#1 Question: Should I get plastic surgery?

People evaluating whether or not they want plastic surgery have numerous options available that can help them decide. Reputable plastic surgeons offer free consultations with no obligation that allow patients to discuss procedures and the results they deliver. Ultimately the decision is a personal one. You should not consider plastic surgery if someone else is telling you to change, if you are not in good general health, or if you have not thoroughly considered what plastic surgery involves. 

What exactly is plastic surgery?

Contrary to what some believe, the term plastic surgery does not mean inserting plastic or making someone appear plastic through surgery. Instead, it means using surgical procedures to restore or alter one's appearance. The wide array of options and transformative nature of these procedures led to them being called plastic surgery - as plastic is flexible and can take many forms.

What does it take to become a plastic surgeon?

No one becomes a surgeon overnight. The training and education obtained by CG Cosmetic Surgery surgeons includes specialized post-graduate courses taken over five to seven years, followed by certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The last two years of training must be in an approved plastic surgery training centre and board certification only occurs after each physician passes rigorous examinations. Only surgeons who have passed the requirements mandated by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are true certified specialists. 

Are perfect results guaranteed from plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery patient results can vary depending on the level of care taken during recovery, or the way their body reacts to the procedure. As with all medical procedures there can be no guarantees. Ensuring your physician is board-certified, and taking the time to be as informed as possible about the procedure you are considering greatly contributes towards having a successful and positive experience.

What do I need to know before deciding to get plastic surgery?

There are specific questions you can ask about any South Florida cosmetic centre you might be evaluating. A credible surgeon will be willing to meet with you to answer your questions, and can provide certificates and supporting documentation to prove their qualifications.

Questions to ask in choosing a plastic surgeon:

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Specifically ask which board the physician is certified by. Only the American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities.

Do you have hospital privileges to perform plastic surgery?

Hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon's training to ensure they are competent to perform specific procedures. While your procedure may be performed in the doctor's office it is important to know whether your physician is recognized by an accredited hospital.

Where will my plastic surgery be performed? How many similar procedures to the one I am considering have you performed?

Ensure that any facility (office-based or outpatient) where you might be having plastic surgery is accredited. This is not required by most states, however if your physician has voluntarily applied to an accrediting body such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, then you know the facility has met strict requirements for quality and standards of care. 

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

As with any medical or surgical procedure, there are risks to be aware of. Inquire what the risks associated with your procedure are, and how they are handled if they occur.

What are the risks involved with the procedure?

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Find out what they are, how often they occur, and how they will be handled if they do occur.

What is the expected recovery time?

Qualified plastic surgeons will offer excellent post-operative care that supports their patient's recovery. The time required to recover from plastic surgery varies from procedure to procedure. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with estimated recovery time(s) based on their experience. 

What is your policy on surgical revisions, if required?

Some surgeries require additional procedures depending on patient satisfaction and overall results. Inquire about any additional costs that may be associated with needing to return, and how this is handled by the surgeon and the plastic surgery clinic.

How much does this surgery cost?

Plastic surgery costs can include surgeon's fees, pre-operative blood work and physical exams, and medical garments to assist recovery (depends on procedure performed). Payment is typically required in advance, and you will want to be assured when making your decision that all related fees are discussed ahead of time to avoid surprises.

What do plastic surgeons do?

The field of plastic surgery relates to procedures that can involve both a person's ability to function, as well as their general appearance. Procedures performed by plastic surgeons can be grouped into two large categories. Reconstructive surgery covers such things as surgery to correct congenital defects of the hands or face (i.e., cleft palates). Cosmetic surgery relates to aesthetic problems identified by patients and operated on by a surgeon. This includes breast augmentation, liposuction, nose jobs, face lifts, etc.

What is cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic, or aesthetic surgery specifically pertains to an elective surgical procedure to alter a part of someone's body they are not satisfied with.

Is a plastic surgeon the same as a skin specialist?

Dermatologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of skin disorders. Plastic surgeons have an equally important role when it comes to maintaining the health and attractive appearance of someone's skin. In addition to performing skin resurfacing techniques, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and eliminating pigment concentrations in the skin, plastic surgeons perform reconstructive surgery for patients who have had a large section of their skin damaged by trauma or illness.

Will I have a scar after having plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery as a science has evolved to the point that plastic surgeons can place incisions where they are virtually invisible. Minor scarring is inevitable however by using natural creases in the body, or placing incisions in places like armpits or along patient's hair lines, physicians reduce the appearance of scars.

What is skin grafting? Is it a required part of plastic surgery?

Skin grafts are not a required part of all plastic surgery procedures. This technique is only used when required to close a wound or correct a defect.

What is a "nose job?"

Reshaping the nose to improve it's appearance or solve breathing problems is called a rhinoplasty or "nose job." 

Results from my first rhinoplasty are okay. Can I get a second "nose job" to further reshape my nose?

Patients who decide they would like a touch-up after an initial rhinoplasty should wait at least one year before undergoing another procedure. This allows the initial surgery to fully heal.

My face is looking old. What are my options?

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, reshapes the nose to improve appearance, and it may also be used to alleviate breathing The natural aging process, hereditary factors, and lifestyle choices can have a negative effect on the appearance of a person's face. More information about nose job, also known as Rhinoplasty. Cosmetic surgery offers a variety of options to address all areas of facial rejuvenation. This includes everything from face lifts to skin resurfacing, chemical peels or Botox. 

How is a face lift done? Does a face lift leave scars?

Patients undergoing a face lift at a South Florida cosmetic center can expect to have fine line incisions made along their hair line and temple region, then around their ears. The skin on their face and neck is then smoothed upwards. The inconspicuous incisions result in minimal scarring. 

What aesthetic surgical procedures are performed to improve the aging face?

There are various degrees and stages of facial aging that can be caused by the natural aging process, heredity, and lifestyle choices. Plastic surgeons have undergone training to address all areas of facial rejuvenation. A face lift tightens and lifts the redundant skin in the face and neck. Additional procedures are available to improve the aesthetics of the forehead, eyes, mouth, chin and neck. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are also available. Fine wrinkles of the face may be best treated by skin resurfacing techniques, like laser resurfacing, chemical peels or other skin care treatments.

I have droopy eyelids. Can something be done to correct this?

Eyelid surgery is a popular procedure among plastic surgery patients who wish to improve their appearance and look more rested and refreshed. Fatty tissue and excess skin is removed by a plastic surgeon, who places the incision in the crease of the eyelid, so it is virtually invisible after recovery. This procedure is called a blepharoplasty.

What options are there for women wanting to improve the appearance of their breasts?

CG Cosmetic offers numerous options for women seeking to improve the appearance of their breasts. Breast implants, breast lifts, and breast reductions are the most common. Women choosing to have a breast enlargement procedure completed by a skilled board certified plastic surgeon have a variety of incision sites and implant types to choose from. A breast lift can restore patient's breasts to a better position and results are generally excellent. Breast reductions can relieve discomfort for women who's overly large breasts are causing them pain and who want to appear more properly proportioned. 

Could I get liposuction? What parts of my body can get liposuction?

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure intended to correct problem areas or bulges of fat on a patient. It is not intended to be used for weight loss. Patients will experience an improvement in their overall shape, versus a drastic decrease in their weight. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Men may also elect to have liposuction in their breast area. Other areas could include the upper arms, buttocks, or under the chin. 

Do the results from liposuction last? Does having liposuction leave any scars?

The results of liposuction are long-lasting in patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle including exercise and proper nutrition. Any fat that is gained post-procedure will be distributed evenly over the rest of the body versus in the pre-operative trouble spot. Scarring is minimal as the incisions required for liposuction are very small and are placed in areas of the body that make them difficult to notice.