Our Most Frequently Asked Questions:
• What is the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
• Do breast augmentation implants have to be replaced after a number of years?
• How large can a patient augment her breasts?
• What is the difference between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
• How much weight can a patient lose by having Liposuction?
• How long does the swelling and bruising take to go away with Liposuction?
• Is a Facelift or Eyelift permanent?
• How long does the swelling and bruising last after facial plastic surgery?
• Are there any scars with a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)?
• What can be done about stretch marks?
• What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?



What is the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
A breast augmentation is a procedure that is recommended for patients who desire an increase in breast cup size and fullness. This is achieved by placement of a breast implant under the breast or pectoralis muscle. A breast lift or mastopexy is recommended for patients whose concern is sagging of the breast, and who do not want breast implants. The patient's stretched breast skin is removed, and the existing breast tissue is adjusted upward on the chest to a higher position which helps to improve fullness of the breast. A breast lift does not substantially increase breast size. If a patient is concerned about breast size and sagging, then a combination of breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended.



Do the implants of a breast augmentation have to be replaced after a certain number of years?
Although breast implants cannot be guaranteed to last for a lifetime, there is no reason to plan to have them replaced after 5, 10 or even 15 years if the patient is not having any problems.



How large can a patient augment her breasts?
A patient can realistically expect to increase their breast size by one to two cup sizes. For example, a patient who is an A cup can increase to a B or C cup, but usually not to a D cup. This would need to be discussed with your plastic surgeon thoroughly before surgery.



What is the difference between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction is the removal of fat cells between the skin and underlying tissues. The fat cells are suctioned and removed through a small cannula (small hollow tube) which is inserted through a very small incision. A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty involves removal of excess skin and fat of the abdomen. If necessary the abdominal muscles can be tightened if they have become stretched or separated. The incision is typically made in the panty line of the lower abdomen. The tummy Tuck is a more involved surgical procedure than Liposuction. If the patient has stretched skin and/or excess abdominal tissue a Tummy Tuck will usually be more beneficial.



How much weight can a patient lose by having Liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat and decreases the size of the area treated. There may not be a dramatic weight loss, depending upon the number of areas treated. There may be a slight weight gain for the first few weeks following surgery which is due to swelling and fluid retention. Patients are advised to look for a decrease in their size and an improvement in their shape, rather than a decrease in their weight. Patients will notice that their clothes fit much better.



How long does the swelling and bruising take to go away with Liposuction?
Patients will notice an improvement in their shape immediately. Bruising may take as long as 2-3 weeks to completely resolve. Swelling improves over this time period as well. Although the results of Liposuction will be seen right away, the final result may take as long as 6 months.



Is a Facelift or Eyelift permanent?
Both Facelifts (rhytidectomy) and Eyelifts (Blepharoplasty) can "turn back the clock" and make a patient look years younger. Surgery cannot "stop the clock." The patient's skin and underlying tissues will continue to age as they normally would. Cessation of sun bathing and smoking will help to prolong the results of these procedures.



How long does the swelling and bruising last after facial plastic surgery?
Swelling after eye surgery, nose shaping and facelift procedures may resolve in as quickly as a week or may last as long as 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is dependent on how quickly an individual patient heals. Usually after the first week, patients can use makeup to cover any bruising. It is also not uncommon for the skin to feel numb for quite a few weeks after surgery. Sensation returns slowly. The use of Sinecch can help to resolve bruising and swelling more quickly.



Are there any scars with a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)?
The incisions for a rhinoplasty are usually placed within the nose. If an open rhinoplasty is performed there will be an external incision. This scar is typically unnoticeable once the incision is healed. After the procedure there will be some swelling and mucus drainage. Patients tend to have a stuffy nose feeling as they are healing.



What can be done about stretch marks?
The only way to truly get rid of stretch marks is to surgically remove them as with a Tummy Tuck. Some laser treatments are showing promise, but the results are variable.



What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?
A board certified plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons.