| Question: |
How do I know if plastic surgery would be beneficial to me? |
| Answer: |
If some part of your body bothers you on a daily basis it may be possible to surgically correct it. The results can lead to a more satisfied self image and greater self-esteem.
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| Question: |
How do I find a plastic surgeon who understands my needs? |
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It is important to have a plastic surgeon who you feel understands your image goals. Talk with friends who may have had plastic surgery, search web sites on the computer and ask your gynecologist or primary care physician for suggestions. Select someone who is Board Certified and performs the procedure you desire on a regular basis. Once you have made a selection, schedule a consultation to determine how comfortable, confident and relaxed you are in the surgeon’s presence and how well they listen to your goals not theirs.
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| Question: |
What kind of follow-up should I expect? |
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You will be seen frequently post-operatively until all healing is complete. This varies with individuals and the procedure which was performed. Following this, some surgeons like Dr. Baldwin give you lifetime follow-up to moniter changes to your appearance goals.
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| Question: |
How long do cosmetic procedures last? |
| Answer: |
The length of time cosmetic results last vary from individual to individual. Each person’s skin tone is different which affects the long term results. On average ten years is the expected length of time. This is affected by aging, skin care and environment.
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| Question: |
Will my health insurance pay for plastic surgery? |
| Answer: |
In most cases insurance companies do not cover elective plastic surgery. One exception to this is breast reconstruction following ablative cancer surgery. In some cases, eyelid surgery may be covered when vision is seriously impaired.
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| Question: |
What is Restylane? |
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Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
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| Question: |
How long do the benefits of Restylane last? |
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Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about six months. The stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone in the body.
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| Question: |
What is Botox Cosmetic? |
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Botox Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are administered in a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines between the brows to form. These injections smooth the deep, persistent frown lines between the brows that develop over time and keep them relaxed up to four months. Both Restylane and Botox Cosmetic injections are done as office procedures.
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| Question: |
After having a mastectomy, is it necessary to have breast reconstruction? |
| Answer: |
When possible, reconstructing a breast mound with nipple and areola is an important component of surgical cancer treatment. This completion surgery helps heal the body, mind and spirit following cancer treatment.
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| Question: |
Is there more than one kind of breast reconstruction? |
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There are two types of breast reconstruction. One is the use of implants which are silicone bags filled with salt water (saline) or silicone gel. The other is the use of the woman’s own tissue which is a flap of muscle and skin taken from another part of the body to create a breast mound. The two main flaps are the latissimus dorsi taken from the back below the shoulder and the trans rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap which is taken from the abdomen. This is sometimes called the “tummy tuck” flap.
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| Question: |
Is it correct that there is no sensation in a reconstructed breast and that it feels like a weight on the chest?
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| Answer: |
The sensations in a reconstructed breast are not the same as those in a woman’s own breast tissue. The sensitivity to touch is diminished to a sensation of numbness. However, many women report a gradual increase in sensation and awareness as time progresses. The reconstructed breast will have the normal shape, size and contour as the opposite breast.
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| Question: |
Must I have reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy? |
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The reconstruction can be performed either at the time of the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction). Immediate reconstruction has the advantages of less psychological trauma of living with only one breast and only one surgery is required. Some women may be unsure about reconstruction, need to complete radiation treatment before reconstruction, or have medical issues where prolonged anesthesia of the one-step procedure would be a risk.
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