FAQs about Cosmetic Surgery
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?
Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles such as abdominoplasty or breast augmentation can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.
What should you know about the safety of outpatient surgery?
It’s important to learn about the safety of a plastic surgery procedure, as well as the expected outcome. Although, thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free.
To maximize your safety, ensure the following:
Your physician is certified by a registered board of plastic surgeon and has the required qualification to complete the surgery.
Your physician has hospital privelges. Some surgical procedures can solely be performed in an ambulatory surgical facility. However, it is important to find out if the physician has operating priveleges. Regardless of where the surgery is performed, the surgeon should have privileges to perform the procedure in an acute care hospital.
The surgical facility uses skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure.
How do I know what breast size implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reason for the surgery and overall health. For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss?
Does a person’s voice change after rhinoplasty?
A few patients notice small change in their voice after rhinoplasty but this is uncommon. Professionals who rely on their voice, such as singers, should share any concerns with their surgeon, however, because the nose does play a role in how we sound.
