Plastic surgery isn’t just for bimbos anymore. Hundreds of thousands of people decide every year that their noses or chins or eyelids or bellies or boobs aren’t pretty enough, and that cosmetic surgery is just the ticket.

Although many people may consider plastic surgery, it may be challenging for most people to make sure that they are pursuing plastic surgery for the right reasons and in the right way. Before chopping off your turkey neck or any other part of your body, ask yourself the questions below.

Do you have horrible self-esteem?

Many people who perceive plastic surgery as the answer to all of their problems may actually have problems with self-esteem or accurate self-perception. Do yourself a favor and spend $50 on a therapy session before signing up for rhinoplasty.

Similarly, make sure that if this single issue or flaw is no longer the bane of your physical existence, you will actually be happy. It would really suck (and get pretty expensive pretty fast) if you got a tummy tuck just to decide that it made your butt look too big and your boobs look too saggy…

Are you physically healthy enough for plastic surgery?

You may hate your flabby arms and the excess skin left over from your recent weight loss, but if you lost 70 pounds in three weeks because you consumed nothing but cranberry juice and HCG pills, plastic surgery may not be appropriate. On the same token, don’t use liposuction as an alternative to a healthy diet and regular exercise for weight loss or toning.

Are you considering bargain-basement cosmetic surgery?

If someone is going to put something sharp near your face, breasts, internal organs, or anything else you consider vital or useful, make sure they actually know what they are doing and have done it many times before (successfully!).

For your nose’s sake, choose a plastic surgeon with experience and verifiable track record, and keep in mind that you get what you pay for (READ: If you pay only $100 for a facelift, make sure the doc isn’t just planning on buying 50 rolls of Scotch tape to keep your cheeks and jowls in place).

Are you comfortable letting your doctor make some of the decisions?

While you may be absolutely convinced that you want implants that double your body weight, your physician may have some practical advice that you should heed. Also keep in mind that while a quick Google search of plastic surgery procedures may make a certain solution seem ideal, your physician may recommend something different (like a forehead lift instead of eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers instead of laser resurfacing).

In general, trust your doc: there is a reason the physician is performing the operation and you are not, and it’s typically because he or she has at least a tiny bit more expertise than you in the field of slicing and dicing.

Let’s face it, folks: plastic surgery is no minor thing. You have to be sure you are prepared mentally and physically and that you have selected a professional with enough knowledge and skill to keep you safe and healthy. Plastic surgery may not actually be the optimal solution to your body image woes, but if you decide it’s right for you, at least do your skin and jiggly bits the favor of thorough research and a talented surgeon.

Katie Brind’Amour is a Certified Health Education Specialist and freelance health and wellness writer. She enjoys blogging about friendship and life in the not-so-fast lane while chipping away at her PhD in Health Services Management and Policy.