With an increasing number of Aussie women opting to go under the knife for cosmetic surgery, it is crucial that these women are mentally and emotionally fit for their impending surgeries. In light of this, Australia’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, The Cosmetic Institute (TCI), has appointed registered psychologist, Maria Faustino of the Marquee Health Clinic, to ensure that all its patients are psychologically prepared for their cosmetic procedure.
For those contemplating cosmetic surgery, Faustino poses some questions you should ask yourself before booking in for your procedure:
1. Have you have made a personal, informed decision to undergo surgery?
Faustino recommends that before going ahead with any type of cosmetic procedure, you need to ensure you have made the decision that is right for YOU.
‘Make sure that you have done your research, that you are aware of the costs, you are realistic about the results and of course, clear on the benefits of the procedure,’ recommends Maria. ‘This is a decision you need to make for yourself, be entirely certain that you are undergoing the procedure for yourself, for your own reasons and not to please anyone else,’ she adds.
2. Have you selected an ethical and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery provider whom you can trust and can provide an excellent level of support before, during, and after the procedure?
‘One of the very basic things you need to do is make sure both the clinic and the surgeon are accredited,’ stresses Faustino. ‘From a medical perspective ensure that your surgeon is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and that the clinic is ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) accredited,’ she advises. From a psychological perspective, Faustino encourages all patients to ensure they are comfortable with the surgeon and the clinic the procedure will take place in.
3. Do you have clear and realistic expectations of the procedure?
In addition to understanding the recovery and pain management process associated with cosmetic surgery, Faustino also stresses the need to understand the capabilities and limitations of the process. ‘Breast augmentation may result in perkier, firmer breasts but it does not stop the natural ageing process nor substitute for a healthy lifestyle,’ she says. ‘Furthermore, it is important to note that breast augmentation will not address emotional issues such as relationship problems or a personal crisis, so again, it is crucial to understand why you are undergoing the procedure,’ advises Maria
4. In the instance that you DO have mental health concerns, have you discussed these with a psychologist before even considering your surgical procedure?
‘Unhealthy habits such as excessive dieting and exercise, purging, and other signs such as low mood, heightened anxiety, and negative self-evaluation of the body and the self, may indicate an underlying psychological condition and it is important to address these concerns with a psychologist,’ she advises. Faustino points out that while surgery may enhance the way you look in general, it does not change unhealthy, dysfunctional habits related to body image, self-esteem, mood, and confidence, so it’s important that you discuss any issues with a mental health care professional.
5. Are you aware of the permanency of certain cosmetic surgery procedures?
It is important to note that the results of a surgery, such as a breast augmentation, are permanent. ‘The way your body looks will be changed in the process, and may have an effect on how you perceive yourself,’ points out Maria. ‘Because of this, it is really important that you undergo the procedure because you want to, and not because someone else is pressuring you to do so’. ‘People who undergo physical changes due to external factors are more likely to be unhappy and unsatisfied about the outcome, compared to those who are self-motivated,’ she says
The Cosmetic Institute operates two Internationally Accredited clinics and operating facilities in Sydney’s Parramatta and Bondi Junction, offering exceptional surgical outcomes, patient care and support. For further information, visit thecosmeticinstitute.com.au
