Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have
about plastic surgery issues. If you have any other questions, or would
like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Q: Is plastic surgery safe?
A: All surgical procedures are accompanied by a
certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or
cosmetic reasons. Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation
go smoothly. We carefully review your medical history and current
health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with
surgery. It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent
information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the
risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the
possibility of any complications.
Q: How do I know if plastic surgery is right for me?
A: There are several important factors that come
into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for
you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good
health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during
surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. Next, you need to ask yourself
what your motivations are. People who have plastic surgery generally
find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and
self-esteem. Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic
surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set
reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared
to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.
Q: Can I have several procedures performed
simultaneously?
A: It is a relatively common practice for a plastic
surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This
allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In
addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the
expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than
once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to
complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on
which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating
time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or
not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your
operation.
Q: Does it matter how old I am?
A: Due to the variety of procedures available in
plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will
be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all
ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic
surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children! It
is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery. Plastic
surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What
is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure
for another. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience
a successful one.
Q: What happens during my initial consultation?
A: During your consultation we will discuss your
desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and
current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in
question are right for you. This is a good time to ask specific
questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally
and emotionally, for surgery. We will discuss the results that can be
achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When a final
decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating
that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your
pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary
effects.
Q: How long will it take to recover from my surgery?
A: Generally, post-operative instructions call for
rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and
recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is
different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few
days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our
post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your
normal activities within no time. Your scars will fade over time but
are permanent. We take care to conceal any scars so that they are
barely visible, if at all. The image-enhancing effects of plastic
surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up
to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look.
When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected
recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Q: Will my insurance cover the surgery?
A: Insurance providers generally cover costs for
reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. For example,
insurance providers will often pay for breast augmentation to
reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy
back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging
skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe
better; or tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen
muscles known as diastasis. Insurance providers are required by law to
cover breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations
necessary to create symmetry in either breast. If your surgery is
covered by insurance, pre-certification is required. We will be happy
to assist you with the process.
Q: Are breast implants safe?
A: The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot
topic throughout the last few decades. As a result, more stringent
standards have emerged in order to protect patients. Current breast
implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a
saline solution. Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is
highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in
reconstructive surgery procedures. Rarely, an implant will rupture or
leak. With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the
body. The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being
researched. If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant can be
easily replaced. Other possible complications from breast implant
surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts
or loss of sensation in the breasts, and capsular contracture (a
hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant). Our expert team is
dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. We take every
precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.