As plastic surgery is becoming common for both men and women, more individuals are seeking surgical procedures for the first time. With that in mind, the staff at Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery believes it is vitally important to educate new patients about the basics of plastic surgery, so they can make smart choices about the procedures that will work the best for them. To that end, we have provided five fundamental facts you need to know before you move forward with your plastic surgery procedure.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Most surgeons are not specifically trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery. These factors should be at the front of your mind as you select your plastic surgeon for your procedure:
- Level of training and experience
- Qualifications, memberships and certifications
- Experience in the procedure you want
- Willingness to explain process, answer questions
- Friendliness and professionalism of staff
Dr. Andrews is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has studied at the top schools in the United States and advanced his expertise in prestigious residencies, including a fellowship in plastic surgery.
Asking the Right Questions
To determine whether a cosmetic surgeon is the right doctor for you, you will need to ask a few questions, such as:
- What are your certifications?
- How many of this specific procedure have you performed?
- Can I see before and after photos of previous patients?
- Why am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What should I expect during the recovery period?
- When will I see results and how long will they last?
Preparing for Your Cosmetic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures require some preparation beforehand, such as stopping certain medications, receiving a physical exam to ensure you are in good health, and achieving an ideal weight, especially before body contouring procedures. This is all done to minimize risks and prevent possible complications. Your surgeon will discuss this with you and provide a a list of instructions, which should be followed to the letter to ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure. If you have any questions about your pre-operative instructions, contact your surgeon’s office prior to your procedure. On the day of surgery, patients are advised to not wear makeup, nail polish or contact lenses. You should also arrange for a ride home along with someone who can care for you during the initial days of recovery.
Making Time for Recovery
Like any surgery, there will be a period of recovery that typically involves bruising, swelling and a degree of discomfort. The more rest you give your body, the more successfully your body will heal from the procedure. Typically, patients should expect to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two weeks afters surgery, but the recovery time varies depending on the extent of your cosmetic procedure. Follow your care team’s instructions on how long to take off work and how to care for yourself during the recovery process to ensure the best possible results from your procedure.
Realistic Expectations for Results
It is important to know that the results of your plastic surgery procedure will not likely be seen right away. Your body will need time to heal from the procedure before the outcome will begin to be evident. Make sure you ask your surgeon prior to your surgery how long it might take to see the results, so you don’t become discouraged with the healing process.
Schedule a Consultation at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a major undertaking that involves an investment of time and money. However, most patients find that with the right preparation, the results of their procedure are well worth the effort. To learn more about your options in plastic surgery, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery at 319-220-4644.
