FAQ’s

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a surgical sub-specialty that encompasses both cosmetic or aesthetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to rejuvenate or enhance facial or bodily features that are unpleasing to the patient. Examples of cosmetic procedures include facelifts, breast enhancement, and liposuction. Reconstructive surgery deals with restoring or replacing parts of the body destroyed or deformed by trauma, disease, or congenital malformations. Examples of reconstructive surgery are cleft palate repair, breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and revision of scars.

What should I consider in choosing a plastic surgeon?

Today, a number of different medical specialties perform cosmetic procedures. While anyone can perform the surgery, only plastic surgeons have completed the rigorous training and examination after medical school required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgeons have thorough grounding in general surgery followed by years of further study at an approved plastic surgery training center. After training, these physicians must successfully complete written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Additionally, it is helpful to speak with patients, physicians, or other health care personnel who are familiar with the surgeon. Their experience with and knowledge of the surgeon is a good source for evaluating a plastic surgeon.

What type of procedures do you perform? 

• Cosmetic (or aesthetic) procedures of the forehead, eyes, face, nose, ears, chin, lips, neck, breasts, abdomen, arms, legs, and skin.
• Excision of benign and malignant tumors of the skin.
• Reconstruction following removal of cancer from the face, breast, and body.

Where do you perform these procedures?

Minor procedures such as the removal of small, non-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions can be performed at the office using local anesthesia. Other, more involved procedures that do not require admission to the hospital are performed in an outpatient surgical facility located in Professional Building 2 of the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. Both facilities have state-of-the-art equipment and are comfortable and pleasing to the patient.

How much recovery time is required after cosmetic surgery?

Recovery time varies from procedure to procedure. Generally, patients can return to work within a week of surgery. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities should be kept to a minimum for about four to six weeks, but again this is procedure specific.

What procedures are covered by insurance? 

Aesthetic surgery is generally elective, and therefore not covered by insurance. There are a few instances when a procedure may be covered, such as reduction in breast size, nose surgery following a previous traumatic event, or eyelid surgery when excess skin causes visual problems. Reconstructive procedures are covered under most plans.