23 May
2012

Posted in: Plastic Surgery Articles
By Andrew Miller  

Common Plastic Surgery Questions and Their Answers

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – People who are considering plastic surgery tend to have a lot of questions about this type of medicine. While some of them are easy to address, others really depend on the type of procedure you are looking to have done.

Dr. Andrew Miller, an NJ rhinoplasty specialist, has put together a list of some frequently asked questions and their answers.

1. What makes someone a good candidate for plastic surgery?The answer to this question has several tiers. Overall, you need to be in reasonably good health without any known medical conditions that prevent you from undergoing an elective surgery.You should also have realistic expectations about how plastic surgery will change the appearance of your body – not change your body into someone else’s. Your goal should focus on making yourself happier in the body you have and not expect people to immediately treat or see you differently.

   Educate yourself on the type of surgery you would like to have done. By conducting thorough research you will find that there are advantages of cosmetic surgery, just as there are dangers. During your initial consultation be honest with your surgeon, ask questions and let yourself make an informed decision about your candidacy for surgery.

2. What age should people get plastic surgery?While there are some surgeries that are only applicable to individuals approaching or experiencing middle age, such as a facelift, this does not mean that younger people do not get plastic surgery.Common procedures for younger patients include liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and other procedures that focus on changing the body’s appearance, rather than fight the effects of aging. As long as you are over the age of 18 you can undergo plastic surgery, though we encourage you to uncover your motivation behind wanting the surgery to ensure you are doing it for the right reasons.
3. What anesthesia is used during the procedures?Anesthesiologists, the same ones who work in local hospitals, administer anesthesia. They will monitor your vital signs very carefully before and after surgery to detect and treat any adverse side effects from the anesthesia. How long the effects of anesthesia will last depends on your weight, your percentage of body fat and the type and strength of the chosen anesthetic.The type of anesthesia used depends on the type of surgery. Less invasive procedures typically use a local anesthetic that blocks nerve impulses at the site of the surgery, which is combined with a sedative to calm you.

   General anesthesia is where you are completely unconscious and unaware of pain, which is necessary for more extensive surgeries, like a tummy tuck.

   When you wake from surgery you may feel nauseated, emotional or cold as you recover. These feelings are all completely normal and should reside as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

4. Does insurance cover plastic surgery?Typically medical insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery. However there are some policies that will cover surgeries that are used to correct a birth defect that interferes with normal function or to repair damage sustained during an injury.As an example, nasal breathing difficulties that can be fixed with nose surgery may be covered under your policy. It is wise to speak with your insurance company before undergoing surgery, as you should never assume they would cover it.
5. Does plastic surgery hurt?Pain is a subjective feeling. Procedures that involve muscle manipulation will be more painful (breast augmentation) than procedures where only the skin and soft tissues are operated on (cheek lift). During your recovery you will experience a range of feelings from mild discomfort to some pain, which can be managed.Prior to surgery, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to accelerate healing time. You will also be given pain medication to be taken as needed. For all types of surgery, it is best to limit the amount of movement after surgery and follow your doctor’s post-op instructions thoroughly.
6. Will I have a scar after plastic surgery?Skin cannot be cut without scarring. The trick is for us to limit the amount of incisions and leave a very fine-lined scar that is placed in the correct orientation, which will make it virtually invisible.Plastic surgeons try to make incisions in areas that will not show, like along natural folds, in existing wrinkles or under the line of undergarments. Scars will fade over time, but some areas of the body, like the back and chest, may produce more severe scarring due to the thickness of the skin.
7. How long does it take to recuperate from surgery?Recovery times vary from surgery to surgery. Most surgeries will take one-two weeks to recover, but a tummy tuck can take two-three weeks.
8. Is plastic surgery recovery inpatient or outpatient?Plastic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a certified surgery facility. After the surgery you will be released to go home for recovery or to an aftercare facility if you choose.
9. What procedures do you perform most often?Breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, liposuction and facial plastic surgeries are most often performed. There are also noninvasive procedures that are performed, such as facial fillers like Botox, chemical peels, and laser treatments.
10. Are there any products or behaviors I should limit to prepare for surgery?To maximize the benefits of surgery, you can take a number of steps such as: quitting smoking, avoiding products like aspirin, which can increase your risk of unnecessary bleeding. Lastly, ensure that you are at your best health before surgery. If you develop a cold, fever or rash, call and reschedule your procedure to limit the risk of surgical complications.

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