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Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

We have included some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cosmetic plastic surgery for the face, body or breasts. As always, the content of our website is provided for informational purposes only.

Specific needs for any surgery should be discussed with a surgeon so that you understand all your options for reconstructive, corrective or cosmetic surgery.

Please continue to browse our website for information regarding various plastic surgeries in Jacksonville and non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

 

A: Whether surgery is elective for cosmetic reasons or medically required for corrective intervention, any surgery has an accompanying degree of risk. Dr. Hardy and his staff at Jacksonville Plastic Surgery are dedicated to the success of your plastic surgery and will do all that’s possible to ensure your operation goes smoothly. We require a careful review of your medical history and current health condition before Dr. Hardy determines if cosmetic plastic surgery is advisable. It is very important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so Dr. Hardy can make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We always take every precaution necessary to reduce the risks of complications making our plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures as safe as possible.

A: There are several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you including your current health condition, lifestyle issues and your reasons for choosing surgical interventions. Being in good health is most important as that greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during your body, face or breast surgery. Next, you have to ask yourself, “What are my motivations for electing to have plastic surgery?” Most patients who have plastic surgery consider the results of their cosmetic surgery as an enhancement to their overall appearance. Typically, there is an increase in social confidence and self-esteem after breast, body or facial cosmetic plastic surgery. Last but not least, have you set realistic expectations for the outcome of your body, face or breast surgery? Plastic surgery is a combination of science and art, neither of which are perfect. Be prepared to discuss your personal goals during the initial consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

A: A plastic surgeon will often perform multiple cosmetic procedures during the same operation. In fact, your cosmetic surgeon may determine an additional procedure could allow for better sculpting of your final appearance. Plus, having several procedures done at the same time can save you money on operating room charges and anesthesia. Your doctor will warn you if you are trying to have too much done at one time. A plastic surgeon’s decision will be based on you overall health condition, the plastic procedures being performed, the extent of your cosmetic surgery, the operating room time and your age at the time of the procedure. To reduce the risks of complications, ultimately your surgeon decides whether it is appropriate for you to include multiple cosmetic or corrective surgeries.

A: The age of a patient is always a consideration but age is not normally a major factor for determining plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures. Patients of all ages have elected to have plastic surgery in Jacksonville. There are even corrective procedures that are appropriate for young children. Regardless of age, it is important to realize plastic cosmetic surgery has limitations and cannot fix every situation. As for cosmetic procedures for older patients, a plastic surgeon cannot reverse the aging process. However, a cosmetic surgeon can enhance a patient’s overall appearance and correct problems for patients of all ages. Only your physician can determine whether your age may be a prohibitive factor in considering cosmetic surgery or plastic corrective surgery.

A: During your initial visit and consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, you will have an opportunity to discuss your personal needs and expectations for the outcome of your plastic procedure or cosmetic surgery. The doctor will review your medical history and assess your current health condition. This is the perfect time to ask your surgeon specific questions about any of the procedures you are considering. It is always important for a patient to be fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. Your doctor will discuss the realistic expectations for any cosmetic or corrective procedure using before & after photos and/or computerized body, face or breast imaging. There is no pressure for you to make a final decision about your plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure during your initial consultation. It is always advisable that you fully understand the risks of plastic surgery including the potential for complications and secondary effects.

A: Recovery time from any surgery is based on lots of variables including the number of procedures being performed during one operation. Patients who closely follow their post-operative instructions can speed up the healing process and actually reduce recovery time after plastic surgery. The length of recovery naturally varies with the elected procedure and individual health factors. In general, the bruises will disappear within a few days and most of the swelling in a matter of weeks. If you follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions and get plenty of rest, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities in no time. The image enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time. Based on the extent of your particular surgery, it may take up to a year for your body to fully adjust to your new look. As with any surgical intervention, scars fade with time. Fortunately, plastic surgeons are very good at positioning incisions for any corrective or cosmetic procedure and will use your body’s natural curvatures to conceal most surgical scars.

A: In general, health insurance carriers cover costs for reconstructive plastic surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. Your insurance is likely to pay for breast augmentation to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; or breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts. Insurance companies are required by law to pay for breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations necessary to create breast symmetry. If you believe your plastic cosmetic surgery is covered by your health insurance, your doctor’s office staff will assist you with finding out and obtaining pre-certification for your procedures.

A: The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic in the medical community for years. Fortunately, the FDA has enacted more stringent standards for the manufacturing of breast implants and the procedures used for placement of silicone-gel or saline-filled implants. Silicone filled implants are typically only used in reconstructive breast surgery. Silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution are indicated for cosmetic surgical procedures. Today, it is rare for a breast implant to rupture or leak. Even if an implant does leak, the use of newer breast implant technology allows for the patient’s body to safely absorb the saline solution and the breast implant can be replaced. The long-term effects of silicone-gel breast implant leaks being absorbed by the body is still being researched. As is the case with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of complications to include blood clotting and infections. Your plastic surgeon and operating room team will take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome to your corrective plastic surgery or elected cosmetic surgery.