Frequently Asked Question About Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery | PlasticSurgeryGuide.com

Frequently Asked Question About Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery. Send us your question via the contact us page found in the footer of this page.

Who will benefit the most from a plastic surgery procedure?
How old or young should a cosmetic surgery candidate be?
Will my insurance plan cover cosmetic surgery or reconstructive procedures?
Can I have my procedure done in the doctor’s office or will it be in the hospital?
How much pain will I be in during and after the procedure?
What are the financing choices so that I can I pay for my plastic surgery?
Will I benefit from having a breast lift or augmentation procedure?
What should my doctor know before I have a breast implant?
What should I do to be ready for my breast augment operation?
What is the recovery period for a breast implant procedure?
When can I go back to work and exercise after my breast lift?
How can I benefit from a facelift, and what are the limitations of this procedure?
What does a facelift entail, and how is this surgery performed?
How can I benefit from facial fillers, and how does this procedure work?
I have heard that Botox must be regularly done for the best looks, is this true?
What are the benefits that I can receive from Rhinoplasty?
What can I do to get rid of the excess fat around my waist line?
How can I determine is a plastic surgeon is right for me?
Is plastic surgery safe?
Will plastic surgery hurt?
Will plastic surgery give me a scar?
How can I make my face look younger?
Is liposuction a good way of loosing weight
How long will the effects from iposuction last?
How do I select the "right" breast implants?
Will everybody know I had plastic surgery?
How long is to recover from plastic surgery?
How much will plastic surgery cost?
Will insurance cover my plastic surgery?
What if I can't afford plastic surgery?

1. Who will benefit the most from a plastic surgery procedure?

Candidates should be sure they realize the benefits and limitations that are offered from their aesthetic physician. They should be realistic about the goals they are trying to achieve and realize that procedures can only accomplish so much. That being said, self-confidence can be increased with an operation. Healthy adults are also more likely to recover quickly.

2. How old or young should a cosmetic surgery candidate be?

Since most people rely on aesthetic physicians to improve the appearance that is associated with aging, the majority of people who undergo facelifts or Botox are in their early 30’s. These are perfect for removing wrinkles and frown lines, and younger adults do not have this issue. Other procedures, such as Otoplasty, are one plastic surgery for young adults, and these are used to correct deformities that are found in the ear. Otoplasty can be performed successfully on children as young as five years old.

3. Will my insurance plan cover cosmetic surgery or reconstructive procedures?

Yes, plans will cover procedures that are needed for reconstructive surgery. Many women choose to have their breast augmentation after a mastectomy, and this is covered by most insurance providers. Rhinoplasty is another procedure that will be covered if it is used to correct breathing problems. Tummy tuck surgery can be funded in the event of a gastric bypass or other operation. Eyelid surgeries can also be covered, if a person needs the operation for vision problems. However, aesthetic operations that are performed for cosmetic reasons will not be covered under most policies, but plastic surgery financing is becoming more common.

4. Can I have my procedure done in the doctor’s office or will it be in the hospital?

A board certified plastic surgeon may perform their aesthetic operations in different places, and local hospitals are one choice. For people who need anesthesia and operating rooms, hospitals are usually required. Other surgeons rely on their offices to provide their clients with everything they need, and many have fully equipped suites in their office. Operations that involve subcutaneous injections, such as facial fillers, can easily be accomplished in the office of a plastic surgeon.

5. How much pain will I be in during and after the procedure?

Pain is generally minimized through the use of anesthesia, and again, the total amount of discomfort is related to the procedure that is conducted. Some procedures such as face lifts require more anesthesia and longer recovery times. Other operations that rely on facial fillers can provide pain relief through the use of a local anesthetic, and there is minimum discomfort after the procedure.

6. What are the financing choices so that I can I pay for my plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery financing is becoming more viable, and many doctors provide a range of options to their patients. The office staff of a chosen provider can offer detailed information about payment choices, but most doctors will finance the procedure themselves. Another choice is to rely on a loan from a bank or other lending institution. Some procedures such as faciall fillers are a cheap plastic surgery, and patients often choose to pay for these out of their pocket.

7. Will I benefit from having a breast lift or augmentation procedure?

There are several things that a breast augmentation can help, and this is perfect for women who feel their breasts are too small. If one breast is bigger than the other, doctors are also able to resolve this problem. Women, who have had children, can also benefit from breast implants.

8. What should my doctor know before I have a breast implant?

Women should tell their aesthetic physician if they are planning on getting pregnant. This can affect breast size and it is advisable to wait until after pregnancy to have breast implants. Dieting is another thing that a doctor should be aware of, and patients should be sure to communicate if they are trying to lose weight.

9. What should I do to be ready for my breast augment operation?

Doctors will routinely perform a mammogram before surgery to detect any changes in the tissue of the breast. Smokers will need to quit well before their procedure is set to begin. Medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, should not be used before a procedure as well. A board certified plastic surgeon will generally perform this procedure on an outpatient basis, and there should be someone available to drive the client home after the operation.

10. What is the recovery period for a breast implant procedure?

Women should be sure they have a caregiver for the first 24 hours after their operation. There are also opportunities for women to recover at a hotel or spa as well as at a licensed recovery facility. These places provide support and monitoring that will ensure the operation is a success. Doctors will provide directions for surgical care including dressings and the use of support bras. It is essential that these are followed for the best results.

11. When can I go back to work and exercise after my breast lift?

Regular activities can and should resume in a few days. Recovery happens best when a person gets up and begins moving around as soon as possible, as this promotes healing. However, intense physical activity, such as exercising at the gym or lifting heavy objects should be avoided for a minimum of three weeks. This will provide the breasts time to heal and ensure there are no complications.

12. How can I benefit from a facelift, and what are the limitations of this procedure?

Faces are one of the first places that show signs of aging, and a facelift can be used to remove the wrinkles and sagging skin that are found on senior recidents. The hands of time can be turned back, and the excess skin and wrinkles around the face and neck can be removed. Clients will also achieve a more youthful look when they have this type of operation done.

13. What does a facelift entail, and how is this surgery performed?

A plastic surgeon will make small incisions in the front of the ears, and they may make cuts around the scalp as well. They will then lift the muscles of the face, and they may use liposuction to remove fat that accumulates around the jaw and chin. The incisions are made in inconspicuous areas, and after healing they are unnoticeable.

14. How can I benefit from faciall fillers, and how does this procedure work?

Injectables are becoming more common, and they present a great opportunity for senior recidents and others to eliminate frown lines and wrinkles that are associated with aging. This is a cheap plastic surgery, and it offers dramatic effects. The new technologies can easily be provided for in the comfort of a physician’s office, and recovery takes only a few hours, as there are no incisions to heal.

15. I have heard that Botox must be regularly done for the best looks, is this true?

Yes, Botox provides an immediate change as it relies on a neurotoxin to paralyze the muscles in the face. The effects may last up to eight months, but the typical results are achieved best for three to four months. Faciall fillers are another great option to remove frown lines and wrinkles, these use collagen and will last for three to six months.

16. What are the benefits that I can receive from Rhinoplasty?

The nose is one of the most prominent features on the face, and Rhinoplasty can be used to reshape this. This operation is one plastic surgery for young adults and older recidents, but most doctors recommend that their clients are at least 14 years old. The procedure can provide a more symmetrically shaped nose, and it is also used to eliminate breathing problems in many adults.

17. What can I do to get rid of the excess fat around my waist line?

A tummy tuck is the best way to remove the flaccid skin that sags around a person’s midsection, and this can be used in conjunction with liposuction if there is excess fat in the area. There are a few simple incisions made in the pubic area, and the excess skin is removed. The skin is then pulled tight, and this can increase muscle tone in the area as well as remove excessive fat.

18. How can I determine if a plastic surgeon is right for me?

A visit to the plastic surgeon gives you an opportunity to meet them, where you can gauge their personality and behavior. It's always good if you feel comfortable and relaxed around them. The visit also is important for evaluating their credentials and experience. It is important that they are Board Certified plastic surgeons, meaning that the American Board of Plastic Surgery has accredited them. This ensures that they have undergone all the rigorous education and training to be a plastic surgeon in the United States. Most plastic surgeons will have before and after pictures of their patients that you can view. This allows you to assess the quality of their work.

The following are some recommended questions to ask the plastic surgeon during the initial consultation appointment:

How many procedures of this type have you performed?
How long will the procedure take?
What are the common risks associated with the procedure?
How long is the average recovery time for this procedure?
Where will you perform the surgery?
What is the total cost of the procedure?
What is your policy on surgical revisions?

19. Is plastic surgery safe?

Today, plastic surgery is an established medical practice with procedures considered relatively simple, easy, and safe. Millions of people around the world undergo plastic surgery every year. However, just like any other type of surgery, there are some risks involved such as excessive bleeding, infections, and suture reaction. That being said, complications from plastic surgery are very rare but it is always a good idea to be aware of the risks.

20. Will Plastic Surgery Hurt?

This will depend on the type of surgery and the patient. Generally speaking, non-surgical plastic surgery procedures will not cause a great deal of pain. For surgical procedures, these will be invasive and thus appropriate precautions are taken to ensure the highest level of safety and minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. These procedures will typically use anesthetics and sedatives so you won't feel a thing during the operation. Where it hurts, is usually during the recovery period, and only then any pain or discomfort will be temporary until you are fully recovered. Plastic surgeons will give you strict orders to reduce your activity level to ensure that healing progresses at a fast rate. Painkillers can be prescribed or purchased to reduce any pain or discomfort.

21. Will Plastic Surgery give me a scar?

Plastic surgery can be surgical or non-surgical. The majority of surgical procedures are invasive procedures meaning that incisions will be made. The extent of the incision will depend on the procedure and the complexity of the procedure. This means that scars are inevitable. Plastic surgeons recognize this and have been trained to place scars in places that are rarely viewed by others such as along natural body creases. The severity of scarring will depend on the individual. Over time, the scarring will fade. For non-surgical procedures (Botox, chemical peels, micordermabrasion), permanent scars are generally not seen.

22. How can I make my face look younger?

As we age, our skin will lose its elasticity resulting in sagging skin usually around the neck. The most common procedure to rejuvenate this situation is a facelift. This procedure involves tightening and lifting the excessive skin around the face and neck. Lifts can also be performed in specific areas of the face, most notably the forehead (brow). Another common feature of aging is wrinkles. Wrinkles can be minimized or eliminated with such procedures as laser resurfacing and chemical peels, which removes the most exterior layers of skin. Each individual will be different and a Plastic Surgeon will usually point out all plastic surgery options that best suit their needs. The results from such procedure(s) can be amazing.

23. Is Liposuction a good way of losing weight?

It is a common misconception that liposuction is the fastest way of losing weight, simply by sucking all your excess fat away. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The most ideal candidate for liposuction are those who are close to their ideal weight, but have 'pockets' of fat that they find difficult to lose. Plus you have to remember that fat does not weigh a lot!

24. How long will the effects from Liposuction last?

That depends on the individual's lifestyle. It is of paramount importance that the patient maintains a healthy way of life including a healthy diet and regular exercise. If that is maintained, then the results from liposuction can be quite long lasting. Conversely, the results from liposuction can be wasted in a shorter period of time if the patient does not consciously make an effort to minimize any excessive weight gain.

25. How do I select the "right" Breast Implants?

Prior to 1992, there were 2 types of breast implants - saline and silicone. However due to safety issues, silicone breast implants have been taken of the market, so in most instances you will be dealing with saline implants.

From this point, the size and shape of an appropriate saline breast implant will largely depend on how you want your breasts to look. Implants will come in a variety of sizes based on how large you want your breasts to be. There are 2 major shapes - round and tear-shaped. Round implants are the most popular option since they provide the most natural look with fewer complications. Tear-shaped implants are mainly targeted towards women with long breasts, thus making it appear more natural. However, there have been
some reports of the implant moving out of place making it look very unnatural.

Lastly, implants can be smoothed or textured. Textured implants are desired since there is a less likelihood of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery. This is when your body responds to the foreign implants by hardening the breast tissue around the implant making the implant feel hard and giving your breasts a 'ball-like' appearance. The disadvantage with textured implants is that will wrinkle more easily than smooth implants making your implants look unnatural. In general, smooth implants are selected more than textured implants.

26. Will everybody know I had Plastic Surgery?

This depends on the type of procedure taken. If you had a breast augmentation and increased your bra size from a B to a DD, then people may suspect that you have had plastic surgery. But in most regular plastic surgery cases, the changes to your body are not greatly exaggerated so it is quite easy to go by without people knowing you had anything done. They will just notice that you look 'different', but can't pinpoint what it is. The effects of plastic surgery is the most obvious during the recovery phase when you are still healing from the procedure so that area may be swollen, red, and uncomfortable. That is why you should resign yourself to keeping low-key, with a low activity level, so that healing can take place rapidly.

27. How long is to recover from Plastic Surgery?

This will depend on the type of procedure (the more invasive the procedure, the greater the recovery period), the extent of the procedure, and the healing capacity of the patient (younger patients will heal faster than older patients).

In general for surgical procedures, patients may need assistance for the first couple of days following surgery before being able to do most things on their own but at very, very low impact. A very general rule-of-thumb for the recovery period and when you can get back to work is between 5 to 10 days. To be more specific:

Liposuction: 5 to 7 days before work
Eyelid Surgery: 5 to 7 days
Facelift: 10 to 14 days
Breast Surgery: 5 to 7 days
Tummy Tuck: 7 to 14 days

28. How much will Plastic Surgery cost?

Once again this will depend on the type of procedure being performed. For a list of the average prices of plastic surgery procedures.

Other variables that will affect the cost of plastic surgery will be who the Plastic Surgeon is (established plastic surgeons will charge more); the location of the practice (an urban practice will usually charge more than a rural practice due to higher overhead costs); the length and complexity of the actual procedure (may vary from patient to patient); the type of anesthetic used; whether you are being operated in a hospital or a private practice; and whether you're staying overnight.

It is always the best idea to get a complete quote on the procedure including ALL costs.

29. Will insurance cover my Plastidt Surgery?

In general, plastic surgery is elective surgery meaning that insurance companies will not cover it. In the case where plastic surgery can be shown to have a medical benefit, for instance, getting a breast reduction to minimize chronic back pain, then insurance may cover it. If you feel that you can get coverage, it is always a good idea to get clarification from your insurance companies. If eligible, they will require you to get the appropriate letters documenting medical need from your doctor and the plastic surgeon.

30. What if I can't afford Plastic Surgery?

There is no denying that plastic surgery is an expensive undertaking, but more and more people are undergoing plastic surgery thanks to the financial freedom provided through plastic surgery financing. For more information on plastic surgery financing.