Does Plastic Surgery use "plastic"?
No. The term "plastic" as used in Plastic Surgery is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" and the Latin word "plasticere" both of which means "to mould". It does not refer to the actual materials used in the course of the surgery itself. Normally, the Plastic Surgeon will make use of the patient's own tissues from another location of the body to achieve the required results.

In general, how risky is plastic surgery?
No matter how skilled, how much experience or how well trained your plastic surgeon is, like generally surgery, plastic surgery carries some risk. This includes infection, bleeding, blood clots, bad reactions to anesthesia, and others. As a patient, it is your responsibility to strictly follow both the pre surgery and post surgery instructions, given to you by your plastic surgeon. It is also very important that you choose a good plastic surgeon.

Who is a candidate for plastic surgery?
The best plastic surgery candidate is someone with realistic expectations and an understanding of the limitations set by medicine, technology, and each patient's own body

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?
When the plastic surgery procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not be involved. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes, however, it may be partially or fully covered by insurance

Is plastic surgery painful?
Patients tolerate postoperative pain in ways that are different from each other. Appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, are prescribed for postoperative patients.

How long will my results last?
There is no precise answer to this question. Surgery does not affect the ongoing aging process which is largely dependent upon genetics. What cosmetic plastic surgery does is turn back the clock. Unfortunately, aging is inevitable. Although with cosmetic surgery, you are able to continue to look more youthful and in shape

What kind of anesthesia is used?
surgery  is performed under most types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, intravenous sedation , general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks). The method of anesthesia used is based on the patient and surgeon's preference

What procedures do plastic surgeons perform?
Aesthetic (also called cosmetic) problems with the face, neck and trunk, including forehead, eyes, nose, ears, lips, chin, neck, breasts, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, arms, and skin.
Congenital deformities of the hands and face, including clefts of the lip and palate.
Benign (non-cancer) and malignant (cancerous) tumors of the head and neck, skin and soft tissues.
Traumatic injuries of the bony facial skeleton and hand as well as soft tissue injuries of any part of the body.
Surgery of the hand.
Surgery of the jaw and facial skeleton.
Any type of skin cover and replacement problems.
All types of reconstruction following removal of cancer resulting in disfigurement of any part of the body including the face, breasts, trunk.

What is aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery?
Aesthetic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery, seeks to improve an individual's appearance. These type of operations most often involve the nose, ears, face, forehead, eyelids, breasts, abdomen, hips and thighs.

Will I have a scar after plastic surgery?
Scarring is inevitable of healing, however a very fine lined scar placed in the correct orientation may be virtually invisible. A plastic surgeon spends years trying to master techniques to place scars in the most desirable location. Plastic surgeons will try to make incisions in areas that will not show, like under undergarments or along natural creases. Scars will normally fade over time, but certain areas of the body such as the back and chest, produce more severe scarring regardless of the technique used for reconstruction and closure. The severity of the scarring varies from person to person.

LIPOSUCTION

What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also referred to as lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a surgical procedure that recontours the body by removing excess fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, chin, and neck.

What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
All surgery involves some risk. Potential complications may include infection, bleeding, asymmetry or poor healing, skin pigmentation changes, and/or reaction to anesthesia.

How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period usually lasts from four weeks to six months , depending on the patient and the extent of the procedure . Swelling typically subsides after a week while bruising may last three weeks or longer. Usually patients can return to work after a week or two and resume more strenuous physical activity after two to four weeksAm I a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is not used for weight loss, rather to correct problem areas or fat bulges. A candidate will be close to their ideal weight because a liposuction is typically performed in patients that have an area of fat they find hard to lose. The fat removed does not weight a lot, so patients should expect a shape change, not a weight change.

Do the results of liposuction last?
As long as the patient maintains a healthy life-style, including exercise and a sensible diet, liposuction results are long lasting. Once the fat cells have been removed from an area there is no longer a preferential fat storage area and any fat gain will be distributed more evenly over the rest of the body.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Most body areas can be treated with liposuction, though the most common areas in females are the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Men are often treated for liposuction in the breasts, hips, and abdomen. Liposuction is not limited to these areas, though other places may include the upper arms, under the chin and the buttocks.

Does liposuction leave scars?
Incisions made during liposuction are generally very small and put in areas that are more inconspicuous. Most cases of liposuction will heal well and it will be difficult to see where they were originally made.

ABDOMINOPLASTY / TUMMY TUCK

What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck - also known by its medical term abdominoplasty – is the surgical process of removing excessive fat and skin from a patient's lower and middle abdomen. A tummy tuck is also used to tighten the abdominal wall muscles . This body contouring procedure is an excellent way to rid oneself of stubborn fat in the mid section that does not respond to diet and exercise.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
Because a tummy tuck extracts fat tissue and sagging skin, the procedure can produce a dramatically flatter and firm stomach and a slimmer waistline . This is one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures available. Most patients are satisfied with the results of a tummy tuck and report a stronger self-image.

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck candidates are healthy men and women with realistic expectations about this procedure. Ideally, a tummy tuck patient will be within his or her desired weight but wishes to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in the mid section .

How is a tummy tuck performed?
During tummy tuck surgery, incisions are made along the abdomen above the pubic bones. The skin is then lifted and the abdomen muscles are pulled, tightened and stitched into a new, firmer position . Excess fat may be excised manually or via liposuction. The skin is stretch into place and sutured.

How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
Normally, a tummy tuck surgery will take between two to four hours . However, the exact time of the tummy tuck procedure will depend on the type of tummy tuck performed. A mini tummy tuck – or partial abdominoplasty – will require less time than a normal tummy tuck.


Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
As with any major surgery, there are some risks associated with tummy tuck surgery. Though rare tummy tuck surgery poses the risk of blood clots, infection and noticeably lose areas of skin following tummy tuck surgery. Poor healing could potentially lead to a second tummy tuck operation. To avoid further possible complications any plans of future weight loss or pregnancy should be discussed before the tummy tuck procedure. A competent and qualified surgeon will do everything to mitigate the risk of tummy tuck side effects.

What should I expect after the operation?
The healing process after a tummy tuck can span two to four weeks . Additionally, the tummy tuck patient will be unable to stand upright for the first week following the procedure. It is important for tummy tuck patients to have a dependable friend or family member aid him or her during the initial week.

Will I have a scar after the tummy tuck?
Scarring is inevitable. The tummy tuck procedure will produce a permanent scar at the site of incision. The size of the scar will depend on the procedure chosen.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
The results of this procedure are permanent with proper diet and exercise. However, significant weight loss or gain, pregnancy and age many adversely effect your surgical results. After several years, a second tummy tuck can be performed to restore originally satisfying results.

RHINOPLASTY / NOSE JOB

What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to reshape the nose by reducing or increasing its size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, or narrowing nostril span.

What are the benefits of Rhinoplasty?
Benefits of Rhinoplasty can range from improved breathing to enhanced appearance and self-confidence.

What are the risks associated with Rhinoplasty?
As with any surgery, a Rhinoplasty procedure does carry some risks. Fortunately, complications are rare and usually minor . Nonetheless, complications may include infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Am I a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is ideal for healthy, psychologically stable men and women who are seeking improvement but not perfection in their facial appearance. Most surgeons also consider age as a factor, preferring young patients who have completed their growth spurt.

Will I be put under general anesthesia?
Depending on the preference of the surgeon and/or the patient, rhinoplasty can be performed under general or local anesthesia.

What does a Rhinoplasty procedure involve?
Surgical techniques for reshaping the nose vary. However, a Rhinoplasty procedure generally involves the separation of nose skin from its framework of cartilage and bone . This can be done either from an incision inside the nose or through an “open” procedure that requires an external incision in the tissue separating the nostrils. The surgeon then reshapes the nose , replaces the skin over the new framework, and applies a splint to help the nose maintain its shape.

How long does it take to recover from Rhinoplasty?
Healing after Rhinoplasty is slow and gradual with subtle swelling sometimes persisting for months. However, patients can usually expect to return to work or school within a week or two and to more strenuous activity within two to three weeks.

How long can I expect the results to last?
With the exception of changes associated with aging, results are permanent.

BREAST AUGMENTATION  

What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure, in which a qualified surgeon will insert a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle, increasing the size of the breast. Breast implants can be inserted through an incision underneath the breast, in the periareolar (nipple,) or the inframammary (incision in crease between the chest and breast). Implants can also be inserted through the belly button.

Am I a good candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Ideal candidates for Breast Augmentation may be women who wish to increase the size of their breasts for a number of reasons including:

• Women who feel their breast size is too small or disproportionate to their body.
• Women who have developed uneven breasts and would like to achieve symmetry.
• Women who have lost a large amount of weight and their breasts have shrunken.
• Women whose breast size and shape changed after pregnancy.

It is also crucial for women seeking Breast Augmentation learn about the risks and benefits of this procedure and have realistic expectations of the results.

How should I prepare for Breast Augmentation surgery?
About two weeks prior to surgery, patients should stop smoking or drinking alcohol to reduce the risk of blood clots and infection. Certain medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs should also be avoided as they may increase bleeding.

How is a Breast Augmentation surgery performed?
Breast Augmentation is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Anesthesia medications will be administered prior to surgery. The details of the procedure will depend on the method you and your surgeon choose. A surgeon will make a small incision in the crease underneath the breast, in the crease between the breast and chest, along the nipple area, or through the navel. The implant will be inserted through the incision and placed behind the breast tissue or under the chest. After the surgery is completed, a patient will be taken into the recovery room for a short period of time and closely monitored.

What is the recovery time for Breast Augmentation?
The recovery period after Breast Augmentation surgery may take two or three weeks. All dressings will be removed several days after surgery and patients are usually permitted to shower within the first week. Patients may resume normal activities, but should avoid heavy lifting, or physical contact with breasts for up to three weeks. Bruising and discoloration will disappear rather quickly and swelling should go down in a month. Keep in mind that arm movement may be limited for two to three weeks.

What are the risks associated with Breast Augmentation?
Like with any other surgery, there are risks associated with Breast Augmentation. Possible complications may include reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, infection, and changes in breast or nipple sensation. One of the most common risks linked to Breast Augmentation is capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar around the implant hardens or becomes tight or if there is extreme scar tissue around the implant.

Capsular contracture squeezes the soft implant causing the breast to feel hard. In some cases, breast implants may tear or rupture and cause a leakage in the breast. Most side effects of Breast Augmentation like swelling, bruising, scars, and hardness will disappear over time. It is important to discuss all risks and benefits of Breast Augmentation with a qualified plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

BREAST REDUCTION

What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure intended to reduce large breasts as well as to make them more symmetrical and proportioned to the rest of the body.

Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?
The best candidates for Breast Reduction surgery are women whose breasts have fully developed and who are experiencing physical discomfort due to their breast size.

What are the benefits of Breast Reduction surgery?
Breast Reduction surgery can remedy a number of problems associated with enlarged breasts, including : back and neck pain, shoulder strain, poor posture, skin irritation and infection, shortness of breath, difficulty participating in sports or other recreational activities, difficulty fitting clothes, social/sexual embarrassment.

What are the risks involved of Breast Reduction surgery?
As with all surgery, Breast Reduction surgery does come with some risks. Complications may include infection, blood clots, adverse reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage, loss of sensation, asymmetry, and scarring. In some cases, a woman may lose the ability to breast feed.

What does Breast Reduction surgery involve?
The techniques for Breast Reduction vary . However, the procedure is almost always performed under general anesthesia . Generally, the doctor will make an incision similar in shape to an anchor or inverted keyhole that encompasses the area from the top of the nipple to the crease of the breast. Then, the surgeon removes excess fat, skin, and tissue and repositions the remaining skin and areola. Breast Reduction surgery usually takes one to three hours per breast . 

RECONSTRUCTIVE 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 .

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 benefits does Reconstructive Surgery provide?
Medically necessary reconstructive surgery provides obvious health benefits . But even reconstructive surgery considered optional can help patients rid themselves of physical abnormalities. Reconstructive Surgery has also been known to provide patients with higher self-esteem and confidence.

Who is a good candidate for Reconstructive Surgery?
Ideal patients for reconstructive surgery have realistic expectations and a good understanding of the procedure. Typically Reconstructive Surgery patients fall into one of two groups. The first group consists of those born with an undesired condition such as webbed or extra fingers, a cleft-lip or abnormally developing breasts. In the second group are those who developed abnormalities through an accident, disease or even age.

Does Reconstructive Surgery have possible risks and complications?
All surgeries have risks. The specific risks will vary based on the particular Reconstructive Surgery performed. In general, Reconstructive Surgery poses a low risk of infection, problems related to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, bruising, slowed healing of the wound and additional surgical problems. Potential complications increase based on the patient's personal health history.

How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive Surgery?
Most Seconstructive 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.

Does Reconstructive Surgery leave any visible scarring?
When Reconstructive Surgery requires incisions, scarring is an inevitable side effect of the procedure. However, reconstructive surgeons are specially trained to minimize scar size and place them in inconspicuous locations.

Does plastic surgery always involve skin grafting?
No. Skin grafting is used when it is the best way of closing a wound or defect. A qualified plastic surgeon has years of training to allow good judgment in deciding the best way of reconstructing a defect. A skin graft may appear to have poor color match and texture compared to the native skin, however with careful selection of a skin graft donor site these problems may be minimized.

What is a pedicle graft or flap?
A pedicle graft also called a flap, consists of a segment of skin, underlying subcutaneous tissue and/or muscle which is shifted from one area to an open wound or defect for coverage of that wound. The word pedicle means that the blood supply to the flap is never divided. When the blood supply is completely divided and reattached this is called a free flap, and requires specialized skill in microvascular surgery.

HAND SURGERY

What is Hand Surgery?
Hand Surgery procedures are usually performed to repair injured hands.  These include injuries to the tendons, nerves, blood vessels, joints, as well as fractured bones, burns, cuts, and skin wounds.  Modern techniques have greatly improved the surgeon's ability to restore function and appearance, even in severe injuries.

Among the techniques now used by hand surgeons are:

• Grafting - the transfer of skin, bone, nerves, or other tissue from a healthy part of the body to the injured part.
• Flap surgery - moving the skin, along with its underlying fat, blood vessels, and muscle, from a healthy part of the body to the injured site.
• Replantation or transplantation - restoring amputated fingers or hands using microsurgery, an extremely precise and delicate surgery performed under magnification.

Some injuries may require several operations over an extended period of time.
In many cases, surgery can restore a significant degree of feeling and function to injured hands, however, recovery may take months, and a period of hand therapy will most often be needed.
 
Hand surgery will alleviate problematic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Dupuytren’s contracture and congenital defects. The specific procedure suitable for you depends on your condition.  Nevertheless, a doctor can transfer skin, bone, nerves or other tissue from a healthy part of the body to mend the injured section through grafting; utilize flap surgery for moving the skin along with its underlying fat, blood vessels, and muscles; or apply re-plantation, also known as transplantation, through microsurgery performed under magnification.

What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a hand surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in medical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This includes all bones, muscles, tendons and joints. A hand surgeon is a super specialist in treatment of the hand with specialized training in plastic surgery.

Who are the candidates for Hand Surgery?
The best candidates are those who are under a great deal of distress caused by hand injuries.  Hand surgery covers a wide range of procedures that are used to repair:

• Hand injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Dupuytren's Contracture
• Congenital defects

How is the Recovery in Hand Surgery?
Given the fact that the hand is a very sensitive part of the body, patients may experience mild to severe pain subsequent to the surgery.  Depending on the type and extent of surgery and on how fast the healing takes place, the hand should be remained immobilized and normal activities are put on hold.

The surgeon may propose a course of rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapy) to improve your recovery with the direction of a trained hand therapist.

What are the Risks in Hand Surgery ?  
As with any other surgery, some risks and side effects may occur.  These include possible infection, poor healing, loss of feeling or movement of the hand and fingers, blood clots and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.What types of problems do you treat?

• traumatic injuries: amputations, fractures, injuries to tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, crush injuries
• arthritis problems: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of the upper extremity
• cumulative trauma disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, sprains and strains of the upper extremity
• congenital hand deformities: webbed fingers (syndactyly), radial clubhand, absent (aplastic) thumb
• lower extremity tissue and nerve injuries: soft-tissue defects or open wounds needing a microsurgical repair, flap, or graft
• sports injuries to the hand and upper extremity

What is Microsurgery?
Microsurgery involves use of a high powered microscope during surgery to repair very small structures which are often thinner than a human hair. The microscope is used to repair tiny blood vessels or nerves damaged during injury or trauma.

Do you treat anything other than the upper extremity?
Yes. Many parts of the body can suffer amputation or have soft tissue defects due to trauma. The microvascular training and expertise of a Hand Surgeon increases the opportunity of successful outcomes.

What are the complications in Hand Surgery?
(Anaesthetic, Medical, Surgical)
The most common complication after Hand Surgery is excessive swelling resulting in the dressings or plaster becoming too tight. In general if the plaster feels too tight it is.

Other complications are rare but include: bleeding, infection, stiffness, irritable or raised scars, neuromas, vessel or tendon damage, chronic pain syndromes, over or under correction of a deformity, and others.

Particular operations may entail specific risks and so please feel free to discuss these with your surgeon. Occasionally symptoms can be made worse by the surgery. Any of these complications may require further treatment or surgery.

If you are concerned that there is a problem then contact your surgeon through the office.
surgeon.

POST CANCER RECONSTRUCTION

Who are the best candidates for Post Cancer Reconstruction?
Good candidates for this surgery are those who have undergone treatments for cancer such as head, neck, pelvis cancer, sarcoma or breast cancer.

What are the risks of undergoing this surgery?
All surgery has risks and your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation.  But risks and risk rates vary from one patient to another, depending on different factors. 

What are the different types of procedures available for the Post Cancer Reconstruction surgery?
There are several options for Post Cancer Reconstruction surgery.  Skin Cancer Reconstruction options are dependent on the cancer’s severity and location. This procedure can range from simple closure to flaps.  For sarcoma, some of the options available to the patient are simple closure, use of skin grafts, and rearrangement of tissue with the use of local flaps, pedicle flaps or free flaps.  While those who have undergone head and neck treatments can choose from primary closure with skin graft, local flaps, pedicle flaps and free flaps.  Pelvic cancer patients can select between local flaps and free flaps.

Recovery
The recovery from Post Cancer Reconstruction surgery differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the surgery and also the specifics of each patient.

Risks                                                                          
It is the patient's responsibility to notify the surgeon of important medical information that may greatly affect the result of the surgery or increase risks in doing the procedure.  Inform the surgeon of any medications that you are taking, any history of disease or medical complications, etc.  Both risk and risk rates differ from each patient, depending on a variety of factors