The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades. As a result, more stringent standards have been emerged in order to protect patients. Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution. Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in reconstructive surgery procedures. Rarely, an implant will rupture or leak. With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body. The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being researched. If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant is pretty easy to replace. Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts or loss of sensation, and capsular contracture(a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant). Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of complication.

You will be under anesthesia during your operation, so there will be no pain at that time. In the days and weeks following the operation, you should expect some discomfort, which can be treated with oral medication.

The nature of the anesthesia varies with each procedure. For some, only local anesthesia or local with IV sedation is needed. This method leaves the patient awake, but insensitive to pain. In more complex procedures, general anesthesia is needed—the patient is asleep. The anesthesia used in your operation will depend on the type and extent of the procedure(s), your age, and the surgeon’s preference.

Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery—there are even procedures appropriate for young children! It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery—it cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not work so well on the next. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one, and so we will take your age into consideration when planning your operation.

Generally, post-operative instructions call for lots of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure, and also depends upon the individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be back at work and enjoying your normal activities in no time. Your scars will fade over time, but are permanent. We take care to conceal these so that they are barely visible, if at all. The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time; with certain procedures it may take up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into it’s new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your recovery period and post-operative instructions in detail.

Insurance providers do not cover plastic surgery procedures that are only cosmetic. It generally does for reconstructive procedures…For example, insurance providers will often foot the bill for breast augmentation following masectomy; breast reduction if it is to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery that allows the patient breathe better; and a tummy tuck to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy. Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery, and any cosmetic operations necessary to achieve symmetry in either breast. In the event your surgery is covered, pre-certification is required. We are happy to assist you with the process.

During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. We will detail the results to be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When all is said and done, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary effects.