Considering Going Under The Knife? Here’s How To Know If Plastic Surgery Is For You
Will you make the cut?
So, you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery? Exciting! But also, kind of a big deal. Whether you’re considering a little tweak or a full-on glow-up, it’s important to be sure you’re doing it for the right reasons (read: for you and only you) and to know what to expect.
Shall we ask the pros? We chatted to the team at The Sharp Clinic, headed by one of Brisbane’s leading specialist plastic surgeons Dr David Sharp, to get some tips to help you figure out if going under the knife is the right move for you.
Why do people consider plastic surgery in the first place?
People turn to plastic surgery for all kinds of reasons. Some are after functional fixes – like a breast reduction to ease pesky back pain or eyelid surgery (fancy term: blepharoplasty) to stop those droopy lids from messing with your vision. But for others, it’s all about the cosmetic side of things: a little refresh, a bit of a lift, or maybe just wanting to feel more confident in their skin.
The thing is, most people don’t want to look like a whole new person – they just want their outside to match how shiny they feel on the inside. Maybe you’re a new mum, a fitness girlie, or you’ve just been feeling like your body isn’t keeping up with your inner vibrancy. Whatever your reason, make sure it’s about you, not what anyone else thinks. If you’re doing this for yourself, you’re on the right track – read on!
Are you a good candidate for surgery?
Your mindset matters! “The best candidates for plastic surgery are in a good mental and physical space,” Dr Sharp explains. “If you’re in the middle of a life upheaval – breakup, job switch, or stress overload — it might be smart to hold off. You want to have clear, realistic goals and be ready for the recovery process.” Since mid-2023, a mandatory body image assessment was introduced to potential candidates which checks for conditions like body dysmorphia and assesses a patient’s overall health, postoperative support, and how you’ll feel if the results don’t meet expectations.
Speaking of recovery, surgery isn’t an overnight fix. You’ll need to press pause on things like gym sessions, lifting heavy items, or being super active for a little while. This could range from weeks, to months. If you’ve got the flexibility to take that downtime, that’s a good sign.
Sharp Clinic Nurse Deborah Seib-Daniell consulting patient
Top questions you probably have about plastic surgery
It’s normal to have some ‘umm, is this right for me?’ moments before deciding on surgery. It is a big decision, right? Let’s address some of the concerns people have.
Will I look fake?
The fear of looking overdone or ‘plastic’ is a big one. However, a good surgeon will focus on enhancing your natural features, not altering them beyond recognition. Look for a surgeon who aligns with your aesthetic goals. A great way to find this is by going through their portfolio of before-and-after photos. Do the results look subtle and natural? Are their patients’ features in balance? If so, you’re likely in good hands. “It’s also helpful to come to your initial consultation with a clear idea of what you want; it’s important to feel comfortable communicating this to your surgeon, so you’re both on the same page,” Dr Sharp explains.
What about recovery?
Yes, recovery is (unfortunately) a significant thing to consider. Depending on the surgery, you might need to take it easy for a few weeks, and in some cases, even longer. Most procedures will require some time off work, driving and normal activities. So, if you’ve got little ones to wrangle or a job that’s physically demanding, plan ahead. “Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions is integral to a good recovery,” Dr Sharp says. So, listen up when they give you the rundown.
Is it expensive?
“Surgery can be costly and cosmetic procedures generally aren’t covered by insurance. However, certain medically necessary surgeries, like breast reductions or procedures to correct muscle separation after pregnancy, may come with rebates or partial coverage,” Dr Sharp says. When considering the cost, don’t just chase the lowest price tag – think about the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s reputation, and how they’ll take care of you before, during, and after. After all, this is your body we’re talking about!
Let’s bust some myths (*eye roll*)
“Plastic surgery will make me look like an Insta-model!”
While we totally love a good Instagram filter, plastic surgery won’t turn you into someone else. Your results are all about your natural body shape, skin type, and structure. It’s about having realistic expectations and working with what you’ve already got, rather than aiming for a carbon copy transformation.
“Plastic surgery is only for people who are insecure.”
In the past, people might have thought surgery was for those lacking confidence, but that’s not the case anymore. Dr Sharp explains that most of the patients he sees are people who are already comfortable within themselves and want to address a functional concern like painfully large breasts or excess skin or make aesthetic changes like breast augmentation or facelift surgery. “Ultimately, one of our first objectives is to ensure that they are doing it for themselves, and not to meet someone else’s expectations.”
“In Australia, only qualified surgeons can perform surgery.”
Wrong! In Australia, surgery is still being performed by people who are not recognised by the Medical Board as trained surgeons. This can make it hard for patients to understand whether their surgeon is appropriately qualified, insured or able to take care of them postoperatively in the case of a complication or hospitalisation. To ensure your surgeon has the necessary qualifications, check the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeon’s directory here.
Ready for a consultation?
Once you’ve thought it through, it’s time to meet with a few specialist plastic surgeons and chat about your options. Consultations give you the chance to ask all your burning questions, get a feel for the surgeon’s style, and see if they’re on the same page as you. This is where you’ll find out all the details about costs, recovery, and what’s realistic for your body. For extra support, bring a friend along to the consultation. Two sets of ears are better than one when taking in all the info.
