COMMOM QUESTIONS FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY

Am I a good candidate for Abdominoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for Abdominoplasty if you have
one or more of the following conditions:

• Excess of sagging abdominal skin
• An abdomen that is not proportioned to your body, such as an abdomen that protrudes
• Abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated
• Excess fatty tissue in your abdomen
• If you plan on getting pregnant or lose weight in the future,
• you should discuss this matter with your surgeon.

Where are the incisions placed?

A horizontal incision usually is placed just above the pubic area.
The length of the incision, which will extend laterally, will depend greatly on the amount of excess skin removed.
The contour of this incision varies according to contour of your body.
Your surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this many not always are possible.
In some cases a patient may have no loose skin above the navel,
in this case a second incision will not be made around the navel and only
the redundant skin below it can be pulled down.

When can I resume my normal activities?

The recovery time varies greatly on each individual patient, depending on
the extent of your Abdominoplasty and your general physical condition,
you may be able to resume to non-strenuous work in about 1 to 3
weeks following surgery. In many cases your able to continue most of your normal activities,
including some forms of mild exercise after a few weeks.
Sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks and your surgeon may advise to wait longer.

How long will the results last?

Unless you gain or lose an excessive amount of weight or become pregnant your
abdomen should remain flat and firm for many years, in some cases permanent.
How ever, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll,
though patients are satisfied for many years after having this procedure done.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

One or any combination of the following conditions may indicate you are a candidate for eyelid surgery:
Excess skin overlapping the natural fold of the upper eyelids
Loose skin hanging down from upper eyelids, which may impair vision
Appearance of puffiness to the eyelids, which give an appearance of being tired
Bags and dark circles under the eyes
Droopiness of the lower eyelids
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids

What is done to improve the appearance of upper and lower eyelids?

For the upper eyelids an incision is usually made within the natural fold of the upper eyelids and will extend slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. With this incision the fatty tissue and excess skin is removed. The incision is made within the natural creases of your face and will be hidden well.
For the lower lid eyelid surgery and incision is often made just below the lashes. Through this incision excess skin and fat is removed. As in the upper eyelid surgery, the incision is well hidden by the natural creases of your face.

When can I resume my normal activities?

Any straining lifting or bending should be avoided during the first two weeks of surgery. You will not be able to return back to work for approximately 7-10 days. In many cases you are able to resume most of your regular daily activities in 10 days or less.

How long will the results last?

The results of eyelid surgery usually is long lasting. Though it may be affected by your heredity and lifestyle factors. The removal of fat from your eyelids, which causes puffiness and bags, is permanent and usually this type of condition will not recur. Though the aging process will continue and skin laxity along with fine wrinkles of the eyelid area may return.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
Your clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large for your bust line
You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting tops
Your breasts have become smaller and lost their firmness after having children
Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breast
One of your breast is noticeably smaller than the other

What type of implant will be used?

Currently all women undergoing breast augmentation receive saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater.

What are the risks of this procedure?

The subject of risk and complication of surgery is best answered by a personal consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you better understand your prospective procedure.

Where are the incisions placed?

The advantage of saline filled implants is that it is filled with saltwater after being inserted, therefore only a small incision is needed. Often, an incision approximately 1 inch in length is made underneath the breast, just above the crease, where it is very inconspicuous. Another possible location for the incision is around the lower edge of the areola. Your surgeon will determine your type of incision during your consultation.

How long will the results last?

The results of breast augmentation will be long lasting. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breast. Though many women are very satisfied for many years after surgery.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR BREAST LIFT

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have one or more of the following:

• Breasts are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness
• Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease.

How will I be evaluated for breast lift surgery?

Your surgeon will examine your breasts, by taking measurements and perhaps photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of your nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.

How will I look and feel initially?

The day after surgery, your surgeon will encourage you to get out of bed for short periods of time. After several days, you should be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, lifting, and bending should be avoided; these types of activities will increase your chances of bleeding and increase swelling. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration has diminished. The stitches are usually removed in stages over a period of approximately three weeks, beginning one week after surgery. You will experience a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola area, this is usually temporary. Your breast may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Your incisions will initially be red or pink and will remain this way for months after surgery.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR BREAST REDUCTION

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

You may be considered a candidate for a breast reduction if you have on or more of the following:

• Breasts are too large for your body frame
• Heavy pendulous breast with nipples and areolas that point downward
• One breast is much larger that the other
• Skin irritation beneath your breasts
• Indentation in your shoulders from tight bra straps
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of breasts
• Dissatisfaction or self conscious about the largeness of your breasts

Where are the incisions placed?

The most common method of breast reduction involves three incisions. The first incision is made around the areola. The second runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is horizontal beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. The incisions from your breast reduction will fade over time, though it is important to know that the incision lines will be permanently visible.

Will insurance help cover the cost of my surgery?

Insurance coverage is available for this procedure in some cases. Many important factors determine your eligibility, including specific terms of your insurance company policy and the amount of breast tissue being removed. In many cases a letter of predetermination may be required from your surgeon to your insurance company prior to surgery. This information will be discussed with you on a more detailed basis on the day of your consultation.

What are the risks with this procedure?

The subject of risk and complication of surgery is best answered by a personal consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you better understand your prospective procedure

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR FACIAL IMPLANTS

Who are the best candidates for facial implants?

The best candidates for facial implants are people looking for improvements, not perfection in there facial features. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectation, you may be a very good candidate for facial implants. Most of the candidates for facial implants are younger people interested in a change in the shape of their face. For the older patients, facial implants may be used in conjunction with other surgical procedures, such as a forehead lift, or a facelift, to help restore am ore youthful look.

What are the risks of having this procedure?

The subject of risks and complications of surgery is best answered by a personal consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you better understand your prospective procedure.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare you for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. Facial implants is usually done through the mouth so your gums must be healthy, and you should have no dental infections or mouth sores. If you smoke you will be asked to stop before and after your surgery, until your mouth is completely healed, to reduce risk of infection.

When will I be back to normal?

Most patients return back to work about a week after their facial surgery, depending on the job. The bruising and swelling usually goes down in two to three weeks after surgery. Any activity that may result in your face getting bumped should be avoided for at least six weeks. This is about the amount of time it takes for the scar tissue to form around your implant and hold it securely in place.

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COMMOM QUESTIONS FOR FOREHEAD LIFT

Am I a good candidate for a forehead lift?

Any one or combination of the following may indicate you are a good candidate
for a forehead lift:

• Sagging or low position of the eyebrows, creating a hooded upper lid
• Deep horizontal creases across the forehead
• Frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows and sometimes across the top of the nose

How will my surgeon evaluate me for a forehead lift surgery?

Your surgeon will closely examine your entire forehead and upper eyelid region,
noting the muscle activity when you assume various facial expressions.
The particular surgical technique your surgeon chooses will
depend on the position of your eyebrows,
the amount of excess upper eyelid skin and the height of your hairline.

What are the risks associated with forehead lift surgery?

The subject of risk and complication of surgery is best answered by a personal
consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give
you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you better
understand your prospective procedure.

When can I resume my normal activities?

You will be instructed by your surgeon to avoid straining, bending,
and lifting during the first week of surgery.
In many cases you will be able to resume your normal activities in 10 days or less.
You will be strongly advised to wait several weeks before resuming strenuous
activity and exercise. You should temporarily avoid exposure to
direct sunlight for several weeks after surgery.

How long will the results last?

The duration of the results largely depend on your heredity and lifestyle
factors. Even though the age process continues many patients are very happy
with their results many years after having their initial surgey.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR LIPOSUCTION

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

You are a good candidate for liposuction if you have excess fat or desire body contouring in one or more of the following areas:

• Jowls and necks
• Upper arms
• Breast or chest areas
• Back
• Abdomen and waist
• Hips and buttocks
• Inner and outer thighs
• Inner knees
• Calves and ankles

What are the risks of this procedure?

The subject of risks and complications of surgery is best answered by a personal consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you feel better about your prospective procedure.

How will I feel initially?

Every patient’s recovery varies greatly among individuals. The day after surgery you will be instructed to move around a bit to promote blood circulation. You will be instructed by your surgeon to limit yourself to these brief periods of gentle activity for the first few days after surgery. Your dressings will be temporarily removed within several days, so your surgeon can examine your treated areas. You will notice swelling and bruising, which is expected. The swelling begins to subside a week or so after surgery, while the bruising may last up to 3 weeks. If stitches need to be removed, this will be done within 10 days following your surgery.

How long will the results last?

The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your previous weight before surgery. Even if you gain a couple of pounds you will notice that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of gathering in the areas that were problematic for you in the past.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR OTOPLASTY

(PINNING BACK OF THE EARS)

How will I look and feel initially?

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours following surgery. Your head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage. You may experience some aching and throbbing of the ears, but it can be taken care of with medication. You will have temporary mild bruising and swelling. Most patients are able to return to work or school within 7 days of surgery.

What are the surgical risks of having this procedure?

The subject of risks and complications of surgery is best answered by a personal consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to give you all the necessary information needed in detail, to make you better understand your prospective procedure.

Will my insurance cover my procedure?

Since Otoplasty generally is carried out on a voluntary basis, most insurance company plans normally do not offer coverage. The procedure may be considered cosmetic in nature and not medically necessary. Though, if surgery is deemed necessary to correct disfigurement due to improper development, your surgeon’s fees and other costs may be partially covered.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR RHINOPLASTY

Am I a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?

If you meet one or more of the following you may be a good candidate for Rhinoplasty:

• Your nose appears too large for your face
• A bump appears on the nasal bridge, when your profile is viewed
• Your nose has a wide appearance when viewed from the front
• The nasal tip appears to droop or plunge
• Your nostrils appear to be excessively flared
• Your nose appears deviated to one side or the other

When will I learn about the cost of surgery?

In order to get an exact price for your procedure, your plastic surgeon must first complete a thorough evaluation. During your individualized evaluation your surgical plan can be developed. Following, this examination your surgeon will discuss the fees with you. Insurance companies will not pay for Rhinoplasty, though they frequently will cover surgery performed on the internal structures (Septoplasty) to improve breathing problems.

How is my surgeon able to reshape my nose?

Through the incisions made, work is done on the cartilage and bone that form the framework of your nose. In some cases the position of certain bones may need to be altered slightly, which will make your nose appear narrower and straighter. If your nose needs to be built up in some areas, this process can be done using nasal cartilage, in some cases bone or cartilage from another site or an artificial prosthesis.

When can I resume my normal activities?

Any straining, lifting or bending should be avoided during the first week of surgery, in some cases longer. In many cases you are able to return to work within a week or 10 days after surgery. Most of your normal activities including exercise can usually be resumed within three weeks. You will be instructed to wait a few months before exposing your nose to direct sunlight. If your bones were altered, it may be a number of weeks before you are able to wear glasses without a special support tape.

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COMMON QUESTION FOR RHYTIDECTOMY

(FACELIFT)

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

One or more of these categories may indicate you are a good candidate for a facelift:

• A deep line or fold, which starts from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth or to the chin
• Loss of well defined neck line
• Wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging of cheek bone area
• Loose skin, wrinkles and excess fatty tissue in the neck

Where are the facelift incisions placed?

There are many variations to the facelift procedure, though generally an incision is made in the hidden natural contour of your ear, which will extend around the earlobe and back into the hairline. The incisions made can easily be covered by hair or makeup after surgery. There may also be a small hidden incision underneath the chin, which is made to remove excess fat and tightening of muscles for a smooth contour of the neck.

When can I resume my normal activities?

In some cases you will be back to work in 10-14 days (depending on type of work). Strenuous activities will be excluded for several weeks. Your exercise can resume after 3 to 4 weeks. You will be instructed to avoid long-term sunlight exposure for several months.

How long will the results last?

The lasting results of your facelift will depend on many variables including your heredity and lifestyle factors. The aging process will continue after a facelift, though many patients are happy with their appearance many years after their procedure is usually between 5 to 10 years.

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COMMON QUESTIONS FOR SKIN CANCER

Who gets skin cancer and why?

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultra violet radiation, most often from the sun, though it can be from artificial sources like sunlamps and tanning booths. Any one is at risk of contracting skin cancer, no matter what your skin type, race, or age. Though these are a few things that make some people at a greater risk of skin cancer:

• Your skin is fair and freckles easily
• You have light colored hair and eyes
• You have a large number of moles or moles of unusual size and or shape
• You have a family history of skin cancer or personal history of blistering sunburns
• You spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors
• You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in a place that gets intense, year round sunshine
• You received therapeutic radiation treatment for adolescent acne

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Though, fortunately its also the least dangerous, it tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its original site. Though BCC is seldom life threatening, if left untreated it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage especially if it is located near the eye. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the next most common type of skin cancer, which commonly appears on the lips, face, or ears. In some cases spreads to distant sites, including lymph nodes and internal organs. SCC can become life threatening if it goes untreated.
The third form of skin cancer is Malignant Melanoma, which is the least common, though it is increasing rapidly especially in the sunny states. Malignant Melanoma is the most dangerous of skin cancers. If this type of skin cancer is found detected early enough it can be cured completely. If it is not detected early on and is not treated it can spread throughout the body and often is deadly.

How can I recognize skin cancer?

BCC and SCC vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as a small, white, or pink nodule or bump. It can be shiny and smooth, or pitted on the surface. In other cases it might appear as a red spot that rough, dry or scaly. Malignant melanoma can usually be identified by a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin. If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, have your doctor check it out.

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