Jeffrey S.
Rosenthal, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Fairfield,
Conn., advises people shopping for a plastic surgeon to ask the
following questions before undergoing any procedure.
What is your certifying board? The American
Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) is the only certifying body
recognized by the American Medical Association to certify
plastic surgeons. You can obtain a referral to a board-certified
plastic surgeon by visiting the Web site of the American Society
of Plastic Surgeons, or by calling them at 1-888-4-PLASTIC.
What was your
residency in?
Board-certified plastic surgeons must spend some of their
residency in their specialty -- plastic surgery.
Do you have
privileges at a hospital to perform the same procedure you are
about to do in your office? Look for a
surgeon who has surgical privileges at a hospital.
What are the
benefits of the procedure we are talking about? You can
expect the surgery to recontour, rejuvenate or reshape the areas
of concern, and to improve your overall appearance. Beware a
surgeon who promises miracles. He should encourage realistic
expectations.
Are there
other procedures or associated services that might enhance my
appearance? Some
procedures work best when accompanied by complementary
procedures. For instance, if you're having eyelid surgery done,
consider also having an eyebrow lift.
Are there
potential risks from the surgery? What are the major
complications and do they occur frequently? You want your
surgeon to discuss the major risks and complications of the
procedure you are considering. Some of these might include the
potential for bleeding, infection, poor scarring and
complications that would be unique to the individual procedure.
Although these complications occur infrequently, the surgeon
should be aware of them and therefore protect you from their
possible occurrence. Your surgeon should tell you what type of
anesthesia will be used and give you the rational for the type
of sedation you will receive.
Are there regimens I can do prior to surgery to improve my
results? You'll get the best results if you are in good
health before surgery. Your physician may advise you to improve
your diet, get exercise, refrain from smoking and start a
vitamin regimen. He might also warn you to stay away from
products that increase bleeding in the days prior to surgery,
including aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and certain herbal
products.
What should I
do after surgery to optimize my results?
A few simple steps after the procedure will ensure you get the
best results possible for you. Your surgeon will advise you, but
his recommendations may include: continue to eat well; restrict
all strenuous exercise for a number of weeks to reduce swelling,
bruising and the risk of excessive bleeding; and refrain from
cigarette smoking for three weeks, if not forever.
How long will it take to heal completely, and will there be
visible scars?
Your surgeon should be able to prepare you for the recovery
period. Results vary from individual to individual, but in
general there will be an improvement in your appearance within
the first few weeks after surgery. At that time you should
expect to look better than before surgery, but you will have
residual swelling, which takes between six weeks and six months
to diminish. Scars can take up to one year to mature, but they
can be placed in shadows or less conspicuous places to minimize
their visibility.
When can I
resume my normal activities? You will want
to rest your body after surgery to give it a chance to heal. To
accelerate your healing, avoid strenuous activity for three
weeks and follow your surgeon's instructions. A little makeup
goes a long way to cover any residual bruising, and you might be
able return to normal work activities within six to 10 days,
depending upon the procedure.
Do you have
before and after photos or patients I can speak to before
surgery?
While results will vary among individuals, and you should not
assume your procedure would turn out the same as someone else's,
your surgeon should be willing to provide before and after
photos of patients on whom he has performed surgical procedures.
Jeffrey
Rosenthal MD
