by Ben Tang

Created on: March 29, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2010

You are a good candidate if you do not have  prior history of :-

*Diabetes

*Hypertension

*Elevated cholesterol  

*Bleeding disorder

*Heart or lung disease

*Arthritis

*Depression

Patients with any of those diseases will experience higher rate of complications such as infection, bleeding, skin loss, and problems due to the anesthesia.

An over riding prerequisite for plastic surgery is  being fit and healthy. To be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, you cannot be overweight, smoke and drink excessively or with addiction problem. Some surgeons insist that smokers quit for two to four weeks before surgery. This allows the body to heal properly.

Below is a list of types of Plastic Surgery and the suitability of the patients:-

LIP AUGMENTATION: Anyone can go for this procedure except if you have one of these conditions: oral herpes simplex virus infections; diabetes and autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. There is also minor risk of allergic reaction due to the implanted material.

SKIN RESURFACING: You are a good candidate if you have age spots, fair skin and no prior history of excessive scarring such as keloids. People with darker skin tone are poor candidates because chemical peels, laser treatments, or dermabrasion techniques can cause abnormal lightening of the skin.

BOTOX: You are a good candidate if you have frown lines or wrinkles. People who have myasthenia gravis, pregnant or breastfeeding should not have Botox injections.

INJECTABLE FILLERS: If you have acne scars or wrinkles and depressions that need to be resurfaced, this procedure is for you. You are a poor candidate if you have many severe, deep wrinkles of the skin.

RHINOPLASTY: You are a good candidate if you have a sizeable cartilage in your nose. Large or crooked nose that is droopy or has a bump can be corrected. You are a poor candidate if you have thick skin or are still playing contact sports. Also, you must be able to accept the possibility that in 15% to 20% of cases, additional surgery is required for best results.

EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) :Droopy eyelids, bags, or puffiness around your eyes make good candidates. You are a poor candidate if you have dark circles, fine lines, or crow's feet. Side effects from operation such as dry eyes, visible scars, and eyelid twitching may occur.

FACE/NECK LIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY): You are a good candidate if the skin and soft tissues on your face and neck sag, with deep wrinkles and jowls. If your skin is not elastic and flexible, the procedure cannot be done.

FOREHEAD or BROW LIFT: Heavy eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, or frown lines are good candidate. You are a poor candidate if you are balding or scar easily. You must be able to accept the risk of losing your hair around the incisions area or possibly having some permanent numbness in your forehead and scalp.

CHEEK RESTRUCTURE: You are a good candidate if you have flat cheek bones or early sagging of the cheeks. There is a minimal risk that the implant could become infected, rejected by your body, or shift to an abnormal position requiring more surgery.

CHIN RESTRUCTURE: You are a good candidate if your chin is not balanced with your nose. There is a minimal risk that the implant could become infected, rejected by your body, or shift to an abnormal position requiring more surgery.

Plastice surgery  WILL NOT stop the natural aging process and over time, repeated surgeries may be needed. Cosmetic surgery cannot change your life or make you 10 years younger. It may boost some amount of self confidence with the perception of improved self image but not drastic improvement in lifestyle. 

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