Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Be Confident About The Safety Of
Having Outpatient Plastic Surgery?
To maximize safety, whether it be at an
out patient facility, hospital or doctors office, You should
know the following:
- your surgeon is
adequately trained and is board certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery;
- the facility where
your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety
standards;
- your surgeon is
completely informed of your medical history, what current
medications and drugs you are taking (including vitamins)
and especially if you have had any circulation disorders,
heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots;
- that the surgical
facility uses skilled, licensed personnel to administer
and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately
following the procedure;
- extra safety measures
are taken if you are having a more extensive liposuction
procedure.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
(ASPS), an organization of board-certified plastic surgeons
who are dedicated to the highest standards of patient care,
has prepared this document to help you get the safety
information you need. It contains recommendations developed
by the society’s expert task forces, whose members have
consulted the most recent research available. If you have
questions about these guidelines or any specific concerns
not covered in this document, talk with your board-certified
plastic surgeon. Only ASPS members are entitled to display
the logo above.
What is the difference between cosmetic
and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape
normal structures of the body to improve the patient's
appearance and self-esteem. Health insurance in most cases
will not pay for the surgery 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. Health insurance
companies generally provide some level of coverage although
coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may
vary greatly.
A "gray area " in coverage for plastic surgery that
sometimes requires special consideration by an insurance
carrier is eyelid surgery. Sometimes a patient may need this
procedure to correct severely drooping eyelids that is
obscuring their vision. This procedure - (blepharoplasty) -
normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement should
definitely be considered for payment be the insurance
carrier.
What is the Recovery from Plastic Surgery
Like?
Will I be able to tolerate the pain
post-operatively?
Each patient tolerates pain differently. If the occasion
hasn't come up for you to have had surgery and you haven't
experienced post-operative pain we can only give you
comparisons. 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
that is equal to that of a C-section.
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to
work?
The recuperative period for plastic surgery depends on the
procedure and many variables. Generally speaking, without
complications of any kind, the length of time it takes to
recuperate and you are back to work will be 10-14 days at
the outside. Most patients will need 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 the 3rd or 4th day and with makeup
could return to work in 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery-Usually can get around
independently by the second day. Usually feel uncomfortable
going out in public for 5-7 days. If your job is with the
public then back to work in 10-14 days.
Breast Surgery-Usually can get around
independently by the second day. Back to work in 5-7 days if
your job does not require you to lift more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction-Usually can get around
independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number
of areas treated. You can return to work and normal
activities in 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty-Most often, patients may
take between 2-4 days before getting around by themselves.
The recovery is almost identical to C-section. You can
return to a desk job in 5 to 7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.
When can I resume regular exercise?
Resuming exercise varies and is based on the procedure
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.
