About the Procedure
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 require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which 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.
Will It Hurt?
During a procedure anesthesia ensures that you're comfortable and feel no pain. If general anesthesia is used, you'll even sleep through the entire operation After surgery any pain of discomfort you may experience can usually be controlled through medication and will usually subside in a matter of days.
Will there be scars?
To most surgical cosmetic procedures the answer is yes. Will they be noticeable- Probably not. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures, your scars will fade over time and become barely visible.
Is it safe?
Millions of cosmetic procedures are performed successfully every year and complications are usually rare and uncommon. But no matter how easy, simple or safe today's cosmetic surgery may seem to be, you must remember that it is still surgery and with any surgery there are certain risks involved.
How long will it last?
The duration of the results is very specific to the procedure performed. In general, procedures that are performed to correct or reshape nature's small defects such as surgery of the nose, breast augmentation/reduction and chin augmentation, the benefits may last a lifetime. For those that focus on rejuvenation such as a face lift, forehead lift chemical peel or eyelid surgery, the results can last 5 - 10 years
Will people be able to tell?
In general, most cosmetic procedures enhance your looks or minimize perceived flaws naturally, and often go unnoticed. You may be asked if you've been exercising, lost weight or have begun a rejuvenating routine. Typically, no one will know unless you tell.
How soon can I return to work?
Again, this differs widely on the procedure that has been performed, but on average, most cosmetic surgery patients are back to work within 3 to 10 days
How many people undergo cosmetic surgery each year?
Nearly 3.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures are performed each year.
At what age do most people have cosmetic surgery?
About one-third of cosmetic surgery patients are between 35 and 50. About 22 percent are 26 to 34, 18 percent are 25 and under and 27 percent are over 51.
How many men have cosmetic surgery?
Almost 700,000 cosmetic procedures are performed on men each year. And the number gets larger each year as men grow increasingly comfortable with the concept of cosmetic surgery for themselves.
What are the most popular procedures for men?
hair transplantation/restoration
chemical peel
liposuction
sclerotherapy (vein treatment)
eyelid surgery |
