Frequently Asked Plastic Surgery Questions

When considering plastic surgery, it’s natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, it’s important to learn as much as possible about any procedure you are considering. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. We have compiled this list of FAQs to help answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.

What is important in choosing a plastic surgeon?
Once you have determined that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, there are several other factors to consider. You must feel comfortable with your surgeon. You should also consider where your surgeon plans to perform your procedure. Verify your surgeon is qualified to do the procedure in a local hospital before allowing it to take place in an office based surgery center. Some surgeons operate in office ORs in order to do procedures they have not been credentialed to do in the hospital.

Do you offer patient referrals/testimonials?
Yes. Please ask for a list of patients if desired.

Is it possible to spend the night in your surgery center?
It is possible to stay overnight in our surgery center with our private nurse. Typically, facelift and multiple procedure patients will spend the night.

Do you offer financing?
Yes, after your consultation, the patient coordinator will help you submit an application. You will receive an answer regarding approval very quickly.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is named from the Greek word "plastikos" which means "to shape", based on the surgeon re-shaping the form of the patient's form through surgery. It has nothing to do with the types of materials used in the surgery itself. In surgery, many different materials may be utilized, depending on the desired results and the type of surgery. Frequently, the surgeon will make use of the patient's own tissues, including tissues from another location of the body, or by reshaping the existing tissues to achieve a better appearance. Many materials are used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including cartilage, bone, fat and others. Silicone has become one of the most popular materials. This should not be confused with the controversial gel silicone and its use as a filler for breast implants.

Is there any visible scarring?
Any time a cut or incision is made in the skin, there is a scar left behind as part of the normal healing process. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons have extensive experience minimizing the visibility of scars and locating them in the least conspicuous areas possible. Often the scars will become undetectable to all but the most careful examination over the course of time. Scars may also be hidden in the hair, along a wrinkle, in the mouth, etc., so they are undetectable. The approximate placement and length of the incisions will be discussed before surgery. You may also review patients photos with similar incisions.

Can an Abdominoplasty eliminate "stretch marks" from my pregnancy?

If the stretch marks (striae) are located in on the lower abdomen (below the belly button) then they can usually be removed in the course of Abdominoplasty. Typically all of the skin from just above the navel to the pubic area is removed. This skin usually contains the stretch marks and well as the less elastic skin. The upper skin more elastic, better quality, less or no stretch marks, is stretched across the entire abdomen. If the stretch marks extend above the belly button or onto other areas, a tummy tuck may decrease their visibility. Laser Treatment may also help with bad stretch marks.