When Is Plastic Surgery Reversal A Good Idea?

Plastic surgery reversal is not the same thing as revision. A revision is the correction of a faulty procedure. A reversal, on the other hand, is the undoing of a successful procedure to restore one’s previous appearance.

There are many reasons patients may consider a reversal. And it’s important they are realistic about their expectations.

Since there’s no magic involved, there are limits to the capabilities of these procedures. Some more than others.

When Plastic Surgery Reversal Makes Sense

Unfortunately, there are always going to be patients who partake in frequent cosmetic surgery procedures to chase the latest trends. Many surgeons choose not to work with these patients because they don’t grasp that repeated surgeries and reversals can have lasting or even permanent effects.

There are several instances when plastic surgery reversal could be considered, however. In these cases, the surgeon is careful to review with the patient the risks involved with plastic surgery reversal.

The three most logical reasons for reversal are as follows:

1. Medical Complications

With any medical procedure, there is always going to be a risk. In situations where infections or tissue damage occur, patients may opt for either a plastic surgery revision (if they want to fix the issue) or a reversal procedure. In some rare instances, a reversal may be the only option.

2. Changes in Personal Preferences or Lifestyle

We want to specify here again the difference between someone wanting to be part of the latest trend versus a person who has shifted into different preferences or lifestyle choices over time.

For example, a woman who wanted large breast implants in her 20s may find them no longer desirable in her 30s. Another common example is a patient wanting to restore ethnic facial features that he or she felt pressured to change when younger.

Any big life changes such as marital status, having a child, shifting careers, or facing a health challenge can also trigger the need to reverse a procedure. These would all be carefully evaluated with the surgeon.

3. Psychological/Emotional Concerns

Despite their best efforts and advancements in technology that allow patients to get a glimpse of their results, there will always be those who are dissatisfied at first. Sometimes it’s a matter of gaining familiarity with a new appearance.

For patients who are unable to clear this hurdle and become psychologically or emotionally distraught because of it, a reversal would be a serious consideration.

Recovery From Plastic Surgery Reversal

A skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon is your best insurance against problematic procedures. But you’ll also want to insist on this for any reversal you’re considering.

Depending on the procedure or treatment to be reversed, an ethical surgeon will be honest and upfront about what you can expect. How much of your pre-procedure appearance you can expect to get back will be dependent on the procedure so it’s important you understand what to expect.

In terms of recovery time, you can expect a similar situation to the one you experienced with the initial surgery. Therefore, you’ll need to schedule accordingly.

Is Plastic Surgery Removal Right For You?

Plastic surgery reversal is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. You’ll want to consider the long-term outcome rather than just what you want in the immediate moment.

So if you’re feeling quite certain this is the right choice for you, then contact us today.

During your free consultation, Dr. Reisin will discuss the risks and benefits to help you weigh your options. From there, you can move forward with more confidence.