Like many people, you’ve probably thought about getting rid of some of your insecurities through cosmetic surgery, but it’s not always easy to find the right time to have the procedure.

• No time, no money
• Excessive social or family pressure that might prevent us from achieving our dream
• It's never the right time: the kids, work, vacations
• How do you decide?

Questions I have about cosmetic surgery.

1. I'm ready to have cosmetic surgery, but others are trying to stop me

My parents are against it, and I haven't figured out how to handle this; my dad doesn't want me to touch my nose (maybe because I got it from him).

I just had a baby and I’m not sure how to go about scheduling my liposuction or breast augmentation surgery. The plastic surgeon told me that I won’t be able to carry my child during my recovery, or that I’ll be too tired to take care of the kids.

Why doesn't my husband want me to touch my hips or butt? After all, I'm the one who can't fit into my skirts or dresses, aren't I?

My stomach is a disaster after all these pregnancies, and all the exercise I do at the gym doesn’t make a difference. My trainer keeps telling me to keep at it, but nothing changes. I go three times a week, and I still have loose skin under my arms from my last diet. “You need a tummy tuck,” says the plastic surgeon!

My friends try to talk me out of it and point out the botched jobs on TV or online: “Look at that one—or that one who went overboard—doesn’t it look unnatural?”
“Don’t touch your body or accept yourself as you are,” say religions and philosophers; yes, I remember reading that somewhere.

“You should see a psychologist.” Yeah, but there’s nothing more commonplace than seeing a shrink, and yet cosmetic surgery affects everyone. Who’s to say the psychologist sitting across from me didn’t get a little Botox the day before—or even have a breast augmentation?

2. That's it—I'm ready to have cosmetic surgery

• Who's the boss?
• My ex, who was holding me back from fulfilling my potential as a man or a woman?
• My parents? But cosmetic surgery wasn't nearly as advanced back then as it is today
• And then people are so hypocritical—do you really think movie stars like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt didn't do anything to look that good?
• Lionel Richie looks so young on his concert posters, as if he’d been stuck in the ’80s. LOL, I can’t believe it!
• What if success and achievement also came from a well-performed cosmetic surgery procedure that met the patient’s needs?

Honey, Mom, Dad, I’m getting a breast augmentation. In fact, come with me to the plastic surgery consultation so we can ask all our questions. Besides, I was sick of stuffing my bras and panties with those ridiculous pads. Anyway, I’m doing this for myself, and if you don’t like it, too bad.

Have you seen how much time I spend in the bathroom every morning trying to hide my wrinkles or draw my eyes just the way I like them? Look, I’ll remove some here and pull the skin there—there, all done! Phew, I’m so glad I made up my mind!!

My plastic surgeon reassured me—he’s super professional. I’m taking my time and I’ll give him a yes (well, I need to figure out the financing now; anyway, I didn’t want a new car, and I don’t like winter break). Look, I’ll do it during my time off, or else this week—it won’t bother anyone at work—and then I’ll call your mom or mine to watch the kids. Great, I’m ready!!!!

Anyway, I’ll just tell you, and that’s it—surprise guaranteed! I can’t wait! I’m going to read through all the documents carefully; I’ve already made a list of questions, and I’ll ask them during the appointment. And don’t worry, I’m not going to do it abroad—I’m staying in France. It’s easier that way, and having it close by puts my mind at ease.