Facial Plastic Surgeons and Procedure Information
Facial Plastic Surgery - Patient Safety
If youÕre considering cosmetic surgery of any type, you have several factors to internalize. These factors include cost, time of recovery, potential benefits and the prospect of enduring the process.
However, first and foremost among these factors should be patient safety. All surgery comes with inherent risk, but if you make sure to obtain the following information, you will greatly increase the likelihood of having a positive experience.
Cost of Facial Plastic Surgery
Cost should not be the determining factor in your choice of a cosmetic surgeon. In general, you get what you pay for, and simply choosing someone because of lower rates can sometimes be dangerous.
Board Certification
One of the main reasons that levels of board certifications exist is to promote a record of patient safety on the part of the doctor. Make sure that you check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery to see that your doctor is in fact certified before proceeding.
Accreditation
Another important consideration is where your surgery will be performed. Every surgery should be performed in an accredited office-based surgery facility or free-standing ambulatory surgery facility. Some procedures will be performed at a hospital, and you can safely assume accreditation at just about any hospital in operation.
Experience of Facial Plastics Cosmetic Surgeon
Patient safety, in general, is much more likely when your surgery will be performed by a surgeon who has a high level of experience. You should not entrust your body to a new surgeon and pay the price for his or her learning curve. Experience does not necessarily mean number of years in practice, but rather how many procedures of the type youÕre having your surgeon has completed. Make sure to ask this question.
Disclosure of Risks of Cosmetic Procedures
As you discuss your possible procedure with a surgeon, pay attention to how open he or she is in regards to the risks associated with this surgery. Although, statistically speaking, cosmetic surgery is quite safe, your surgeon should be willing to explain all the risks inherent in your procedure, as you deserve to make a fully-informed choice.
Overall, patient safety is something that every qualified cosmetic surgeon holds as a top priority. Make sure to investigate these matters fully, and do not be afraid to work with someone else if any aspect of a practice makes you uncomfortable. After all, itÕs your body, your money and your future, so protect it vigorously.
History of Facial Plastic Surgery
The history of facial plastic surgery dates back to pre-historic times. Over the years, techniques, procedures available and recovery time, among other factors have changed and improved dramatically, but it may help you to know that facial plastic surgery is not a new phenomenon. Below youÕll find details regarding the different periods of the history of facial plastic surgery.
Pre-historic Period
The first records of facial plastic surgery date back to the 8th Century B.C. in India. The procedures that could be traced are directly related to the modern procedures of otoplasty and rhinoplasty, and skin grafts were also quite common at the time.
The Romans also have a history of performing facial plastic surgery, and their advances and techniques range from the 1st Century B.C. until the 15th Century. This period generally centered on nose procedures that made use of skin from other areas of the body, but the biggest negative was that the concept of anesthesia was not really developed at that point, making these procedures extremely painful.
American Facial Plastic Surgery History
The first known American plastic surgeon was Dr. John Peter Mettauer, and he performed the first American cleft palate operation in 1827. After this initial success, facial plastic surgery began to grow in popularity in other parts of the world, including Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Over time, American plastic surgery has continued to grow and change, and the general advances in medical technology were of great benefit to the cosmetic surgery world. For instance, the advent of easily-administered anesthesia made many more procedures possible, as pain was no longer a barrier to performing a surgery.
Other innovations that have been adapted to the cosmetic surgery world include the use of lasers and new materials, such as Botox, that aid in the rejuvenation and recovery in millions of patients around the world.
In recent years, the history of facial plastic surgery has centered not only on surgical techniques and technologies, but also in terms of organization. Certification boards began to form in different parts of the world, and these boards offer minimum requirements that all member surgeons must meet in order to obtain membership.
In general, the history of facial plastic surgery has mirrored the times. Early discoveries were made, crude techniques were invented and technology has allowed for these techniques to be refined and new procedures to become possible.
Facial Plastic Surgery Statistics
Unfortunately, there is still a slight stigma attached to the entire concept of cosmetic surgery. However, below youÕll find some facial plastic surgery statistics that will show you just how prevalent these procedures have become, how safe these procedures are and how quickly patients can recover from certain procedures and return to their routine seamlessly.
Facial Plastic Surgery Statistics
Generally speaking, nearly 2 million people every year have some form of cosmetic surgery done in the United States. As a testament to the improved safety and recovery time associated with these surgeries that were considered difficult as recently as 30 years ago, the following procedures showed at least a 10% growth rate in terms of number of procedures performed between 2000 and 2005:
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Buttock Lift
- Dermabrasion
- Thigh Lift
- Tummy Tuck
- Upper Arm Lift
The rate of growth has been even higher in regards to non-invasive procedures. For instance, the following procedures also saw at least a 10% growth in number of times performed, and non-invasive procedures overall increased by 13% between 2000 and 2005:
- Cellulite Treatment
- Laser Hair Removal
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Laser Treatment of Leg Veins
What this all means is that not only are cosmetic procedures becoming more popular, but the reasons for this growth in popularity include increased safety, improved techniques, faster recovery time and technological innovations. Therefore, you have no need to worry about any stigma attached to cosmetic surgery. As the facial plastic surgery statistics above suggest, you would be only one of millions of people improving their lives in the United States every year.
How to Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon
If youÕve made the decision to move forward with a facial plastic surgery procedure, you have a plethora of options available to you. However, perhaps the most important choice you can make involves which surgeon you ultimately choose. Below are five questions you should ask during a consultation that will give you some guidance in how to choose a facial plastic surgeon.
Staff Qualifications and Components of Every Program
The staff at a cosmetic surgeonÕs office is just as important as the surgeon. You will need the doctorÕs staff for support and information, and often times, the staff will be the people who provide you with certain components of your recovery, including the dressing of bandages and important follow-up steps that will aid in your recovery. You need to ask about the staff and their collective qualifications.
Risks Associated with Being Overweight or Obese
Any patient who is overweight or obese by logical result faces increased odds of complications as a result of just about every cosmetic procedure. Therefore, you need to specifically ask about this condition and how it plays into your prospective results before moving ahead with a surgery.
Risks Associated with Certain Products or Services
Every individual is different, which means that itÕs possible for every person to have somewhat different reactions to different products or services. For instance, allergies or pre-existing conditions may make certain procedures ill-advised, which is why you need to ask about risks involved with everything that may come into contact with your body.
Costs of the Facial Plastic Surgery
Although cost should never be the ultimate deciding factor when figuring out how to choose a facial plastic surgeon, it is a relevant consideration, as you will be paying for the procedure. This is a question that should be asked and clearly answered so that you can properly budget for the surgery and the after-care associated with every procedure.
Advice on the Difficulty of Maintaining Weight Loss and Increasing Success Rates
If your procedure will be centered on weight loss, the surgery itself is only the starting point of reformulating your look and your lifestyle. Your ability to maintain this weight loss and programs that the doctor has in place to help you do so must be discussed before you complete the procedure, as if this isnÕt properly managed, the procedure at best will be a waste of time and money and at worst will cause significant complications.
Overall, you owe it to yourself to clearly define and understand how to choose a facial plastic surgeon. This process of analysis will not only increase your chances of success, but will also be an aid to you in terms of your comfort level as you approach a potentially life-changing event.
Frequent Questions about Facial Plastic Surgery
Below are several facial plastic surgery FAQÕs presented for your information as you proceed towards a decision on whether or not to move ahead with a procedure. These facial plastic surgery FAQÕs are general in nature, and specific information should be sought from a cosmetic surgeon.
Is facial plastic surgery an option for me?
Generally speaking, there is a cosmetic surgery technique available for just about every correctable physical problem. Factors to consider include cost, time needed for recovery and your overall existing medical health.
How do I know which procedure is best for me?
Depending on what youÕd like to have improved, youÕll need to take a close look at every procedure that could help correct your problem. Consult with a cosmetic surgeon for particulars regarding any procedure.
Will my insurance cover the cost of my procedure?
That depends on whether your surgery is considered medically necessary, which will usually be covered, or elective, which most of the time will not.
How long will it take for me to recover from surgery?
That depends on what type of surgery you have done, but generally speaking, most procedures allow you to be back on your feet and mobile within a few days or a week.
How much will facial cosmetic surgery cost?
Cosmetic surgery ranges in cost, and some procedures can cost hundreds while others can cost thousands of dollars. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with a full explanation.
Where will my facial cosmetic surgery take place?
There are three possible locations for your surgery. Some procedures will be held at the doctorÕs office, others will take place at an outpatient care facility and in some cases, procedures will be held at a hospital.
Do I have non-surgical options?
Yes, depending on what youÕd like done. For instance, if you want to remove wrinkles from your skin, Botox is a great option, and there are others that are tied to different problem areas of your overall look.
How do I know if my doctor is a good one?
There are several ways to check into this. The first thing you should do is see if the doctor is board-certified. Next, you should ask the doctor about his or her level of experience, and you should also trust your instincts.
If I have a rhinoplasty done, how long will it take to recover?
Rhinoplasty surgery is somewhat invasive, but generally speaking, you should be back on your feet within a matter of days. You should be able to return to your normal level of activity within a week or two.
What should I expect my day of surgery to be like?
Any surgery brings out nervousness in a patient, but thatÕs completely normal. YouÕll also feel excited, and the day itself will go by quickly.
How will others react when they find out IÕm having facial cosmetic surgery?
You will get a wide range of responses, as some people still attach a stigma to cosmetic procedures. However, what matters is your self-worth, and thatÕs whatÕs most important.
Is facial cosmetic surgery something to be embarrassed about?
Of course not. Facial cosmetic surgery is a growing phenomenon, and everywhere you go, more and more people are having work done. More than 2 million procedures are performed in the United States every year.
Will I need additional facial cosmetic surgery in the future?
That depends. For most procedures, particularly those that are surgical in nature, you can expect the results to last for years at a time. Other procedures, such as Botox treatments, will need to be repeated once or twice per year.
What if IÕm not sure about having facial cosmetic surgery?
There are several ways you can come to a decision. You should take the time to research the topic on your own, but you should also schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.
Are initial consultations with facial cosmetic surgeons free?
Generally they are not, but youÕll definitely get your moneyÕs worth by way of answers if you take the time to meet with one. Fees will vary, but most consultations are around $350.
Should I ask about anything other than the doctorÕs qualifications during my consultation?
Yes. YouÕll need to know as much as you can about the doctorÕs support staff, as they will be the ones who provide you with information and help before and after your procedure.
How long will it take to be seen by a facial cosmetic surgeon?
That depends on the doctor, but for the most part, you can expect an initial consultation to be held in a short period of time. The sooner you contact the doctor, the faster the process of making a decision can begin.
Is my medical history important?
Yes, itÕs very important. You need to be in good general medical health in order to come through your procedure quickly, and your doctor will take a look at your history before proceeding to a surgery or treatment.
Are my meetings with a facial plastic surgeon confidential?
Yes, they are. A facial cosmetic surgeon has the same duty of confidentiality as any other doctor, so you can rest assured that any information you share with the doctor will be protected.
How will I feel after surgery?
Like with any surgery, youÕll feel groggy and a bit sore. However, most facial plastic surgeries involve a very quick recovery process, although you should arrange for a ride home after the procedure.
f you have questions that were not answered by these facial plastic surgery FAQÕs, the best thing you can do is contact a cosmetic surgeon to get specific answers to your questions.