FAQs
- How do I know the credentials of my surgeon?
- Who is a candidate for plastic surgery?
- What is the right age to pursue plastic surgery?
- Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?
- How long does the surgery take?
- What kind of anesthesia will you use?
- How long will it take me to recover?
- How long will the results of the surgery last?
- Where is plastic surgery performed?
- Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?
- When can I go back to work?
- Are the scars visible?
How do I know the credentials of my surgeon?
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are both Cosmetic, as well as, Reconstructive Surgeons. They have spent years training in all aspects of the specialty. Many choose to focus on certain areas of the specialty. Verify that your surgeon is Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons maintains a website at www.plasticsurgery.org that is informative for patients. Patients can also verify credentials and confirm the surgeon is board certified. The American Board of Plastic Surgery also maintains a website at www.abplsurg.org that patients can also visit to verify credentials. Lastly, verify with your surgeon and local hospitals and surgical centers that staff privileges as a plastic surgeon are granted.
Who is a candidate for plastic surgery?
The best plastic surgery candidate is someone with realistic expectations and an understanding of the limitations. Good candidates are seeking a change in a physical trait, that contributes to their overall positive self-image.
What is the right age to pursue plastic surgery?
There isn't any rule as to the right age for plastic surgery. The appropriateness of a certain procedure should be determined more on a case by case basis, looking at the individual's unique body type and aging process.
Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?
When the plastic surgery procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not participate. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes in order to restore function or form (related to an acquired defect such as cancer or trauma), insurance participates.
How long does the surgery take?
The length of surgery depends on the type of surgery you're having. Minor surgical procedures can take less than two hours; more involved procedures can be longer.
What kind of anesthesia will you use?
Depending on the type of procedure, you may receive local anesthesia (numbing the area), I.V. (intravenous) anesthesia (light) or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will be discussed in detail with an anesthesiologist before surgery. Together, the patient and Dr. Vela will develop a plan for the type of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have about your anesthesia options at the time of the procedure.
How long will it take me to recover?
Recovery time varies for each person, but most patients recover from anesthesia within a few hours. As with any surgical procedure, there is usually some discomfort at the site of the incision. Management of the discomfort is accomplished through medication. As the surgical site heals, the pain will diminish. Dressings and any non-dissolvable sutures are removed within a week. During your initial consult, Dr. Vela can provide you with information about activity restrictions after surgery, how to care for your surgical site, and answer any other questions you may have about your recovery.
How long will the results of the surgery last?
Procedures are designed to be a non-temporary solution. Although the result will persist for 7 or 10 years, your body will continue to change. Time, environmental factors, health, and a host of other factors contribute to the ongoing “aging” process that change the results.
Where is plastic surgery performed?
Dr. Vela performs surgery only at licensed, recognized surgical facilities or hospitals. Each of these locations approves Dr. Vela, as a practicing plastic surgeon, fully trained and credentialed to perform cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?
Many companies offer financing arrangements for patients seeking elective cosmetic surgery. Dr. Vela, and the staff at Prestige Plastic Surgery can help coordinate financing for those desiring it.
When can I go back to work?
The recovery period depends upon the procedure performed and it varies from patient to patient. Patients can return to work within a couple of days for some procedures. For more involved procedures, it is common to take a week or longer to recover.
Are the scars visible?
There are some scars that appear to be non-existent. Then there are some scars that become light and nearly invisible as they heal, however they never fully disappear. Everyone heals with a scar, which is natural for the body to form. Initially, all scars are visible, but fade with time. This may take weeks or even many months. The individual, location of the scar, and procedure all contribute to the overall appearance of the final scar.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us today! You can also call us at (410) 290-1696.
Learn more about the procedures at Prestige Plastic Surgery. Click any of the areas below to find more details.
If you have been considering cosmetic surgery, please contact Prestige Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vela.
