Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Arash answers your most commonly asked questions.

FAQ

DR. ARASH IZADPANAH ANSWERS YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PLASTIC, COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

When you are considering undergoing plastic surgery, it’s only natural that you will have a variety of questions—from how to choose a surgeon to how to prepare for your recovery. At Dr. Arash Izadpanah Surgery clinic, we believe that well-informed patients make the best decisions about their surgical procedures and are the most satisfied with the results that they achieve through plastic surgery.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

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.

Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

Is Plastic Surgery safe?

As with all surgical procedures, some level of risk is possible. Our medical staff is highly trained and has many hours of surgical experience. We will do everything possible to minimize complications during your procedure.

Additionally, it’s essential to follow all your pre-and post-operative instructions exactly, and thoroughly discuss any and all medical conditions with us before your procedure. This is the best way to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery process.

Am I a Good Candidate for Surgery?

Although being in good general health and prepared emotionally and financially for plastic surgery are good indicators that you may be ready for surgery, determining whether you are a good candidate for plastic surgery requires an individual consultation with a plastic surgeon. We treat each patient as the unique individual they are and fully discuss your goals and options to help you determine if plastic surgery is the right choice for you right now.

What to expect after the surgery?

Factors related to the patient may affect the final result of the surgery and delay the recovery period. These factors include: thick skin, a tendency toward excessive scar formation, slow recovery, heavy smoking, heavy alcohol intake, obesity, etc. However, these factors do not contra-indicate surgery.

Factors related to the surgeon include surgical experience and artistic judgment.

What are the risks ?

As with other surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery entails possible complications such as bleeding, infection, excessive scar formation, anesthesia complications and rejection of implants, etc. Fortunately, these complications are uncommon.

How do I prepare for surgery?

Preparing both mentally and physically for cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, or facelift, though fairly straightforward, is necessary for a successful surgical outcome.

The process begins with a consultation, during which our staff will have an in-person meeting with you to thoroughly discuss every aspect of the procedure, the recovery time, and your ideal results. During this time, you should ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar facial and/or body features to yours who have had the same procedure you’re planning to have, so you have a clearer idea of what results you can expect.

We will also review your health history and give you additional instructions for pre-and post-surgery. Please come prepared with a list of cosmetic surgery questions – when you’re planning to make such a big change to your appearance, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions.

What can I do to achieve the best results from my surgery?

There are several steps you can take to get the best possible surgical results, including the following:

Stop taking any over-the-counter supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and herbal products, seven days prior to surgery.
If you smoke, quit smoking at least six weeks before your surgery to avoid healing problems and serious medical complications during your recovery.
Tell us if you are taking aspirin or drugs with anticoagulation properties, as they can cause unnecessary bleeding during surgery. We may ask you to discontinue them before surgery to minimize the risk of unnecessary bleeding.

You want to be in the best of health before coming in for surgery. For this reason, if you come down with a cold or fever, or experience an infection or injury, contact our office immediately to reschedule your procedure and minimize the risk of surgical complications.