Plastic Surgery Basics
What is "plastic surgery"?
Plastic surgery actually encompasses a variety of different fields. Most people think of plastic surgery and they think of cosmetic or aesthetic surgery. Actually, plastic surgery includes cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, but it also includes reconstructive surgery, where we fix holes or problems that occur after tumors and cancers Plastic surgery also includes hand surgery, micro surgery and craniofacial surgery, which is fixing deformities that children are born with.
Is "plastic" really involved in plastic surgery?
Most people think that the term "plastic surgery" came from either breast implants or some sort of implant material made of plastic. In fact, plastic comes from the Greek word "plastikos," which means to shape or to mold. That's really where the forefathers of plastic surgery started: moving tissue from one part of the body to another. That's really where the term "plastic surgery" comes from.
What is the difference between "cosmetic" surgery and "reconstructive" surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is usually considered enhancement or improving an area of the body, while reconstructive surgery usually means an area has been damaged in some respect either by a tumor, a cancer, or a trauma and then reconstructive surgery repairs or improves that area.
Why would I need or want plastic surgery?
There's a variety of different reasons that you may need plastic surgery. You may have a cancer (such as breast cancer, or a head and neck cancer) which may require the plastic surgeon to reconstruct the area of your body after the tumor has been removed. You may also have an accident where plastic surgeons are called in to help fix the wounds. Finally you may require - or you may want - cosmetic surgery (which is part of plastic surgery).
Will a plastic surgeon do anything I want to my body?
Before going to see your plastic surgeon, you should have an idea of what you're interested in, if in fact it's going to be a cosmetic surgery procedure. You and your doctor should really discuss the different options, and at the end of the day, it's important that you feel comfortable with your doctor, and it's the right decision for you to make. Making sure that you and the plastic surgeon are on the same page is really important to getting the best possible result.
Is plastic surgery painful?
We, as plastic surgeons, try not to make plastic surgery painful, and we are well aware that patients don't want to experience severe pain from any plastic surgery procedure. Obviously the pain depends on the plastic surgery procedure performed. For plastic surgery such as an injection of a dermal filler such as Restylane or even Botox where it's a tiny needle, the pain is minimal. For some of our bigger plastic surgery operations, such as breast reduction, tummy tuck or liposuction, obviously the pain level is a bit more.
What is recovery from plastic surgery like?
The recovery from plastic surgery really depends on the operation performed. In general though, the first day or two can be rather painful but usually within a week most pain subsides. Of course, some procedures such as injections or local procedures, the recovery time may be a couple of hours at the most.
What is "outpatient" plastic surgery?
Any time the term "outpatient" is used it usually means that the surgery is performed on a daily basis and the patient should be able to go home that same day. Outpatient surgery may occur in either an office, a surgery center or a hospital. In any case, the patient goes home that same day.
Will my insurance cover plastic surgery?
Medical insurance covers different types of plastic surgery. If plastic surgery is for a medical condition, such as reconstructive surgery for skin cancers, tumors, breast cancers, or head and neck tumors, your insurance will cover the cost of plastic surgery. If it is strictly for cosmetic surgery, medical insurance usually does not cover.
Can I get financing for plastic surgery?
Many plastic surgeons offices offer financing, and there are a variety of different credit card agencies and financing agencies, which are available to your plastic surgeon. I's probably a good idea to look around; your plastic surgeon may offer one or two financing options but there may be better financing plans that are available.
