It's natural to have many questions about cosmetic/reconstructive surgery. The doctors at 'Dr. Borkar's Magic Touch Clinic' are here to answer your questions and review specific surgery procedures.
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Below, find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. But remember that every patient is different, so are their needs and the solutions to those needs. Your doctor is best able to answer questions and elaborate based on his or her evaluation of your needs.
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What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body by the transfer of tissue, either in the treatment of injury or for cosmetic reasons. Plastic surgery is the branch of medicine that encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
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How much does plastic surgery cost?
Prices range depending on the type of procedure performed, and each treatment plan that has to be customized to suit the patient’s individual needs and goals. As a result, there are no set estimates.
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What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
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Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
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Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
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What is covered by health insurance?
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Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
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Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
In certain cases there is a fine line between cosmetic and reconstructive, especially if the patient comes after a year or more from when the abnormality has occurred (due to injuries, disease etc.). This may result in the procedure not being covered.
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What is the recovery from surgery like?
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Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. Recovery time ranges from weeks to months depending on the surgery.
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Where will my procedure be performed?
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Depending on the patient's health condition, age, type of procedure etc. a number of cases, especially cosmetic surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis at the clinic. Other cases are operated at corporate hospitals or well equipped nursing homes.
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What should you know about the safety of outpatient surgery?
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It's important to learn about the safety of a plastic surgery procedure, as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free.
To maximize your safety, ensure the following:
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The surgeon is well qualified having the requisite degree to perform plastic and cosmetic surgery
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The doctor is certified by the Indian Medical Council.
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The doctor's years of experience may be an added advantage.
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There is no such thing as a risk-free surgical procedure. If the doctor does not admit that there are always risks, seek another opinion.
What does Restylane® do? How is it different from Botox®?
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Restylane® is very effective in smoothing out and filling in bothersome wrinkles and lines, particularly in the lower part of the face. It has several advantages over other filler-type materials such as collagen; it lasts longer and causes very little adverse reaction. It is easy to administer (injected through a small needle), and once its effectiveness has diminished six months to a year later, the body safely absorbs it.
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Restylane® and Botox® (botulinum toxin) often are used in a complementary fashion. But again its dependant on the patient. While Restylane® is usually best for the lower face, Botox® is usually great for wrinkles that occur in the upper face – crow's feet or the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows – because it paralyzes muscle and nerve endings, stopping the skin from wrinkling.
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If I have Botox® or Restylane®, how often would I need to repeat the injections?
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Botox® lasts about three to four months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. When it wears off, you will begin to notice increased muscle action and some reformation of the wrinkles. With repeated use, the effect of Botox® becomes longer lasting and mostly appear permanent after a time.
Restylane® injections last for about six months, and can also be repeated as needed.
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
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The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient's desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
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For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointment(s).
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Does a person's voice change after rhinoplasty (nose surgery)?
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A few patients notice small change in their voice after rhinoplasty but this is rare. Professionals who rely on their voice, such as singers, should share any concerns with their surgeon, however, because the nose does play a role in how we sound.
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What type of face lift can be done to raise cheekbones? What is the recovery time?
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The available options can only be discussed after having an evaluation with a plastic surgeon. In general, recovery time from a mini face lift is approximately two weeks.
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How is a patient's health/physical condition evaluated prior to plastic surgery?
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A complete pretesting series of appointments is done prior to any surgery and as required, a patient will be asked to undergo some tests (blood, ECG, X-ray etc.)
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Will fat removed through liposuction reappear?
Liposuction completely removes fat cells from a specific area of the body. However, if you gain a lot of weight, that specific area will never gain too much weight as removed fat cells will not reappear. But, fat cells in other parts of your body will begin to expand. This means areas that are not normally fat, such as your wrists, may gain weight.
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What is tumescent liposuction? Does the doctor at this clinic perform it?
Tumescent liposuction uses a large volume of dilute epinephrine to cause intense constriction of the small blood vessels, which leads to less bleeding, less bruising and less swelling. It gives a quicker recovery rate than older traditional methods of liposuction,
Yes, tumescent liposuction is routinely performed by the doctor at this clinic.
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Are there any risk-free procedures?
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Though great effort is taken by the doctor and medical staff to ensure that the procedure goes as expected, there is always that tiny chance that a problem may occur. There are always risks associated with any surgical procedure, in some procedures the risks are more than in others. If the doctor does not admit that there are always risks, seek another opinion.
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Are financing options available?
Financing options/assistance are not available at the clinic.
As a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered a “elective surgery” and is not covered by most insurance plans, but, reconstructive surgery can be covered in whole or in part depending on the plan. The operation can even be sponsored by an institution or individual if the patient can find such a sponsor.
Is there anything to do to minimize swelling or bruising?
Yes. Depending upon the procedure, follow the instructions you will be given about making and administering your cold and warm compresses or even medicines. These will not only reduce bruising and swelling, but they will also maximize and promote healing.
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Have other questions that are more specific to particular procedures or services?
We request that you contact or better yet, meet the doctor in person because every patient is different, so are their needs and the solutions to those needs. The doctor is best able to answer questions, elaborate and give the most appropriate solution based on his or her evaluation of your needs.
