Cosmetic Surgery Questions

How do I choose a doctor for my cosmetic surgery?

Choose a doctor who is board-certified, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, and specializes in plastic surgery or dermatologic care. Board-certification in these fields is given to doctors who have received proper training and sufficient experience in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic techniques.

Not all doctors who offer to perform cosmetic procedures are qualified to do so. Choosing a skilled and experienced doctor with the appropriate board-certifications may cost more, but it will also decrease surgical risks and increase the likelihood of having a positive outcome.

Is cosmetic surgery safe?

Millions of people undergo cosmetic surgery every year and most don’t experience any serious complications, but it is surgery and there are risks. Before surgery, your doctor will explain the risks and possible side effects of the specific procedure you choose.

Will cosmetic surgery hurt?

Anesthesia is used to control pain during cosmetic surgery and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.There are four types of anesthesia used for cosmetic surgery; local anesthesia, sedation, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will determine the best method based of your overall physical health, level of anxiety, and type of cosmetic procedure. After surgery, pain medications are available to control discomfort during healing and recovery.

What age do I have to be to get breast implants?

In most cases, you must be at least 18 years of age to get breast implants. The FDA has approved saline implants only for women who are 18 years of age and older and silicone implants only for women who are 22 years of age and older. Special considerations may be given to girls younger than 18 who have a great size difference between the breasts or if one breast has failed to grow at all.

What is a Botox party?

A Botox party is when a group of people get together for Botox injections, mixing a party atmosphere with the cosmetic procedure. Many doctors will have Botox parties as a way of attracting a large group of paying patients. The cost of treatment is usually lower than in an office setting due to discounted prices for volume quantities. While some people appreciate the comfortable setting and lower prices, there are safety issues which should be considered.

Botox injections have been shown to be a safe procedure overall, but the possibility of unexpected side effects and complications remains. In the event of a medical emergency, the patient will be at greater risk at a party setting than in a medical setting. If you are considering Botox injections, it is better to play it safe and only have your treatment performed in a medical setting by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Why will some plastic surgeons not perform cosmetic surgery on someone who smokes?

Nicotine in the blood increases surgical risks, affects the healing process, and can lead to unfavorable results.It diminishes the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, which is necessary for proper wound healing, and can turn recovery into months instead of weeks.

At a minimum, most doctors will request that the patient stop smoking for two weeks before surgery until two weeks after surgery, especially for procedures which involve cutting flaps into the skin.

For patients who don’t comply, the possible complications include: increased risk from anesthesia, increased risk of pulmonary problems, poor and/or delayed wound healing, tissue breakdown, skin loss, higher chance of infection, longer bruising period, additional pain, and hypertrophic or keloid (raised) scarring.

What can I do to keep my skin looking young and healthy?

The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Many signs of aging, such as sun spots and wrinkles, are due to sun exposure over time.Always wear sun block with an SPF of 30 or above and sun protection such as hats and sunglasses. It is also important to properly cleanse and moisturize the skin, eat healthy, avoid smoking, and limit alcoholic beverages.

Cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion can help to treat skin-damage and promote healthy, younger-looking skin.