If you don't see answers to your specific questions here, feel free to give us a call at 908-277-8759.
If you don't see answers to your specific questions here, feel free to give us a call at 908-277-8759.
Plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means to mold or shape. First developed to close complicated wounds or replace tissue from injuries or the removal of tumors, plastic surgery involved the use of skin and tissue to reshape or mold an affected area.
In recent years, plastic surgeons have become even more adept at skillful techniques to improve the function and appearance of body structures.
Plastic Surgery at Summit Medical Group includes procedures for cosmetic, reconstructive, and hand surgery. It can involve small changes or procedures such as facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, among others, to enhance your overall appearance.
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or reshape normal body structures to enhance a person’s appearance. Because it is typically considered elective, cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance.
Reconstructive surgery is used to improve the function and appearance of body structures that are deformed or damaged by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. When reconstructive surgery improves the function of a structure, it is generally covered by health insurance. Coverage may, however, vary depending on the procedure and type of insurance.
Although many people have plastic surgery with no complications, it is important to remember that all surgical procedures are accompanied with some risk.
To minimize your risk, confirm that:
Knowing a surgeon’s credentials and areas of professional expertise are important when choosing a plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeons at Summit Medical Group have outstanding credentials, including their education, postdoctoral training, and experience.
Regardless of training or credentials, however, any doctor can refer to himself and advertise as a cosmetic surgeon. Only surgeons who have completed a residency in plastic surgery and passed American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) examinations are board certified in and qualified to perform plastic surgery. If you are considering plastic surgery, it is important to confirm that the American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies your surgeon.
Surgeons who have ABPS certification:
You may verify your surgeon’s certification at www.abplsurg.org or www.abms.org, or you may call the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1-866-275-2267.
Anyone who would like to improve his or her appearance is a good candidate for plastic surgery.
If you are interested in pursuing plastic surgery, it also is important to:
Your surgeon can help you know what you can expect from your surgery. He or she also can evaluate your overall health and ability to safely undergo a surgical procedure. In addition, your surgeon and his or her staff can help answer any questions you have about your procedure and provide educational materials so that you understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
If you are considering plastic surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your risk for blood clots.
Risk includes:
People experience and tolerate pain differently. In addition, some procedures are more involved than others. These factors can affect the amount of pain after surgery. For example, many patients describe having little discomfort after facial surgery, whereas patients who have abdominopasty or breast augmentation sometimes describe being fairly uncomfortable for a few days. For these reasons, some people need more medication than others to manage their pain after a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Your doctor will talk with you before your procedure to discuss how he or she will manage your pain after surgery. Appropriate pain medication is available and will be prescribed to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
Recuperating after plastic surgery depends on the patient and procedure. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect after your surgery. He or she also will recommend when to resume your usual activities, including exercise.
It is important to follow all your surgeon’s instructions to ensure you get the best results from your procedure.
Approximate recuperation times:
Although all patients are encouraged to walk slowly the day after surgery, more vigorous exercise or activities should be avoided for at least 2 weeks to lessen the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Patients should not lift weights or engage in contact sports for at least a month after surgery or until their surgeon has given them permission to do so.
Cosmetic surgery can be expensive, but there are many ways to finance cosmetic procedures. Our staff would be happy to review the options with you at any time.