Most people would like to change a part or an area on their bodies. Perhaps there are some minor love handles; perhaps the process of aging seems to have accelerated a little too fast. In most cases, there is a cosmetic surgery that can address these issues and the cost is probably lower than you think. But the question is, do you really need plastic surgery?

There are practices and surgeons, putting their own financial interests first, who will tell you surgery is the answer. However, speak to a responsible surgeon and the first thing he or she will ask is why you want the surgery in the first place. In the case of weight loss or shape augmentation, they should ask what efforts you’ve already made on your own to make the difference you’re looking for. For example, if you’ve never made any effort to get off the couch or modify your diet, you shouldn’t be looking at surgery as an easy way out. The same also goes for toning – have you bothered hitting the gym, or are you just looking for the simplest solution?

If you’ve worked hard and tried to address areas you don’t like, then surgery may provide a solution. But if you haven’t put in the effort first, you need to be sure that you’re not considering surgery as an end run around effort and commitment on your part.

So ask yourself again, do you really need plastic surgery?