All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons.  Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly.  We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery.  It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved.  We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.

There several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you.  One of the most important factors is your health.  Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery.  Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are.  People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem.  Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations.  Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect.  Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.

It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation.  This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance.  In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once.  However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications.  The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health.  Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age, although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation.  People of all ages have taken advantage of the improved image offered by plastic surgery.  There are even procedures appropriate for young children, with congenital or traumatic deformities.  It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process.  What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another.  We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.

During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and assess which procedure is most appropriate for you.  This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery.  We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos. 

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited activity in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual.  Bruises usually disappear within one to two weeks, and the majority of swelling resolves in a matter of weeks.  If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will reduce your risk of complications and speed up your recovery time.  Your scars will fade over time but are permanent.  We take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all.  We recommend several products post-operatively to reduce scarring.  Your results will become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully recover.  When you come in for your consultation we will discuss your expected recovery period.

Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery.  For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast reduction surgery when conservative, non-surgical procedures have failed to effectively treat back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to treat nasal obstruction. Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction, following a mastectomy and any procedures necessary to achieve symmetry of the unaffected breast. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification is required.  We will be happy to assist you with the process.

The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades.  As a result, more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients.  Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution.  Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in reconstructive surgery procedures.  Rarely, an implant will rupture or leak.  With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body.  The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being researched.  If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant can be easily replaced.  Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, changes in the sensitivity of the nipple, and capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant).  Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one.  We take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.

You will be under anesthesia during your operation so there will be no pain during the operation.  In the days (or weeks) following the operation, you may experience some discomfort which can be effectively treated with oral medication.