Plastic Surgery
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Patient Information
Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Why the "Plastic" in Plastic Surgery?
The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning "to mold or shape." Many of the first plastic surgeries were developed to close a difficult wound or replace tissue lost due to injury or cancer. These procedures often involved the formation of a skin flap to reshape or mold the defect so as to approximate the original shape.
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's 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 congential defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
Insurance coverage: There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement - may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
What is recovery from plastic surgery like? Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for all post-operative patients to minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, while operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation have a greater degree of discomfort.
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and each individual patient. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then, many are able to care for themselves, but may need assistance caring for small children. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.
Eyelid Surgery – Patients can usually can get around independently by day 2. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with makeup could return to work by 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery – Patients can usually can get around independently by day 2. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
Breast Surgery – Patients can usually can get around independently by day 2. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction - Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to normal activities in 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.
When can I resume regular exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.
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BOTOX® Cosmetic
Dr. Beran explains that BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are among the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures. They are uniquely effective and safe in treating certain types of facial wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is an excellent treatment for the vertical forehead creases that develop between the eyes, making you look sad or angry. BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used in treating horizontal forehead lines and the crow's feet area around your eyes. BOTOX® Cosmetic injected in the lower face and neck muscle (platysma) may provide temporary improvement in some of the visible signs of aging in these areas.
BOTOX® Cosmetic works by blocking the transmission of impulses from the nerve cells to the muscle. This causes a temporary and harmless muscle weakening, so the muscles that cause certain types of wrinkles become inactive. The result is the temporary elimination or reduction of those wrinkles.
The injections are all performed personally by Dr. Beran in just minutes and with little or no discomfort. Most often, you will notice the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic within 48 to 72 hours after injection. On average, results last about 4 months. You can keep your results with periodic maintenance treatments.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for this procedure, please contact us now. We will send you additional information prior to your appointment.
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Fat Injection
Fat injection is an increasingly popular procedure. Dr. Beran will wthdraw fat from one area of your body can be injected into another -- for example, to smooth lines in your face or build up other features such as your lips. Patients like the idea of "recycling" their own fat. Because the fat is your own tissue, there is no chance of allergy or rejection.
Although patients achieve long-lasting results, a certain percentage of injected fat is reabsorbed by the body. Therefore, the procedure may need to be repeated to achieve and maintain the desired results.
Fat injection that is properly performed in facial areas or used to "fill in" contour irregularities in other parts of the body is a safe and effective procedure. Please note that injection of fat to enlarge the breasts is a dangerous procedure and is not recommended because of the possibility of dense scarring that may seriously hinder accurate interpretation of both breast self-exams and mammograms.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for a fat injection procedure, please contact us now. We will send you additional information prior to your appointment.
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LIPOSUCTION
If you have tried dieting and exercise but still have localized areas of fat that simply won't go away, then liposuction is probably the answer to your problem. Liposuction may be used for contouring many areas: cheeks, jowls and neck; upper arms; breast or chest areas; back; abdomen and waist; hips and buttocks; inner and outer thighs; inner knees; calves and ankles. Liposuction can be performed on several areas of your body at the same time and can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic plastic surgical procedures. The surgery can be performed under a variety of anesthesia, ranging form local to general.
Fat is removed through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually placed inconspicuously, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat -- permanently.
The majority of our patients have their surgery performed under local anethesthesia using the “tumescent” technique, butr we have the capability to provide deeper sedation f requested.
Dr. Beran has a vast experience in liposuction surgery. We offer the latest liposuction techniques performed in the safety of our fully accredited surgical facility. You have the assurance that your liposuction will be performed by an experienced surgeon in a facility that has state-of-the-art equipment.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for this procedure, please contact us now. We will send you additional information prior to your appointment.
