How do I choose a Physician?
You should be aware that in California, ANY medically licensed physician can legally claim to be a plastic surgeon. So, you'll need to ensure that your doctor is trained in plastic surgery, and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Physician who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have received specialized residency training and have successfully completed a rigorous oral and written examination in this specially.
Should I have plastic surgery?
This is a very personal decision, and one that should always be discussed with a certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will be able to explain exactly what is involved, and what kind of changes in your appearance you can reasonably expect. While plastic surgery cannot completely change a person's appearance, significant improvement can often be achieved through reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Use the following questions in assessing if cosmetic surgery is right for you:
What is it that I want changed?
This could be anything from losing pounds of unwanted fat, to losing the "crow's feet" by your eyes. If you're unhappy with some part of your appearance, it's worth looking into. Is this just a passing whim, or do I really want this changed? Most cosmetic surgery patients have wanted a change for some time.
Is this just a passing whim, or do I really want this changed?
Most cosmetic surgery patients have wanted a change for some time.
What can I reasonably expect?
Your surgeon will help you determine if your surgery goals are reasonable and attainable. It could be that the way you see yourself after having surgery is not a realistic picture. Your surgeon can help you understand how much of a change will be made, and what the final result will look like.
How much will this cost?
Besides telling you the cost of the surgery, if your goal is to have a number of different surgeries (perhaps having your nose and lips done), your surgeon will be able to help you best use your surgery dollars. It may be possible to have a few procedures performed at the same time and save some money.
You should also note that most insurance does not cover plastic surgery unless it is deemed medically necessary for health or well-being. Check with your insurance company to see if your operation will be covered, and what conditions may be required for coverage.
Procedures` Average Cost
Breast augmentation $3,000.00
Breast lift $3,500.00
Breast reconstruction Implants $2,500.00 to 3,000.00
Flaps $5,000.00 to 7,000.00
Breast reduction $5,000.00
Buttock lift $3,500.00
Cheek implants $2,000.00
Chemical peel (full face) $1,600.00
Dermabrasion $1,600.00
Ear surgery $2,500.00
Eyelid surgery (upper) $1,500.00
Facelift $4,700.00
Laser skin resurfacing (full face) $2,700.00
Liposuction - a single site $1,800.00
Nose reshaping $3,000.00
Tummy tuck $4,000.00
Retin-A treatment - per visit $ 100.00 t0 $300.00
Is it safe?
It's important to realize that, like any other surgery, there are risks associated with plastic surgery. Discuss in detail the risks of your desired procedure with your surgeon. Find out what complications are possible, how likely they are. Also find out what physical limitations you may have immediately after your surgery. By selecting a qualified plastic surgeon, one who is board certified in plastic surgery risks can be minimized.
Where will the surgery take. place?
Plastic surgery generally takes place in a hospital or your surgeon's facility. Simpler operations can be performed at your surgeon's facility, while more complex surgeries may require a hospital setting.
What kind of information your surgeon will need in planning your surgery?
Be sure to tell your surgeon if have any underlying medical condition that my cause problems during or after surgery such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or tendency to form excessive scars.
If you taking any medications, herbal supplements, specially drugs that affect bleeding.
What kind of anesthesia is needed?
You may receive a local anesthetic to numb the area to be worked on, or be given a general anesthetic where you'll sleep through your surgery.
What preparation will you need for your surgery?
Instructions will be given to you by your surgeon on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on taking or avoiding certain medications and vitamins, eating, drinking and smoking. If you smoke, it is specially important to avoid it at least 10 days before your surgery. After surgery, smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.
Is it painful? How long will it take me to recover?
This will depend on the type of surgery you choose. In general, the more invasive the procedure is (i.e. bone reconstruction, internal sutures) the longer the recovery time can be and the more recovery time may be needed. Of course, these will all vary by how MUCH is done, age of patient, etc, but you can say that as well.
Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.
Eyelid Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with make-up could return to work by 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
Breast Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction - Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.
When can I resume normal exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.
Does plastic surgery leave scars?
All surgery leaves scars. The type of procedure performed and an individuals ability to heal both play a part in type of scar that results. Some scars eventually become a fine line that scarcely noticeable. A plastic surgeon is trained to close wounds in a way that makes the scars asinconspicous as possible.
What is the most common plastic surgery procedure?
The most common plastic surgery procedure overall is tumor removal (for skin lesions such as skin cancers). The most common cosmetic surgery procedure is liposuction, followed by blepharoplasty (eyeled surgery), rhytidectomy (face lift), rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery), breast augmentation (enlargement),
and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Is it true that the numbers of cosmetic surgery procedure have increased dramatically?
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed during the past 5 years all cosmetic surgery procedures have increased by more than 50%, and more than tripling with liposuction and breast augmentation (enlargement).
Which plastic surgery procedure do men have performed most often?
Men most often have the nose reshaped, followed by eyelid surgery.
How much cosmetic surgery is performed on teenagers?
About 3% of all cosmetic surgery is performed on people 18 years old or younger. The top procedure is nose reshaping.
How old are most people when they choose to have cosmetic surgery?
Usually about 35-50 years of age is the primary category for cosmetic surgery. In 1992 and 1994, this group accounted for more than 40% of all cosmetic surgery.
In which state is cosmetic surgery most popular?
1 out of 5 cosmetic surgery patients reside in California.
What is a facelift?
A facelift or "rhytidectomy" is a surgical procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of the aging process by eliminating excess fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of the neck, and removing sagging skin. It doesn't stop the aging process but merely "sets the clock back".
Who would be the best candidate for a facelift?
Most patients are in their 40s to 65s. A man or woman whose face and neck have begun loose some elasticity of the skin and begun to sag, and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.
What is the Submusclar Aponeurotic System?
The SMAS is a layer beneath the skin which invests the facial muscles. By tightening the SMAS, the jowls are lifted, the neck is tightened, the cheeks are elevated. This "deep" or "2-layer" facelift is an improvement over earlier skin-only techniques.
How long does a facelift last?
No one can say for sure. The clock is turned back, but keeps on running. Ten years later, you will look better than if you never had facelift plastic surgery. Many patients never have a second facelift, while others may desire further plastic surgery seven to 15 years later.
Can facelift plastic surgery be done without scars?
The scars from facelift plastic surgery usually fade and are barely perceptible. In some patients, especially younger ones, endoscopic surgery can be used to lift the eyebrows, remove frown lines, elevate the cheek and jowls, and tighten the neck. This endoscopic surgery can be done with tiny scars. However, if there is excessive skin, it must be removed for the best results through standard facelift incisions.
How long will I be out of work after facelift plastic surgery?
Most patients are able to return to work in two to three weeks after facelift plastic surgery. You should allow four to eight weeks before major social engagements.
How can I hide things during the time until I return to normal?
Your plastic surgeon will discuss post-operative camouflage techniques with you prior to your surgery, but be assured that while almost everyone has some sort of temporary side effect such as bruising and swelling, there are makeup techniques that both men and women can use almost immediately to disguise them.Generally speaking, makeup techniques can be used soon after facelift plastic surgery to cover discolorations, and to hide incision lines after the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed. Camouflage cosmetics include three basic types of products: Concealers to hide incision lines and discolorations; contour shadows to disguise swelling; and color correctors to neutralize color in reddened skin.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is the surgical vacuuming of fat from beneath the surface of the skin. It is used to reduce fullness in any area of the body. It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not an effective method of weight loss.
What is the tumescent liposuction technique?
The tumescent technique involves injection beneath the skin of large volumes of salt water containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic and small amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring hormone which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the fat prior to performing liposuction the plastic surgeon numbs the tissues and shrinks the blood vessels thereby eliminating pain and reducing and minimizing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The tumescent technique permits some patients who were previously treated under general anesthesia to be treated under local anesthesia with sedation.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Generally people who have localized areas of protruding fat achieve the most dramatic results. Patients who are slightly overweight can benefit from liposuction. It is best to be at or near your normal weight. Good skin elasticity permits the skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour. There are no absolute age limits for liposuction.
What areas are most frequently treated?
In women, the single most frequently treated areas are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach. In men, the flank area or "love handles" are treated most frequently.
Can liposuction tighten up a loose neck?
If there is excess fat in the area under the chin and the skin is taught, liposuction alone can produce a more sculpted, angular, and youthful jaw line. If, however, the skin of the neck is loose, hanging, or crepey, even if there is excess fat, liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. Patients with loose skin usually require a face and neck lift in addition to or instead of liposuction. In general, most patients who benefit from liposuction of the neck are under 40. Most patients over 40 will require some surgical skin tightening.
Liposuction seems very simple and safe. Are there any dangers associated with liposuction plastic surgery?
Although liposuction is very safe and effective, it is a surgical procedure and can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. In addition, aesthetic complications such as skin irregularity or waviness can occur if too much fat has been removed. Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their results.
What will my nose look like after surgery?
In general, rhinoplasty, cosmetic nose surgery, is designed to reduce excess cartilage and bone in the nose, removing irregularities and bumps to give a straightened, smooth and, usually, smaller appearance. Adding tissue to enhance certain features of the nose can also occur. The overall trend in modern rhinoplasty is away from over-reduction of tissue which can reduce the ability to breath through the nose and towards individualized treatment of each segment of the nose to give a balanced and refined look without compromising function.
How long does nose plastic surgery take and what kind of anesthesia is used?
Usually, rhinoplasty takes from one to three hours depending on the complexity of the condition of the nose. Most patients have sedation prior to and during the procedure while some patients request a general anesthesia. Nearly all rhinoplasty operations are done as outpatient surgeries.
Is there a lot of bruising after nose plastic surgery and how long will it last?
This depends again on how complex the procedure is, but in general most patients
experience five to seven days of purple discoloration and swelling around the eyes and upper cheeks. The nose itself will be swollen for around ten to fourteen days or longer, but subtle resolution of the swelling at the tip of the nose can take many months after surgery to go away.
If you have trouble breathing through my nose and have terrible sinus problems. Will my insurance policy pay for nose plastic surgery (rhinoplasty)?
The condition described is usually associated with a deviated septum or a bent internal framework of the nose. Most of the time this results from trauma such as a broken nose but many patients with this condition cannot recall an episode where this might have occurred. The condition described in this question however, could also result from allergies or the two conditions can exist simultaneously. Careful examination is needed before surgery to separate the two conditions. While individual insurance policies can vary, in general, functional surgery to improve breathing is considered a covered benefit in many group policies. If additional correction of a cosmetic deformity of the nose is done at the same time the cost of this part of the procedure is usually not covered by insurance.
Where are the incisions placed during nose plastic surgery?
In general, most or all of the incisions in rhinoplasty are hidden in the inside of the nostril. While external incisions hidden in the creases where the nose meets the cheek can be used to narrow the nose, incisions on the bridge or tip are not usually used in cosmetic surgery of the nose.
Will my nose grow after surgery?
In general, our noses tend to elongate as we enter the middle years of our life and
drooping of the tip of the nose can occur in the later years as elasticity disappears from the body. While undergoing a cosmetic rhinoplasty as a teenager or young adult will not prevent the effects of aging on the nose, the final shape that results from this surgery is expected to last a lifetime and regrowth of bumps and deformities corrected by the operation is a rare occurrence.
What is a blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty offers to eyelid surgery and is designed to remove the excess fat, along with skin and muscle, from the upper and lower eyelids. It is the second most common aesthetic procedure performed by plastic surgeons.
How is the eyelid plastic surgery performed?
Eyelid plastic surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia and light intravenous sedation. It is commonly done in a doctor's office, outpatient surgical center or, in some cases, in a hospital. Eyelid plastic surgery is most often performed on an outpatient basis.
Are there scars from the eyelid plastic surgery procedure?
Scars are a result of any surgical procedure. The incisions made to accomplish the goals of plastic surgery of the eyelids are barely visible after several months as they are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids. In patients who only need removal of fat from the lower eyelids, the incision can be made on the inside of the eyelid, and will therefore result in an invisible scar.
Will the fine wrinkles around my eyes go away after eyelid plastic surgery? What about my sagging eyebrows and dark circles under my eyes?
The blepharoplasty procedure will not eradicate the wrinkles around the eyes (crow s feet) nor will it elevate droopy eyebrow. There are other procedures designed for these purposes. Dark circles under the eyes may improve a bit if this is related to large bags, but most often the dark appearance of the lower eyelid skin remains.
Can anyone have eyelid plastic surgery?
The best patients are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well motivated. Some medical conditions may increase the risk of blepharoplasty surgery such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and patients who do not make sufficient tears to keep their eyes well lubricated.
What are the risks involved with eyelid plastic surgery?
Fortunately, when performed by a competent plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and minor. All patients will experience some bruising and swelling for a few days after the surgery. In addition, a temporary problem with closure of the eyelids is usually seen. Some may have temporary blurring of their vision, usually due to the ointments applied to the incisions post operatively.
In rare instances, the lower eyelid may be pulled down causing an ectropion. If this does not resolve on its own, further surgery may be necessary. The theoretical complications of any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection, wound disruption and heavy scarring are also possible, but rare
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