Every morning we look in the mirror, and perhaps we find something new we don’t wish to see. It could be another gray hair, or else a wrinkle under the eye that didn’t appear as pronounced the day before. Much as we would like to turn back time and revert to our more youthful selves, that time machine hasn’t been invented. Anti-aging elements and diets can help slow the process of looking older, but if you are interested in expedited results you may wish to consider Botox injections.

Before you do, however, it’s important to weigh all the options before you commit to any kind of cosmetic surgery. While Botox injections to smooth out facial wrinkles are probably the least invasive of plastic surgery procedures, there are still factors to consider. Allergies, long-term effects, the change to your face are all things you must think about. Because facial injections are typically an outpatient procedure, taking too much time off work may not be an issue, but let’s look at other questions you may ask yourself:

1) Will a younger appearance have a better impact on work? If you still work, or are in the market for a job and competing with young candidates, you may wish to present a fresher face to the world.

2) Will a youthful appearance boost my self-esteem? Think about why you are really getting Botox injections: is it to better the way you feel about yourself, or to improve what others think when they see you? Are the opinions of friends, family, and co-workers more important?

3) Do you have any pre-existing conditions that might interfere with injections? If you think you might expection a reaction after receiving Botox, confer with a plastic surgeon first.

In short, you should consider Botox to smooth your facial features if you think it would benefit you and improve your self-esteem, not because you are pressured by others to look younger. This is your body, make the right decisions for it.

If you plan to get liposuction in order to get rid of excess flab, you might be wondering about the recovery period involved. You will need to plan ahead to find out how much time to take off work, so knowing ahead of time is quite helpful. However, the recovery times that most doctors supply patients with are just an estimate for the average patient. Find out how to speed the process along when possible.

After the liposuction procedure, you can expect to be on pain medication for up to two weeks, though of course if you feel fine after a few days, you will not need it that long. Numbness and bruising will likely last for at least a few weeks, and swelling can last for a few months. This means you will not see the final results for a few months, or even half a year, but you should see gradual improvement.

Most people can return to work after one week, but some people like to take up to three weeks off in case they are still not comfortable. You might want to ask for a bit more time off than you think you will need, or you risk calling in sick if you are still not healed completely. Of course, this also depends on what type of job you have, as a job in which you sit down for hours is often easier while you heal than one where you have to stand or be active.

There are some ways to ensure that you heal faster than usual. The only drink you should be ingesting in the days following surgery is water, as it will keep you hydrated so that your body runs its best. Drinking alcohol, swimming at the beach or in a pool, and soaking in a hot tub or bath are all activities to eliminate during the first week of recovery. You should also avoid placing Band-Aids, heating pads, or ice packs to the areas where your liposuction incisions are so as not to disturb the healing process.

You should know the basics for healing from liposuction, but learning some lesser known ways to cope is also helpful. Learning these facts about your procedure is not advised, since you will probably be in some pain or discomfort during that time. Your preparation for this surgery should include ways to handle the period afterward so that you can feel better as soon as possible.