If you have an injury, birth defect, or other concern, facial reconstructive surgery is a medical option that can help you restore your appearance. However, it's important to understand that reconstructive surgery is not a miracle solution; it is instead a process. To ensure a positive experience, here is some helpful information you should know.

Be Open

It's okay to walk into the surgeon's office with a clear idea of what you want to achieve. However, it's not always healthy to be firm and set on your ideas. Surgeons have years of training and experience and always use these tools to help determine what is best for each patient. After an examination, the surgeon might determine that another procedure would be better suited based on your desired outcome, so ensure you have some level of openness to change. 

Exercise Patience

Facial reconstructive surgery is a methodical and slow process. In the early stages, it's not uncommon for a surgeon to evaluate your concern over time in order to spot any changes in terms of healing or even further deformity. Additionally, during post-recovery, you must pace your recovery for the true effects of the procedure to become visible. Throughout the duration of the process, you should remain patient and understand that everything that the surgeon is doing is for your benefit. 

Prepare for the Unexpected

Just as the surgeon might determine that an alternative treatment is better suited for your situation, it's also not unheard for the surgeon to discover an underlying issue that might affect your procedure. Consider a rhinoplasty procedure, for instance. A patient might want the procedure due to a nose injury; however, during the examination, the surgeon could discover the presence of nasal polyps. In instances like this scenario, it might be best to address the new discovery before moving forward with the operation. 

Do Your Own Research

Ensure you perform your own level of research. The best patients are those that are aware of what's going on. Research can help calm your nerves and make your more patient, but it can also help ensure you know what role you play in the process, especially when it comes to your recovery. Remember, your recovery will determine the outcome of the procedure, so you want to ensure you get it right. 

Speak with a surgeon about all your concerns. In addition to answering your questions, a surgeon will be able to determine what type of operation will be best for you based on your overall health and desired outcome.