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FAQs
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions and
informative facts concerning our services. Please
feel free to call our office if you need additional
information. We are always pleased to assist you. |
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What is plastic surgery?
Plastic
surgery is a specialty dedicated to the aesthetic
and functional enhancement of the face and body. For
those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic
surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity
to reshape physical features and improve their
self-esteem. |
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Is plastic surgery painful?
Patients tolerate
postoperative pain in ways that are different from
each other. Appropriate pain medications, which
minimize discomfort, are prescribed for
postoperative patients. |
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How long will my results last?
There
is no precise answer to this question. Surgery does
not affect the ongoing aging process which is
largely dependent upon genetics. What aesthetic
plastic surgery does is turn back the clock.
Patients ask if the results last five years, eight
years or ten years. The answer is yes, it always
lasts that time, but you do not look the same in ten
years as you do when surgery is completed or two
years later. Aging is inevitable. |
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What kind of anesthesia is used?
Our
doctors perform surgery under most types of
anesthesia: local anesthesia, intravenous sedation
("twilight"), general anesthesia and regional
anesthesia (nerve blocks). The method of anesthesia
used is based on the patient and surgeon's
preference. |
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Will I have a natural look after
my surgery?
Most
patients are concerned about having a tightly pulled
or unnatural appearance after facial or eyelid
surgery. However, the techniques used today create a
natural, non-surgical look. They accomplish this
goal by correcting underlying anatomical areas of
aging and by avoiding reliance on skin excision
alone to achieve rejuvenation. |
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Will I have a scar?
People
often think that there are no scars when a plastic
surgeon performs an operation. There are scars no
matter who does an operation involving incisions or
revisions. The art of plastic surgery is to conceal
the scars and make them less visible. However, a
scar is attendant to any invasive operation. This is
the bane of every plastic surgeon's existence. |
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Will I be able to breast feed
after breast enlargement surgery?
Yes. Breast
augmentation should not affect your ability to
breast feed. |
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Are there risks involved in
breast augmentation surgery?
Every
surgical procedure entails some risk. Those
associated with this type of surgery are infection,
changes in the sensitivity of the breast, and scar
contracture. These and other complications rarely
occur and can usually be avoided. Thousands of women
undergo breast augmentation successfully each year
and are very satisfied with their outcome. |
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What type of implants do you use
for breast augmentation?
The
saline implants (filled with sterile saline
solution) used for breast augmentation surgery are
available in both round and teardrop shapes. They
also come in both smooth and textured styles. Your
doctor will discuss which implant type would best
give you the results you are seeking.
Silicone Gel implants
Dr.
Reed has been an improved investigator for the
currently on going gel implant study since 1991.
this study is almost completed. Gel implants are
available for those patients who fit into the guide
lines established by the institutional review board.
An inclusion list defines the parameters for
acceptance. |
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My breasts sag but are not
large. What can be done?
If the
sagging is not severe, a "nipple lift" can be
performed. The excess skin is removed after making
an incision around the outside of the areola (the
pigmented skin around the nipple). The resulting
scar is confined to the area where the pigmented
skin meets the normal skin at the edge of the
areola.
In
cases of more severe sagging, a procedure similar to
breast reduction may be performed by removing skin
only - not breast tissue - to result in a more
youthful shape. Breast lifting is an excellent
alternative to breast implants for many patients. |
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Do the implants have to be
changed after several years?
No, as
long as there are no problems with the implants,
they should not have to be replaced. We only use
implants that have a warranty for life from the
manufacturer. |
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What if the implant ruptures?
Today's
saline implants are more durable than ever. Although
risk of rupture is extremely small, if this should
happen, the implant deflates as your body absorbs
the saline. There is absolutely no health hazard
should this happen. The implant can be easily
replaced with minimal discomfort. The implants used
at The Reed Center for Plastic Surgery usually have
a warranty by the manufacturer who will replace the
implants and give you monies towards the cost of the
replacement. |
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What is Power Assisted
Liposuction?
Power
assisted liposuction uses a power cannula to
facilitate movement in the tissue, whereas the
surgeon manually manipulates the cannula in more
traditional liposuction procedures. The benefits
include less body trauma on the patient, which
promotes quicker recovery and faster healing. |
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I don't like the tip of my
nose. What can I do?
If you
like your profile and the tip of your nose is too
wide, prominent, projects too much or droops, it can
be corrected. Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure
for the nasal tip when it droops with age. |
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Am I ready for a face-lift?
Skin
and facial tissue that sag along with aging can give
you an appearance of tiredness or anger even when
you are feeling happy and energetic. Jowls and
drooping skin around the neck cause you to appear
heavy. With facial rejuvenation, you appear rested,
healthy and more youthful. The idea is to look
better, not different.
Often a mini-lift can be performed instead of a full
face-lift. The mini-lift is limited to the lower
portion of the face, correcting jowl and neck
problems, while the traditional face-lift includes
the upper part of the face as well. Some patients
opt to combine a face-lift with other procedures,
such as eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing to
achieve a full effect.
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Will I look natural after my
surgery?
The
techniques used by our physicians create a natural,
non-surgical appearance. Every effort is made to
improve your appearance in the most natural view. |
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When can I go back to work?
The
length of time for recuperation after plastic
surgery varies depending on the procedure. Most
patients will require assistance for a day or so,
and then will be able to care for themselves. We
will discuss with you in detail your postoperative
care and recovery instructions. The techniques
offered today allow patients to return to work
fairly soon following surgery. |
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When can I begin to exercise?
Depending on the procedure performed determines when
a patient may resume physical exercise. All patients
are encouraged to start a slow walking routine and
hold off on anything more strenuous until after
consulting with their doctor. |
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Is there a right age for
cosmetic surgery?
There
is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery. The time
to have an elective procedure is when the desired
change will justify the time, effort and the cost
involved. Another factor to take into consideration
is the potential length of time to enjoy the
benefits. For example, if an individual has a
facelift earlier in life, the rewards of this
surgery can be enjoyed for a greater period of time. |
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