Category: Preparing for Plastic Surgery

3 Minute Read: 

Some couples who choose to undergo plastic surgery together may schedule their procedures a few weeks or a month apart so they can take turns caring for one another. 

Others decide to have their surgeries close together so they can recover together.

If you and your partner are both considering plastic surgery and want to undergo your procedures simultaneously, you may be surprised at some of the benefits you might experience.

Under the right circumstances, sharing this time can not only help you both improve your physical appearance and gain confidence, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience.

It all comes down to choosing the right time and planning carefully to ensure you are both well-prepared.

Choosing Couple’s Plastic Surgery Procedures and When to Schedule

Young couples might choose to plan their preferred cosmetic procedures in advance of their wedding, so they both look great in their wedding pictures or just whenever their schedules allow for a few weeks off work.

Young couples often seek corrective surgery for long-standing concerns such as: 

• Large ears – otoplasty
• Gynecomastia – male breast reduction
• Small breasts – breast augmentation
• The residual effects of significant weight loss – tummy tuck

Mature couples who want to rewind the clock and restore a more youthful appearance may choose plastic surgery around a significant anniversary, when they become grandparents, or soon after retiring. 

Some popular procedures for these couples include:

• His and her facelifts 
• Eyelid surgery or a brow lift
• Breast lift or augmentation
• Liposuction or tummy tuck surgery

Planning Your Couple’s Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

You may elect to have the same cosmetic surgeon or different doctors, but be sure you both choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-experienced in your procedure of choice. 

If you plan to recover together, you should consider this time as a couple’s plastic surgery vacation. 

Options include:

• Traveling for your procedures and recovering at a hotel that caters to plastic surgery patients
• Booking time at a plastic surgery retreat 
• Staying local and recovering at home with sufficient support

Preparing for Couple’s Surgery

Whichever option you choose, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Have enough time to recuperate from your specific surgeries. This means you both should have little to no demands on you during this period. Downtimes typically range from two to four weeks.
• Arrange for help. Loved ones can be a great support, but when going through recovery together, allowing yourself and your partner to be pampered can improve your recovery experience tremendously. If you can afford it, hiring help, especially for the first week, may be well worth it.
• Ask your surgeon(s) for resources. They may be able to help you make arrangements for hotels or caregivers, especially if you are traveling for surgery.
• Make the most of your time together. Have a list of fun things you can do to pass the time. This might include reading a good book together, binge-watching a classic television series, getting massages and facials if approved by the surgeon, or anything not requiring much physical effort that you both enjoy. Above all, rest comfortably together.

Couple’s Plastic Surgery in Pasadena or Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Vincent C. Hung is board certified in both plastic surgery and dermatology. He offers his and her cosmetic surgery procedures, and his helpful staff can help you make your couple’s plastic surgery vacation enjoyable and as comfortable as possible.  

Call Dr. Hung’s plastic surgery practice in Newport Beach at 949-574-8292 or Pasadena at 626-432-5032 to learn more!

3 Minute Read: 

When thinking about getting plastic surgery, it can be difficult to know when you should make the jump from thinking about it to planning for it. Here, we will discuss some factors that can help you decide whether you are ready to commit to a plastic surgery procedure. 

What Type of Expectations and Goals Should I Have?

The first step in preparing for plastic surgery is figuring out what you want. You need to set your goals so that you know where to focus your research. Do you want a smaller belly? A smoother face? Larger breasts? 

Each of those goals will change what sort of surgical procedures you look at. 

Determine Your Expectations

The second step is doing your research to determine your expectations. That may sound odd at first, but it is important to manage your expectations when planning cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in breast enhancement, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift, it is good to get an idea of what breast enhancement procedures can actually accomplish. Don’t expect to go to a plastic surgeon and ask for a single surgery to make you look like a movie star. 

For most people, such dramatic changes are not realistic. By managing your expectations, you can figure out if plastic surgery is worth it to you, given what your realistic results will be.

When Should I Get Plastic Surgery?

Once you know you want plastic surgery and are pleased with your potential results, the next step is planning your operation. 

Patients usually start talking with surgeons and arranging consultations when they have an idea of what they want. 

Depending on the procedure(s) you are interested in, it is prudent to plan for a recovery time ranging from one to six weeks. This means that you should carefully pick when you want to undergo surgery. Many people choose to do plastic surgery in the winter so they can recover during the colder months and be fully healed by spring. Others choose to undergo surgery in the summer to be ready for the start of the school year. Some patients like to use less invasive procedures (like chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments) in the spring in preparation for the summer beach weather. 

Choosing a surgical time depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how long your recovery will take. 

How Do I Find the Right Surgeon?

The last step in planning for a plastic surgery procedure is finding the right surgeon for your specific needs. Some surgeons are more skilled than others or specialize in the procedures you want. 

When considering a plastic surgeon, you should consider whether they are board-certified, double board-certified, or even triple board-certified (like Dr. Hung). Surgeons with more certifications and experience are more likely to provide optimal results. Even so, you should look at doctor reviews and photos of prior surgeries and read up on their experience before deciding.

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information about plastic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.