Plastic Surgery Questions

Q: Why choose a Board Certified surgeon? A: Not all plastic surgeons are equal. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is without a doubt the most prestigious organization of plastic surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery aims promote safe, ethical and efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high educational and certification standards for plastic surgeons. The Certification process is challenging and begins the day a surgeon begins medical school. The Board reviews the performance of the surgeon while in medical school, residency, and fellowships to assure excellent performance. After starting practice, the candidate takes a written and oral examination conjured up by a panel of Board members. After reviewing the past performances of a surgeon in practice, the Board decides whether or not the surgeon is endorsable. An American Board of Plastic Surgery Certificated plastic surgeon has completed rigorous training in full-body plastic and reconstructive surgery. Q: When should a patient have plastic surgery? A: Cosmetic plastic surgery is an elective surgery meant to complement a lifestyle. It is therefore up to each individual to decide if the time is right to have a plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of one. As plastic surgery procedures become minimal in their approach and necessary recovery time, an increasing number of men and women have plastic surgery at a younger age. Some people believe that having a few small procedures to look great at a younger age is more advantageous than waiting until one is much older and having many larger surgeries that are more complicated. Q: What is the recovery time of a plastic surgery procedure and when can I return to work? A: Minimally invasive and endoscopic plastic surgery requires less downtime than older techniques. Operations result in small hidden incisions and the recovery time is much shorter. Patients typically return to work in one to two weeks after the procedure based on the occupation of the patient and the particular type surgery had. Q: Will insurance cover plastic surgery procedures? A: There is a distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Most insurance do not cover cosmetic surgery to reshape normal structures in order to improve the appearance and self-esteem of a patient. Insurance covers reconstructive procedures on abnormal structures on the body caused by birth defect, cancer, trauma, infection or disease. Q: How long will it take for swelling to subside? A: Many patients go back to work one to two weeks after having surgery. Some people may notice swelling of the affected area and others may not. It generally takes six to eight weeks for 80 percent of the swelling to subside after any type of surgery. The remainder of the inflammation and swelling resolves in the following four months. However, no two people are alike and each person heals at a different rate; recovery periods vary. Q: I do not want the unnatural look. Is that possible? A: Cosmetic plastic surgery is very refined, especially with new innovative surgery techniques. The unnatural-looking up-turned nose with a saddle-type bridge, which was the norm among old nose jobs, is no longer. The standard is a balanced nose that matches the face after sculpting. For patients considering breast implants, doctors measure the chest and select correct size implant for each patient to assure that the breasts will look natural on the frame. Q: Are silicone breast implants dangerous? A: Since the silicone scare of the 1980s, many research studies demonstrate silicone implants are safe. The implant shell and the composition of the silicone gel have changed in recent years and there are far fewer leaks reported. Silicone implants remain more natural to the touch relative to their saline counterparts, but the ultimate decision rests with the patient. Q: What type of anesthesia does the doctor administer? A: Thanks to the growing safety of plastic surgery and the refined techniques used, procedures do not require a lot of general anesthesia. The preferred anesthesia method is light general anesthesia where the patient is lightly anesthetized and entirely unaware of the surgery. This method minimizes nausea and other discomforts of general anesthesia. Q: Is plastic surgery safe for me? A: Before any elective plastic surgery, doctors require a complete physical examination as well as a series of blood tests. After such tests, complications of plastic surgery are exceedingly rare. Q: How long will results last? A: After the surgery, the patient is responsible for maintaining his or her face and body. A facelift generally lasts 10 years, but must people also avoid excess sun exposure and maintain a healthy diet and do exercise. After breast implants or reduction breasts will always look better than before, but they will change with the hormones of the patient. After breast surgery, patients must also wear a supportive bra. After liposuction or a tummy tuck, patients gain a little weight, anywhere from five to ten pounds.

Q: What is the recovery time of a plastic surgery procedure and when can I return to work? A: Minimally invasive and endoscopic plastic surgery requires less downtime than older techniques. Operations result in small hidden incisions and the recovery time is much shorter. Patients typically return to work in one to two weeks after the procedure based on the occupation of the patient and the particular type surgery had. More Answers for Questions



Other Resources
Nose Revision - Revision rhinoplasty is a nose operation performed to correct or revise an unsatisfactory outcome from a previous rhinoplasty. An unsatisfactory outcome occurs from in up to one fifth of rhinoplasties. There are two main reasons for performing secondary rhinoplasty: functional problems and cosmetic problems.
Check Implant - Patients should check their implants regularly for breast good health. Physicians recommend patients follow-ups with doctors for the life of the implant. Though generally safe, breast implants are medical devices and they can fail.
Large Breast Enhancement - Large breast enhancement adds generous size and contour to any woman's frame. Because big breast implants come in a variety of sizes, and because every size will produce different results on different women, careful thought and consultation with a highly qualified breast implant expert are necessary to achieve optimal results.
Cervicoplasty - Cervicoplasty is the medical term for a neck lift or neck rejuvenation procedure. There are different types of cervicoplasty. The simplest cervicoplasty involves tightening only the platysmal muscle.
Reconstructive Surgeon - A reconstructive surgeon corrects functional impairments caused by burns; traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities such as cleft palates; developmental abnormalities; and cancer or tumors.