Is surgery performed under general or local anesthesia?
Depending upon what is most appropriate for your particular situation, the surgeon will decide what type of anesthesia to use. He or she will answer any questions you have.
What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?
Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively.
How long does it take for an operation?
On an average, most surgeries take 2-3 hours in the operating room, with the most extensive of multiple procedures lasting several hours. Additional time is often required for preparation before, and rest & recovery time after the surgery itself, particularly when sedation or a general anesthetic is administered.
What are the risks?
All surgeries entail risks, such as bleeding, possible infection, etc. Please see the information on the specific surgery, or consult with a qualified surgeon for more detailed information.
Does Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery will not have scars after the operation. Is it true?
That is not true. Healing of any wound is with scar tissue. But a Plastic Surgeon takes extreme care to get a least visible scar by placing the incision in the natural creases of the body. You must realize that the scars are permanent and it will take three months to one year to mature & look their best.
Will it be covered by my medical insurance?
In general, if it is cosmetic, your medical insurance will not cover the surgery or treatment. (See the questions regarding the difference between ‘plastic’ and ‘reconstructive’ surgeries for more on this topic).
How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
Most reconstructive surgery procedures require one to two weeks for healing . However, recovery time also depends on the patient and specific reconstructive surgery performed. Some patients are able to return to a normal routine immediately after a reconstructive surgery procedure, while others require several weeks to retain a normal level of functioning. In some cases, the final results are not clears for months.
What procedures are considered reconstructive surgery?
The line between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery can sometimes be blurred. Generally, reconstructive surgery improves both appearance and health. Some examples of reconstructive surgery include:
- Tumor Removal
- Laceration Repair
- Scar Revision
- Hand Surgery
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Reconstruction (Following surgical breast cancer treatment)
- Burn Care – Reconstructive Rhinoplasty (to improve nose air flow)
- Eyelid Surgery (to improve field of vision)
What are the most common surgeries?
Among the most frequently performed surgeries are: rhinoplasty, facelift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery?
Typically, the difference exists in the purpose of surgery . Cosmetic surgery performed with the primary goal of improving one’s appearance. Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve personal health, body function or alleviate disease and is often considered medically necessary.