Frequently Asked Questions

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. The art and science of plastic surgery is also involved with the enhancement of the appearance of a person through such operations as facelift, eyelid lifts, rhinoplasty, breast surgeries, liposuction and abdominoplasty.

How do cosmetic and reconstructive surgery differ?

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congential defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.There are a number of gray areas in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations that may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement, may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.

What should you know about outpatient surgery?

When considering plastic surgery, it's natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, to be fully informed, it's important to learn about the safety of the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. To maximize safety, ensure that: 1) Your surgeon is adequately trained and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.2) The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards.3) Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history, especially if you have had any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots.4) The surgical facility will use skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure.5) Extra safety measures are taken if you are having a more extensive liposuction procedure.

How can I be sure that my surgeon has adequate training?

Good credentials can't guarantee a successful outcome; however, they can significantly increase the likelihood of it. Patients are advised to find a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and of the entire body. Certification by the ABPS is the gold standard for plastic surgeons because it signifies that the surgeon has had formal training in an accredited plastic surgery residency program. If your surgeon is ABPS-certified, you can be assured that your doctor has completed at least five years of surgical residency training after medical school, including at least two years in plastic surgery has passed comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exams is qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures - everything from liposuction and facelifts to intricate wound repair. To verify a surgeon's certification status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or visit the board's web site at www.abplsurg.org or the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org or by phoning 1-800-776-2378.

Does the surgical facility meet acceptable standards?

Good credentials can't guarantee a successful outcome; however, they can significantly increase the likelihood of it. Patients are advised to find a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and of the entire body. Certification by the ABPS is the gold standard for plastic surgeons because it signifies that the surgeon has had formal training in an accredited plastic surgery residency program. If your surgeon is ABPS-certified, you can be assured that your doctor has completed at least five years of surgical residency training after medical school, including at least two years in plastic surgery has passed comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exams is qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures - everything from liposuction and facelifts to intricate wound repair. To verify a surgeon's certification status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or visit the board's web site at www.abplsurg.org or the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org or by phoning 1-800-776-2378.

Why does my surgeon need details about my health history?

There is always risk with any surgical procedure. However, as a patient, you can play an important role in reducing your risk by providing a full and complete health history to your surgeon.Although rare, one of the most serious complications associated with surgery is the development of blood clots in the large veins of the abdomen and legs. This complication can lead to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (blocked lung artery). Therefore, it is extremely important to tell your plastic surgeon if you or any of your family members have a history of blood clots or if you have had a family member who died suddenly, shortly after surgery or childbirth.You will also be evaluated for other factors that may increase the risk of blood clots. These include: being extremely overweight, having recent traumatic injury, any disorder of the heart, lungs or central nervous system, a history of cancer, recurrent severe infection or genetic problems that affect blood clottingFor women, additional risk factors include: taking oral contraceptives or having recently ceased taking them and undergoing hormone-replacement therapySafety measures to prevent blood clots will be determined by your individual degree of risk. If you are considered low risk, your doctor may simply ensure that you are positioned on the operating table in a way that allows for adequate blood circulation to the legs. If you are of moderate or high risk for developing blood clots, you may also be advised to wear elastic stockings before, during and after your procedure, or to take special anti-clotting medications. Compression devices on the legs may be used during surgery to support your normal circulation.

Will I recieve adequate anesthesia care?

Anesthesia care in an accredited or licensed facility has reached a level of sophistication that is absolutely comparable to the care received in the hospital. For maximum safety, ASPS recommends that:Any planned anesthesia should be administered by skilled, licensed personnel acting under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologis.Before any type of anesthesia is used, the surgeon or anesthetist must take a full medical history. A physical examination and appropriate lab tests may also be performed. Your surgeon needs to know if you have any serious medical problems or have had previous adverse reaction to any other type of anesthesia. Also, you must let the anesthetist know about any medications you are taking (including herbal supplements), any known drug allergies, when you last ate and whether you smoke cigarettes or use alcohol or illegal drugs.You should be assured that you will receive individual monitoring by skilled, licensed personnel before, during and after the procedure. Staff who are familiar with the warning signs of cardiac or respiratory distress and are trained in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), should be on hand to monitor your procedure and recovery following your surgery.If you are told that you will be kept overnight at the surgical facility while you recuperate, make sure that the facility is accredited by a recognized agency. In an accredited facility you will receive around-the-clock care and monitoring by two or more skilled and licensed staff members with at least one trained in ACLS. You will also be assured that the facility has the necessary equipment and medications to handle complications that may arise and an emergency plan in case you need to be transferred to the hospital.

Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?

Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

How long is the recuperation and when can I return to work?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person's tolerance of discomfort. Most patients will require assistance for the 24-hours. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children for whom they provide care. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to aerobic exercise, routines or heavy lifting.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 makeup 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 regular excercise?

The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. 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 three weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed after 6 weeks.