Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions we receive from prospective patients about their surgery. You can use this resource as a guide in helping you make informed decisions. As always, please consult with a licensed physician to make sure you are healthy enough for any cosmetic procedure.
Table of Contents
General Surgery FAQ
There appears to be small blisters or pimples near my incision. Should I be concerned?
What you are seeing may be either: (1) blisters due to Steri-strips or tape; or (2) a “spitting stitch.” A blister should be cleansed and covered with a light dressing as not to cause you pain. A “spitting stitch” gets its name from the indication your body is trying to spit them out. Please cleanse the site, but do not clip or pull them out. Be assured this is a normal part of the healing process. Certainly if either of these occurrences trouble you, the doctor would be happy to see you and care for the problem directly.
Should I remove the tape/Steri-strips from my incision?
Do not remove the Steri-strips; allow them to fall off in their own timeframe. If any remain at the time of your follow-up appointment, they will be removed at that time.
May I exercise?
No exercise at all is permitted in the first week following surgery. This is an important issue that will be specifically addressed at the time of first follow-up appointment. Low-impact exercise such as walking and bike riding will in all likelihood be the first exercises you are allowed following surgery.
Should I use ice?
Ice is generally not helpful after 48 hours. Place a towel between the ice and skin in 20-minute increments (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off) to obtain some additional comfort and pain relief. After 48-hour window, pain should be minimal and application of ice on/off would be solely for ongoing comfort.
Important Note: Do not use heat of any sort when seeking pain relief.
May I take Motrin or Tylenol in conjunction with my prescription of pain medication?
Depending on the prescription pain medication you are taking, you may be able to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Please contact your nurse to see if you may take any additional over-the-counter medication.
May I swim in a pool, the ocean or get into a hot tub?
No ocean or hot tub for the first two (2) weeks following surgery. As a rule, swimming in a pool is fine one (1) week after surgery. This issue can be individually addressed at 2-week follow-up appointment. In general, two (2) weeks after surgery it is permissible to get in the ocean or a hot tub as long as all incisions are healed.
How soon may I shower or bathe? May I use soap or shower gels?
You may shower after 24/48 hours. Let soapy water run over the incisions; do not scrub hard. No special soap is needed. Both soap and shower gel are fine, but no scrubbing, just wash gingerly under running water.
What are the specialized areas of Plastic surgery?
In addition to sosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons are the best doctors to manage burns, facial injuries and hand injuries, open fractures of leg & hand, defects after excision of parts having cancer, congenital defects like cleft lip, deformities of ear, hypospadias, fused fingers, abdominal hernias, skin tumours, chronic wounds & diabetic ulcers in the foot, etc.
Liposuction
How many people undergo cosmetic surgery each year?
Over 13.1 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This is a 5% increase from 2009.
Is surgery performed under general or local anesthesia?
Depending upon what is most appropriate for your particular situation, the surgeon will decide what type of anesthesia to use. Dr. Alspaugh, Denk or Jacobs will answer any specific questions you may have.
What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?
Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.
Plastic surgery
If a patient has a heart condition, is general anesthesia safe?
It depends upon each patient’s disease and current medical condition. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your specific situation.
What parts of the body do you do Plastic Surgery on?
There are commonly performed cosmetic procedures for virtually every part of the face, including the neck, nose, eyes, ears chin, cheekbones, forehead, as well as the breasts and abdomen. Additionally, scar revision and liposuction surgeries are potentially possible on most areas of the body.
How long does it take for an operation?
On an average, most surgeries take 2-3 hours in the operating room, with the most extensive of multiple procedures lasting several hours. Additional time is often required for preparation before, and rest & recovery time after the surgery itself, particularly when sedation or a general anesthetic is administered.
What are the risks?
All surgeries entail risks, such as bleeding, possible infection, etc. Please see the information on the specific surgery, or consult with a qualified surgeon for more detailed information.
What are the most common surgeries?
Among the most frequently performed surgeries are: breast augmentation surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Will it be covered by my medical insurance?
In general, if it is cosmetic, your medical insurance will not cover the surgery or treatment. (See the questions regarding the difference between ‘plastic’ and ‘reconstructive’ surgeries for more on this topic).
Does a person’s voice change after rhinoplasty (nose surgery)?
A few patients notice small change in their voice after rhinoplasty but this is uncommon. Professionals who rely on their voice, such as singers, should share any concerns with their surgeon, however, because the nose does play a role in how we sound.
Abdominoplasty
What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery?
Typically, the difference exists in the purpose of surgery . Cosmetic surgery performed with the primary goal of improving one’s appearance. Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve personal health, body function or alleviate disease and is often considered medically necessary.
How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
Most reconstructive surgery procedures require one to two weeks for healing. However, recovery time also depends on the patient and specific reconstructive surgery performed. Some patients are able to return to a normal routine immediately after a reconstructive surgery procedure, while others require several weeks to retain a normal level of functioning. In some cases, the final results are not clear for months.
What procedures are considered reconstructive surgery?
The line between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery can sometimes be blurred. Generally, reconstructive surgery improves both appearance and health. Some examples of reconstructive surgery include:
- Tumor Removal
- Laceration Repair
- Scar Revision
- Hand Surgery
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Reconstruction (Following surgical breast cancer treatment)
- Burn Care – Reconstructive Rhinoplasty (to improve nose air flow)
- Eyelid Surgery (to improve field of vision)
Does plastic surgery avoid scars after the operation? Is it true?
That is not true. Healing of any wound is with scar tissue. But our experienced and professional team takes extreme care to get a least visible scar by placing the incision in the natural creases of the body, as well as utilizing minimally invasive techniques. You must realize that the scars are permanent and it will take three months to one year to mature & look their best.
What should I expect during a consultation for a body lift?
During the consultation for a body lift, Dr. Bembde will go over your complete medical history, take the time to understand your goals, and answer all of your questions. You will see pre-op and post-op photos of previous body lift patients. Dr. Bembde will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the procedure including the technique, the recovery, the risks, the costs, and financing options.
Breast Implants
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointments.
What type of bra may I wear?
A.Soft bra or sports bra ONLY; no underwire for three (3) months