When you are on the reconstructive end, you sometimes see the results of aesthetic surgery that has gone a little too far. The foremost goal of reconstructive or aesthetic surgery should be a natural result. Remember, you can always go back and take a little more, but you can not go back and do less.

Cosmetic procedures now involve much less risk, less down time, less cost for the patient and are usually done under small amounts of anesthesia (twilight zone) or local anesthesia. As a rule, the simplest procedure is usually the safest and most predictable. It is important to maintain a balance of what is safe and what works.

Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself before committing to a decision:

• Are your expectations realistic?
• How will you handle unexpected results?
• Do you feel fully informed about the risks?
• Do you have the time in your schedule for a proper recovery?
• Will the cost of the procedure add too much financial stress to your life?