How do I know if I'm ready for plastic surgery?

This is an important decision. You should not feel pressured or rushed to make a choice (i.e. you have to book today to get this price).

•  Ask yourself what you are considering changing and why. The more specific you can be about a particular feature that you would like to change the more likely your surgeon will be able to meet your expectations. I will not operate on someone who comes in and asks me: "What would you change about me?" Most ethical surgeons feel the same way. Yes, you need to trust your surgeon but your surgery is not about the surgeon, it is about what you want to achieve. If you do not have a clear goal, it is very unlikely you will get there.

• If your potential surgeon tells you that your goal is not realistic listen very carefully to that information. It may be true or it may be that the particular surgeon you are seeing is telling you that s/he personally lacks the ability to deliver what you are asking for and you need to see a different surgeon. Don't make a surgeon attempt something the surgeon is not comfortable with. Ask for a referral to another surgeon.

• Be wary of brand new surgical techniques or treatments. Being on the cutting edge when it comes to cosmetic surgery can be very painful! Just because something is featured on a talk show by a very credible host does not mean the technique is right for you. Doctors get enthusiastic about new techniques. These methods are often promoted before they have been rigorously studied. Not everything new will stand the test of time.

• CO2 laser resurfacing is a classic example. When it hit the market, it was considered the greatest thing since sliced toast. Now we understand that this technology is best for certain skin types and a certain limited range of issues. Individuals with olive skin or darker can end up hypopigmented (think Casper the ghost!).

• Thermage is another example of a new technology that looked so promising when it was first marketed. However, the initial versions of this technology were too energetic for some patients and caused problems. The treatment has been modified, and is now much safer and more comfortable. With some cutting edge treatments, it is difficult for doctors to predict who will get a dramatic result and whose treatment will be not so dramatic. How will you feel if you spend thousands of dollars for a treatment for which you can barely tell there’s been a difference?

My best advice is rather than telling your cosmetic surgeon what service you want, tell them what you are looking to accomplish and see what methods they recommend.