about how they’ll determine candidacy to prepare.

Health Requirements

Physical health is extremely important to qualify for cosmetic surgery. Issues like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or bleeding disorders can all affect the surgery’s success and your recovery. You’ll need to speak with both your doctor or specialist and the cosmetic surgeon to be cleared for procedures like facial reconstructive surgery, face-lifts, or general body sculpting.

If you’re a smoker or alcoholic, you may also not be a candidate because those substances will hinder your healing. However, quitting smoking a month or so before the surgery may improve your chances of qualifying. Try to achieve a healthy or stable weight before surgery since losing pounds immediately after may also affect the results and how you heal.

If you plan on becoming pregnant, you should hold off on the surgery until after delivery. Also, let the cosmetic surgeon know about any medications you’re taking.

Realistic Expectations

Cosmetic surgery can be life-changing, but you should go into the procedure with reasonable expectations. Results aren’t always immediate. The recovery stage takes time, and you may need to undergo more than one procedure to achieve your goal. During your initial consultation, ask plenty of questions about the procedure and results so you know what to expect.

Find out more about your candidacy for cosmetic surgery from Dr. David K. Hiranaka, MD, DMD, of Kailua-Kona, HI. An American Board of Cosmetic Surgery-certified doctor, he has practiced since 1994, offering surgical and non-surgical treatments, from Botox® and aesthetic treatments to face and neck-lifts. Call (808) 326-2040 to schedule a consultation, and visit his website to learn more about his services. You can also connect on Facebook for tips and deals.