What is plastic
surgery?
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.
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Is plastic surgery safe?
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.
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How do I know if Plastic Surgery is right for me?
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.
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Does it matter how old I am?
Age alone is not a sole factor in plastic surgery. Although age can be a factor in your
general health, it is is your overall health that matters the most in
plastic surgery.
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What should I know about the plastic surgeon and facility?
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.
Plastic surgery facilities that offer in-office operating rooms, must
be certified by one of the three governing bodies in the state of CT:
the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery
Facilities (AAAASF), Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health
Care (AAAHC), or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO).
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Do I have options other than surgery?
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.
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What should I expect at my initial consultation?
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.
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Why does my plastic surgeon need detailed information about my
personal and family medical history?
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.
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Questions for Your Plastic Surgeon:
- 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.)
- 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?
- 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?
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