Minimally Invasive Procedures - How to Make the Decision to Have One

Many potential plastic surgery patients have avoided making the final decision to have a treatment because they simply do not want to undergo an invasive surgical procedure. The hesitation might be related to the need to get incisions, or they do not want to undergo an extended recovery period. While it is understandable that some people might not want to have invasive plastic surgery, there are options available to them that can help them make alterations or enhancements to their appearance.

Minimally Invasive Procedures – Difference Between Invasive and Minimally Invasive

In general, minimally invasive plastic surgery is when the procedure does not require anesthesia and is likely performed on an outpatient basis. There will still be a recovery period but it is not as long as the one required after traditional surgery so a patient can more quickly resume their daily activities.

In addition, minimally invasive procedures might require multiple treatment sessions or a combination of procedures to achieve the results sought by the patient. This is important to know in advance as the need for multiple treatments or more than one medical procedure might make a difference in the decision to have an invasive or minimally invasive treatment plan. Plus, there might be some procedures that can only be performed as invasive surgical procedures (such as a Brazilian butt lift).

Minimally Invasive Procedures – How to Know if it Can Deliver the Desired Results

In order to achieve the final results, it is necessary for the doctor to learn what the goals are for the patient so it can be determined whether or not a nonsurgical treatment can help them achieve the changes they want to see.

If the patient wants to gain a look that is refreshed or rejuvenated without an invasive surgery, they might be an ideal candidate for treatment options such as fillers or laser skin resurfacing. On the other hand, if the person wants to address issues related to sagging or drooping skin, they might need to have a surgical procedure.

Another item to keep in mind when deciding between traditional or minimally invasive procedures is the extent of the treatment. Patients need to know how many treatments are necessary to gain the final results, the schedule of when they will need to be performed, and the total cost of the number of procedures. If the person wants to have a treatment that might require multiple appointments such as CoolSculpting or Kybella, the total cost might end up being the same, or more, than a surgical option such as liposuction.

Another way to determine if a minimally invasive procedure is the right choice for a person is to read reviews and view the results of other patients online. Learning more about the experiences of other patients and seeing their final results will help to inform the final decision between invasive and minimally invasive.

Minimally Invasive Procedures – Research Steps to Take

Once the decision is made to have a minimally invasive procedure, it is time to start the research process to make sure the patient chooses the right medical provider for their needs.

Instead of picking the first doctor that comes up on Google search, the person needs to dig deeper and check the board-certification of the doctor. Minimally invasive procedures require the services of a trained plastic surgeon who is also board-certified in the treatment they are providing. Researching the board-certification of the medical provider can give peace of mind when it comes to finding an experienced doctor.

Patients should not rely on social media as one of their main sources of information. Even though social media can be a starting point for research, the results found on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram might be enhanced with a filter which means the photos might not be an accurate representation of the actual results provided by the doctor.

Take a look at the online reviews of the doctor on Yelp, Google, and medical review websites. These reviews can provide valuable insights into how the doctor and the office medical staff interact with patients and even how easy it is to book an appointment or get valuable information from the doctor.

Minimally Invasive Procedures – Work with the Doctor

A medical procedure requires a level of trust between the patient and the doctor, so it is important that the person having the treatment is comfortable asking questions and taking directions from the medical provider.

The doctor has the goal of providing the patient with the results they want to see as well as helping them enjoy a comfortable recovery period. It is important for the patient to listen to the doctor before and after the treatment and to follow all pre-op and post-op instructions.

Finally, don’t be afraid to voice any concerns about having the treatment. The doctor is there to answer questions and make sure the patient has the information they need to make an informed and educated decision when it comes to having a minimally invasive procedure.

- MA