Plastic Surgery FAQ Bloomfield

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Be prepared for your plastic surgery consultation!

You’ve finally decided to go for it. And you feel good about your decision. Now you want to feel good about your plastic surgeon. After all, you’re not just trusting a plastic surgeon to help you with your appearance; you’re trusting them with your health.

That’s why we’ve prepared this checklist for you to keep handy when choosing the right plastic surgeon or doctor to meet your cosmetic needs.

Any doctor you choose should be open and willing to share this information with you. So never hesitate to ask these questions. Always remember that your decision to have plastic surgery and finding the right plastic surgeon is as much about your health as it is your happiness.

FAQs

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of the face and body, and the enhancement of an individual's appearance. Plastic surgery encompasses both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. The word plastic comes from the Greek work "plastikos" which means to mold or give shape.
Any type of surgical procedure including plastic surgery, regardless of the type of surgery, carries with it general risks of surgery and anesthesia. Although it is impossible to alleviate all risks, choosing a board certified and qualified plastic surgeon and medical staff will help ensure that every precaution is taken for a safe and positive surgical experience.
The decision to have Plastic Surgery is very personal. Ask yourself ~ Would a physical enhancement or refinement improve your self esteem and enrich your quality of life? If the answer is yes, the next step would be to have a plastic surgery consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and options. Remember, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is the best way to get all the information you need to make your decision.
Age alone is not a sole factor in plastic surgery. Although age can be a factor in your general health, it is your overall health that matters the most in plastic surgery.
Every medical specialty has its own board certification. Plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board certified plastic surgeons have had extensive training specifically in plastic surgery and must continue ongoing annual education as well as testing every ten years to maintain this prestigious certification. Ambulatory Surgery Centers must be licensed by the State of Connecticut. Ask for information proving the the facility where your procedure will be performed is indeed licensed.
Depending on what your concerns and expectations are there may be non-surgical options. Surgery is not right for everyone and although surgical and non-surgical procedures address different concerns, the use of lasers and injectables may meet your needs. The best way to find out what options you have is to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
At your initial consultation, you will discuss your specific concerns with your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history and the area of concern. He/She will then make appropriate surgical and/or non-surgical recommendations. Photos are usually taken and are kept confidentially in your chart. You will receive clinical information about the recommended plastic surgery and/or cosmetic procedure, including cost and recovery time. The consultation is also your opportunity to view before and after pictures, meet the staff, and to see the facility. The best thing to do for your consultation is to come with a prepared list of questions.
Although elective, Plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are still considered medical procedures and/or surgery. Plastic surgery is taken as seriously as any surgery which is medically necessary. Knowing a patient's medical history helps determine which procedures are right for you and which would be contraindicated. It will also help the plastic surgeon to determine how you heal and react to the procedure.
  • Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon? (ask to see certification; indicated by the circle symbol from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or call directly at 800-635-0635 800-635-0635 .)
  • Where will the surgery be performed?
  • Will the surgery be performed in a clinically safe setting with the assistance of qualified staff with whom I'm already familiar?
  • Is you office devoted to providing cosmetic services only? If not, what other services are provided?
  • How many of these procedures do you perform a month?
  • What are the medical and aesthetic risks of this type of surgery?
  • How long will the surgery take?
  • What type of anesthesia will be used - local, sedation, or general? Who will administer it? (You want wither a board-certified anesthesiologist or a licensed nurse anesthetist.)
  • What kind of care and instruction will I receive before and after surgery?
  • What services do you provide after my surgery to enhance recovery and healing such as lymphatic massage?
  • Will you do all of the surgery yourself or turn it over to an assistant surgeon? If so. can I meet with this surgeon??
  • How soon will I be able to return to work?
  • What type of restrictions will I have and for how long?
  • How soon will I see full results?
  • May I see before-and-after photos and talk to patients who have had surgeries similar to the one I am considering?
  • May I arrange a time to talk to the staff?
  • What are all the costs involved? (Operating room, anesthesia, supplies, and surgeon's fees.)
  • Does your office offer financing?