Preparation may vary according to the type of surgery. In general, it is important to prepare both mentally and physically for cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift or brow lift, although it is quite simple, it is necessary for a successful surgical outcome.

The process begins with a consultation where all the factors that are involved in the process are evaluated, during this time the medical staff will have an in-person meeting with you to thoroughly discuss every aspect of the procedure, recovery time and your ideal results.

They will also review your health history so that they can give you additional instructions for each individual, additional instructions for before and after surgery. Come prepared with a list of cosmetic surgery questions: when you plan to make such a big change in your appearance, it never hurts to be prepared and take every possible measure.

Facial surgery used to be reserved for older ages, but this has been changing. We have realized that the younger you undergo facial surgery, the more lasting and natural the results will be. Of course, everyone is different; for example, skin elasticity, lifestyles, being overweight, smoking and genetics are factors that largely determine how we age. So don't think about an age; consider having a plastic surgeon evaluate you when what you see in the mirror starts to bother you.

Originally plastic surgery was monopolized by women who wanted to correct the effects of aging. However, men are increasingly benefiting from cosmetic procedures. Mostly, Latinos are very conscious of their appearance and turn to both minimally invasive procedures and facial surgery. They also resort to liposculpture to eliminate fat deposits in areas such as the chest and abdomen.

Obesity and overweight not only affect our health but also our physical appearance. Those who wish to undergo a cosmetic procedure should know that these are not considered weight loss methods. They are alternatives for those who have lost weight or who, due to pregnancy, have skin flaccidity or accumulation of fat that is resistant to exercise. Surgeons want all surgery to be successful, so we advise people who are not at their ideal weight to try to get closer to their ideal weight before a procedure.

Both surgeries are performed to improve the contour of the body, but they are procedures that fulfill different purposes. The abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") is considered in those cases where there is flaccidity, loose skin or with stretch marks, in the abdomen area. On the other hand, liposculpture helps to sculpt the body by eliminating fat deposits commonly found in the flanks and abdomen. These surgeries do not replace each other and in many cases it is customary to combine them to obtain better results.

In the past, it was customary to use general anesthesia for any surgical procedure. However, the option of local anesthesia with sedation is now available for many of them. This type of anesthesia is usually used for short procedures and the side effects are mild. In contrast, general anesthesia is used for longer procedures where the risks of using general anesthesia are reduced compared to the use of local anesthesia. Discuss the details before surgery with both the plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist so that together they can select the most appropriate anesthesia for you.

Becoming board certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is one of the many ways a surgeon can demonstrate his or her skills and knowledge. Each medical board in Mexico and abroad has different requirements and measures a doctor's education and experience in their chosen fields. Being certified is an endorsement of the doctor's quality and that he or she is constantly updating and preparing to provide the best results.