Top Ten Most Commonly Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery

Not an office hour session passes in my practice that I am not asked about laser surgery. Due to widespread media coverage, lasers are now thought of by many people as the best way for surgeons to cut tissue during surgery. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. For most operations, traditional cutting methods provide better control for the surgeon and more precise and smaller scars.

Okay, here are several questions women asks regarding plastic surgery.

Will it hurt?

During the procedure, you're comfortable and feel no pain. After surgery, pain and discomfort can usually be controlled with medication and subsides in a matter of days.

How soon can I get back to work?

It depends on the procedure and your job. Most plastic surgery patients are back to work in 7 to 10 days.

Will everyone know?

Usually not. Good plastic surgery doesn't leave you looking plastic. It enhances your looks naturally, the improvement is often attributed to a vacation, new diet, or exercise regime.

How long will it last?

Rejuvenation procedures can't stop the clock, but they can rest it. The benefits from a facelift, forehead lift, facial peel, and eyelid surgery can last 5 to 15 years. Alteration procedures that reshape or correct an imbalance such as surgery of the nose, chin augmentation, breast augmentation, and breast reduction offer permanent benefits that last a life time.

Will there be scars?

Yes. Will they be noticeable? Probably not. Plastic surgeons make every effort to minimize scars and hide them in natural lines and creases. For the majority of procedures, scars fade over time, becoming barely noticeable.

How long does it take?

Not as long as you would think. Most procedures are performed as an outpatient, require no overnight stay, and take only a few hours.

Is it expensive?

Not really. Unlike most things, the prices of plastic surgery have gone down over the years while the quality has gone up. In fact, almost half of the people undergoing plastic surgery make less than $25,000 a year.

Will insurance cover it?

Usually not. But there are occasionally exceptions when a procedure is medically necessary. Often this involves coverage for a portion of the expenses.

Can I finance it?

In most cases, yes. Financing is now a readily available accepted form of payment. Low monthly payments virtually make every procedure instantly affordable.

What do I do next?

A consultation with a qualified surgeon is a quick, easy, no obligation way to find out what plastic surgery can do for you.