FAQ

Is there a "right" age to pursue plastic surgery?

There is no overarching rule as to the right age for plastic surgery. The appropriateness of a particular procedure should instead be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual's body type and the aging process. Generally speaking, facelifts are not performed on patients under thirty years of age. (a mini-lift or laser procedure might be a better option. )

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?

When the plastic surgery procedure is performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not be involved. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes, however, the procedure may be partially or fully covered by insurance.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to enhance or change a healthy, normal and functioning part of the body. In such cases, the plastic surgery is performed because the patient has a desire for physical improvement. Reconstructive surgery, however is performed to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, disease, tumor, physical trauma, or infection. Typically, the goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore function or to achieve physical normality.

Are procedures performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis?

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, when a surgery is extensive, or complications arise, an overnight stay may be required.

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is also commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’. Surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the mid- and lower abdomen to tighten and firm the muscles of the abdominal wall.

With liposuction-combining liposuction with abdominoplasty shows an advance in technique over the last 10 years. Prior to this, procedures could not allow a combination abdominoplasty/liposuction due to high incidences of tissue breakdown. A combination procedure can now be routinely performed. By modifying

Mini-abdominoplasty-with minimal excess skin below the belly button, a mini-abdominoplasty may be a better option. As the name suggests, a smaller incision will result in a shorter scar. Skin will be tightened in the lower abdomen but not the upper abdomen. Again, the scar is easily hidden by swimwear. Loose fascia in the lower abdomen can also be tightened with this procedure.

Reverse abdominoplasty-excess skin above the belly button (epigastric) area, dr. Fellows can perform a reverse tummy tuck. By making an incision under the breasts and lifting the skin up, rather than down. A reverse abdominoplasty will have little effect on the skin below the belly button. The resulting scars are usually hidden under the breasts, though scar migration can be a rare complication.

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty-for large amounts of skin in the epigastric area, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty this procedure is most often used in post-bariatric patients who have undergone an open gastric bypass or others who have an existing vertical scar.

Will there be scars?

This is one of the most common questions from patients. As with any surgery that requires incisions, there will be permanent scars. Scars will begin as red and slightly raised, taking 1-2 years to mature and fade to white. Many issues affect the results of the final scar. The most important factor is your genetic ability to heal without excessive scarring or discoloration. Other major factors affecting scarring include trauma, type of closure and the location of the scar.

Many products are available to help improve scarring. The most effective, and least expensive, way to improve healing is to place tape over the scar and do not remove it during the healing process. The tape provides pressure, flattening the scar and thinning it out over time. Massaging is another method to assist in the healing process, but you would need to massage a significant amount to have any effect. There are other products that claim to reduce scarring, but their effectiveness is difficult to prove scientifically. Some lasers and treatments like microdermabrasion can also improve scars.

If you are unhappy with scarring, most scars can be improved by scar revision. Scar revision involves removing the old scar and resuturing the tissue in multiple layers. All of the sutures are placed under the skin to avoid the common railroad track type scarring. Steri-strips or dermabond glue is placed over the incision to seal off the wound and keep it sterile. Sutures placed under the skin do not need to be removed and will dissolve over the next 6 months. Most scar revisions can be performed in our office under local anesthesia. Fees for scar revision depend on the length of the scar and the complexity of the repair. If certain criteria are met, some scar revisions may be covered by insurance.

Body procedures:

Arm lift

An arm lift is also known as brachioplasty. Many factors can cause loose, sagging skin under the arm, usually as the result of weight fluctuations or the ageing process. Exercise alone is not always effective in tightening skin that has lost elasticity.

An incision is made from the armpit to the elbow on the inside of the arm. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is pulled tight to reshape the under portion of the upper arm. This surgery can also be performed with a minimal incision along the armpit or axilla, which prevents a scar along the inside of your upper arm.

You will notice a smoother contour almost immediately after surgery. Results will initially be obscured by some swelling and bruising of the area. After surgery, you will be expected to wear a compression garment or bandage to minimize swelling. A drain may be placed to collect any excess fluid or blood. Patients usually go home the same day after monitored time in the recovery room. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for the first week following surgery. Any stitches that are not absorbable will be removed during your follow-up visit.

Axillary lift

Excess skin in the armpit (axilla) is removed. The advantages of this procedure include the removal of hair follicles, limiting the need for shaving, and removal of sweat glands, minimizing sweating.

Axillary liposuction

Anterior and posterior axillary fat pads, in front and behind the armpits, can be a cosmetic problem. By using micro cannulas and tiny incisions, the surgeon will remove the fat and make sure to keep an even appearance.

Absorptive pads are worn for one to two days post-operatively. Bruising is also a common side effect of this procedure.

Body sculpting for men

Men with fat deposits disproportionate to their body, in good health and who have tried diet and exercise are good candidates for body sculpting. The most commonly treated areas are the “love handles”, breasts, abdomen and neckline. Your surgeon will make tiny incisions in the treated areas in order to insert a small instrument called a cannula under the skin. A vacuum sucks out the fat deposits, leaving a smoother shape.

Small stitches close the incisions and patients will wear an elastic dressing or girdle over the treated areas for several weeks. After 24 hours of rest at home, you will be able to resume non-strenuous activities after 2 to 3 days.

Body sculpting for women

As with men, the best candidates for body sculpting are women who are in good health and are unable to get rid of fat deposits through diet and exercise.

Botox for hyperhydrosis

Excessive sweating can be treated with botox injections into the sweat glands. For patients who have unsuccessfully tried other methods of treatment, botox can be a sensible alternative. Your surgeon will inject 15 to 20 drops of botox with a small needle directly into the underarm skin.

Complications include tiny bruises at the injection sites. The treatment generally takes effect in under 48 hours, although some patients may require a second session. Patients will have the benefit of dryness for six to ten months.