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It is understandable that you may have questions regarding various plastic surgery procedures, so we have provided the answers to some of those questions below. However, it is important to remember that every situation is different, and we encourage you to set up an appointment for a no-pressure consultation with one of our surgeons by calling 360.514.1010.
General FAQs
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly. There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes requires special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations that may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
I think I'd prefer to have my surgery in a doctor's office. Is that safe?
While some might think it is more convenient or private to have plastic surgery in a doctor's office instead of hospital or ambulatory care center, it may not be safe! Depending on the state, doctors in private practice don't need to meet the same legal requirements as a hospital or an accredited ambulatory care center for surgery or anesthesia services. This means they may not have the necessary life-saving equipment or expertise to keep you safe in an emergency. In some extremes, it may even mean that doctors are doing surgery outside their specialty.
Because patient safety is paramount at PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery, we perform all of our surgical procedures at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. In addition to giving us access to all of the latest medical technology and accredited anesthesiologists from Columbia Anesthesia Group, our patients benefit from all of the features provided at the award-winning Firstenburg Tower at Southwest. These include separate patient and public elevators to ensure your privacy and spa-like private rooms with on-demand entertainment consoles, gorgeous eighth-floor views and plenty of healing light.
How should I prepare for plastic surgery?
Measures you can take to ensure optimal health before, during and after your surgery include:
Practice proper fitness. You need not engage in an aggressive or new fitness routine; however practicing good fitness habits is an important factor in your overall health and well-being. You should be walking up to one mile per day, or more. Stretching and low-weight strength training now can help to enhance yoru strength in the weeks following surgery.
Good nutrition. Eat well during the weeks prior to your surgery. Crash dieting, over-eating or high alcohol intake can greatly affect your overall health and well-being. A healthy, balanced diet is essential. Also, talk to your doctor about what supplements, if any, you should start taking.
Stop smoking. Smoking can greatly impair your ability to heal. You must be nicotine and smoke-free for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. You must also be free of any nicotine patch or nicotine-based products for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery. You should also avoid being in close proximity to or in a closed room with anyone who smokes or is smoking.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. In the weeks prior to your surgery strive to maintain the best health and hygiene. A lingering cold, virus, or other illness can result in yoru surgery being rescheduled. Make certian to address any illness immediately, and advise our office of any serious illness or change in your health.
Prepare and plan. Schedule any time off of work, and any support you will need at home in the days following surgery, including housework, childcare, shopping and driving. Make certain a responsible adult is confirmed to drive you to and from surgery, and that someone is confirmed to stay with you in the first few days after you are leased from the hospital.
What is recovery from plastic surgery like?
Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post- operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.
Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery?
First and foremost you must be in good health and not have any serious medical conditions. You must also be a non-smoker or be willing to quit smoking at least four weeks prior to your surgery. It is also very important that you be mentally and emotionally stable. Finally, it is important that you have a clear understanding of the realistic outcome of your procedure. If you can meet all of these guidelines, then you are probably a good candidate for plastic surgery.
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.
Eyelid Surgery—Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with makeup could return to work by 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery—Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
Breast Surgery—Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction—Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty—Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to a C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.
How soon after surgery will I need to see my doctor again?
To help you plan your schedules, we’ve put together this chart of pre- and post-operative visits. Please keep in mind that these are typical timelines but each case varies.
PHMG Plastic Surgery Procedure Timeline
When can I resume regular exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What should I plan to wear immediately following my tummy tuck surgery?
After your tummy tuck, you will likely feel swollen and sore around your abdomen so loose fitting clothes that you can step into are best. Sweat pants with a drawstring and a zip-up hoody are a good choice. Some women find that a roomy dress is also comfortable as long as you don’t have to put it on over your head. You won’t want to be reaching overhead immediately following your tummy tuck surgery.
How soon will I be able to see results from my tummy tuck?
You will begin to see a difference after the swelling subsides and the drains are taken out but it may take several months before you get a truer idea of the final result of your surgery.
How big are tummy tuck scars?
The amount of scarring you will have depends on the extent of the surgery that is performed. Tummy tuck scars are much less extensive with a partial or lower tummy tuck than they are for a full tummy tuck. Tummy tuck scars are permanent but are usually concealable under a bikini or other clothing. Typically, scars from a full abdominoplasty will extend from hip to hip in the lower abdominal region and will also be visible around the navel region. Scars will be less extensive in a partial abdominoplasty, also called a mini- or lower-tummy tuck. These run in a horizontal line below the belly button and do not include a scar from repositioning of the navel.
Breast Augmentation/Breast Lift FAQs
What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift?
A breast lift is a plastic surgery procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging or drooping breasts. It is designed to change the shape and contour of the breasts, not to alter their size. A breast augmentation is a procedure to enlarge the breasts using either saline or silicone implants. Depending upon the patient’s body type and goals, these two types of breast surgery can be performed alone or combined into a single procedure.
Are silicone implants safe?
The fourth-generation silicone implants used by the surgeons at Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery are safer than ever because they deliver less chance of leakage or rupture.
How do I know what size implant is right for me?
The surgical team at PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery will guide you through the process of selecting an implant size that is appropriate for you. Be ready to share your thoughts on what your ideal breast size would be. It may be that you want to regain the fullness you had before you give birth to children. Or maybe your breasts are different sizes and you would like them to be symmetrical. Or you might just want larger breasts to feel like your body is more proportionate. Let us know and we’ll help you determine what will work best for you. It is also helpful if you first perform the do-it-yourself rice test at home. We can use the results of this informal test to narrow down some implant sizes for you to try at our office.
What bra should I plan to wear after my breast augmentation surgery?
You will be provided with a special compression garment that you will wear during the days immediately following your surgery. Dr. Gabriel or Dr. Thimmappa will advise you when you can begin to wear an everyday bra again, but underwire bras are not allowed during the first 30 days following your surgery.
Will I experience any change in nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation?
Some women experience hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity following their breast augmentation. This is normal and will gradually resolve over time.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
How do I know which breast reconstruction method to use?
Each woman’s anatomy and circumstances are very different. That is why Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Thimmappa take extra time to discuss your goals and then tailor a treatment plan that is best suited for you and your body type. To help you better understand your choices, you may want to familiarize yourself with the various reconstruction methods prior to your consultation.
Face Lift FAQs
What is a short-scar facelift?
There are many alternative techniques to reposition and tighten the skin and soft tissue structures of the face. One of the most significant recent developments in facial aesthetic surgery is the ability to limit the scarring that accompanies rejuvenation. These procedures are known by various names such as the "short-scar facelift," the "minimal incision facelift," the "S-lift," and the "Macs-lift."
The principle difference between a short-scar lift and other, "traditional" facelifts is that the short-scar lift features a significantly reduced scar burden. The scarring in the crease behind the ear and in the hairline behind the ear is largely or completely eliminated. The short-scar lift is most applicable to patients in whom correction of mid-facial aging is the primary concern. Like traditional lifts, the short-scar procedure is designed to lift the cheek, reduce the jowl, shorten the lower eyelid and soften the nasolabial fold. It's important for patients to understand that the short-scar lift is more limited in its ability to provide correction of loose and sagging skin and soft tissue in the neck in comparison to more traditional lifts. This is the principle disadvantage of the short-scar lift.
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