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Questions
and Answers
What
is plastic surgery?
The word plastic is derived from the Greek word meaning to shape or mould.
Plastic materials are not used!
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
is a specialty dedicated to the improvement of function, and treatment
of disfigurement, resulting from birth defects, injury, and disease.
What is the difference between
cosmetic and plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery reshapes features of the body or face to improve appearance,
body image and self esteem.
Cosmetic surgery may:
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change
a feature that has always been present, but disliked e.g. nose or
ear correction, enlargement of |
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small
breasts, breast
reduction |
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restore
the appearance of an area that has changed, to “make me look
like I used to” e.g. breast lift or
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reduction
after pregnancy and breast feeding, abdominal reshaping after pregnancy |
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rejuvenate
the effects of aging. |
Do I need a referral to make an
appointment?
Appointments for cosmetic surgery can be made directly with Mr Glasson.
However, for plastic and reconstructive problems e.g. skin cancer, breast
reconstruction, a GP referral is advised, as it may be required by your
medical insurance company. Also, if there are other health issues which
require medication, information from your GP can
assist in the safe planning of your surgery.
Privacy and Confidentiality.
There will be respect for your privacy, and the protection of your medical
file. The practice staff is committed to
your confidential treatment from beginning to end. Your medical records
will only be released with your consent.
What happens at a consultation?
You will discuss your goals and expectations, past medical and surgical
history, current medications and allergies.
The surgeon can outline what procedure may be appropriate, and the expected
outcome and limitations. He will
explain the technical aspects, expected post operative course, recovery
time, and potential complications. You may
be advised against having surgery, or another procedure may be recommended
to meet your needs and goals. There may be non surgical options to explore.
Written information will be given and an estimate of costs. Sometimes
a
second consultation will be advised before making a definite decision
to proceed. It is important to take the time to make correct decisions
and to have realistic expectations.
Will I be told about risks and
complications?
Yes, both general risks common to all surgery, and complications specific
to your operation. The majority of
operations are free of problems. However complications may occur, and
are usually minor and easily managed.
Rarely, complications may lead to further surgery and more expense.
Smoking
Is harmful to your health generally, and also causes specific problems
with surgery. Smoking impairs the blood supply
of skin and can result in areas of skin dieing, causing scars and possibly
needing remedial surgery. Smokers have more problems with slow healing,
wound infection, poor scarring, and haematoma. The anaesthetic can be
more difficult, and the recovery period is more painful because of coughing.
You are investing in a good long term result, and it is vital to
make the best preparation possible to maximize the outcome. It is strongly
recommended that you cease smoking for
at least 1 month before surgery, and during the healing stages.
What
about scars?
Whenever skin is cut, healing occurs with scar tissue. The quality and
appearance of scars varies widely between individuals, and with other
variables such as site, tension, age, skin type, family history.
While the surgeon makes every effort to minimize scarring, the final scar
appearance cannot be guaranteed. For most patients scars eventually fade
to their satisfaction and become discreet. Scars are located whenever
possible in
creases and natural lines and junctions.
Will
the surgery be painful?
Local anaesthetic surgery allows surgery to be done without pain and in
comfort, while you are awake. When surgery
is done under general anaesthetic, you are asleep for the entire operation.
Afterwards, pain can be well controlled with medication. Facial procedures
cause mild discomfort only, while breast and abdominal surgery are more
painful.
How
long will I require off work?
This varies with the type of operation, and your occupation. Some patients
are anxious that all evidence of surgery has resolved before “going
public”. After facial surgery, there may still be visible swelling
and bruising, or redness, which persists after 2 weeks or more. However,
after most cosmetic surgery, it is possible to return to work after 1-2
weeks. Minor operations may need no time off work.
When
can I return to exercising?
This varies with the operation performed. Everyone will mobilize early
after their surgery, to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs. In
the recovery period, there is no advantage exercising for fitness. Exercising
may actually be harmful to the healing process e.g. more bleeding, bruising,
swelling, disruption of internal stitches etc.. Ask your surgeon for specific
advice.
What
about costs?
Total costs include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee,
and the hospital charges. These can be estimated once the procedure has
been decided. For cosmetic surgery, the surgeon’s fee is paid prior
to surgery : this fee also covers
the cost of post operative visits until the early recovery phase is complete
– usually 2 – 3 months. Long term follow
up appointments are charged for.
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