Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
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All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons. Dr. Reavie's expert team is dedicated to making sure your operation goes smoothly. He careful reviews your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.
There several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of possible complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are. People who have cosmetic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem. Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set reasonable goals as to the results you wish to achieve and Dr. Reavie will thoroughly discuss these goals with you during your initial consultation.
It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows Dr. Reavie to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can potentially lead to complications and we want to reduce all the risks we can. The decision to have multiple procedures done at the same time depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, Dr. Reavie will advise you whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation. When it is not advisable to have all the procedures at the same time, they can often be done a week or two apart so as to not prolong the recovery period excessively.
Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by cosmetic surgery. There are procedures appropriate for both young children and the most senior members of our society. It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. Dr Reavie is committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.
During your consultation Dr. Reavie will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on which procedures may get you to your goals. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. Dr. Reavie will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and demonstrations in the mirror. If it turns out that the operation is a good match to accomplish your desired results, Dr. Reavie will take photographs to plan your procedure and keep them in your private medical record. He would then like to see you a couple of weeks before the operation to answer any other questions, evaluate your current health, and provide the pre- and post-operative instsuctions and medications. There is no obligation or pressure to "sign-up" for surgery. The consultation is complementary, private and personal with Dr. Reavie himself, and Dr. Reavie encourages you to bring a friend or spouse with you, if you wish, to ask questions and help in the discussion.
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days to two weeks, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow Dr. Reavie's post-operative instructions carefully, you will usually be able to enjoy your normal activities within a couple of weeks. Scars are permanent, but will fade over time. Dr. Reavie takes care to conceal any scars in hidden areas to minimize their appearance. The image-enhancing effects of cosmetic surgery become more evident over time, certain procedures may take up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation Dr Reavie can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast implants to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy for breast cancer; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; or tummy tucks to remedy overhanging skin that causes rashes and infections. Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery if they cover mastectomy, and any operations necessary to create symmetry in the other breast. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification is required. Dr. Reavie will be happy to assist you with the process.
The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last two decades. As a result, even more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients. Current breast implant procedures use silicone plastic for the implant shell which is then filled with either a saline (salt water) solution, or silicone plastic in a gel formulation. Implants are regulated by the FDA, and have been extensively and exhaustively studied by many scientific groups and agencies. All the science so far has shown the implants to be safe products and there has been no evidence that silicone affects any human disease process. It is possible that an implant will rupture or leak. With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed and passes out of the body. An implant leaking Silicone gel is contained within the scar capsule the body makes around the implant and does not spread throughout the body. There is no known "health risk" from the leak, but it may lead to some hardening of the scar capsule around the implant and we recommend replacing it. If rupture or leaking is detected, the implant can be quickly and easily replaced, and there is a "lifetime guarantee" to cover the cost of the implant. Potential complications with breast augmentation are pretty rare but can include changes in sensitivity of the breasts, capsular contracture ( hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant,) infection, bleeding, and other possibilities that Dr. Reavie will thoroughly discuss during a private, complementary consultation. Dr. Reavie's expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. We take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.