Plastic Surgery FAQs

Our Boston office supports the notion that the best decision is an informed decision. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions by those considering plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. As always, we encourage thorough patient knowledge, as we have learned through decades of experience, an informed patient is a confident patient, and confidence is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

Is plastic surgery safe?

For the overwhelming majority of cases the answer is yes, however, all plastic surgery, regardless of procedure entails an element of risk. A full assessment of your current state of health, along with your medical history is made before surgery.  All risks, no matter how remote are fully explained to you prior to surgery.

Is plastic surgery right for me?

Three things must be kept in mind; your current state of health and medical history, desired outcome, and the motivation behind your decision. When you consult with a plastic surgeon at our Boston office, these factors will be fully determined and explored. At times a patient may believe a certain plastic surgery procedure is right for them, when in fact, alternatives exist that are more suitable and may not require surgery at all.

Can several plastic surgery procedures be performed at the same time?

It depends upon the procedures. Combining surgeries can save time and money and also provide your surgeon the opportunity to have the procedures "work in concert" with each other. However, do not assume this will always be the case. There are several important variables that must be considered. As with all patients, decisions of this nature are always made on a case-by-case basis.

Is age a factor when considering plastic or cosmetic surgery?

Generally speaking, age is not a factor in deciding a patient’s viability to receive plastic surgery.  However, it may be that certain procedures should be postponed until young patients can reach full height and maturity.  The primary consideration at our Boston plastic surgery practice is always the current state of health of a potential candidate.  If age is a factor, your doctor will advise you during your consultation.

What takes place during my initial consultation?

Upon your visit to our Boston office, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals and the changes you wish to take place. A complete medical history will be taken and your current state of health will be determined. The doctor will explain the procedure, outline risks and viable options, and if applicable, demonstrate a "virtual before and after" through the use of photography and computer imaging. You will have the opportunity to ask and get answers to any questions you may have. As with any surgery, you will sign an informed consent stating you understand the procedure, inherent risks and possible complications.

How long will it take to recover from my cosmetic surgery procedure?

Depending upon the procedure and individual, recovery times vary. What may take a week for one patient may take two for another. In general, bruising takes a few days to dissipate and swelling may take up to few weeks. Rest and limited activity are the norm and are very important to speed healing and reduce recovery time. Regardless of the procedure, it is very important to follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your doctor.  

Are breast implants safe?

The FDA recently approved for general use silicone gel-filled implants and the findings of the Institute of Medicine and the FDA conclude that silicone, gel-filled implants do not cause major illnesses. This does not eliminate the possibility of a leak or rupture, however, should that happen, silicone gel is highly unlikely to be absorbed into surrounding tissue and can be removed in a straightforward manner. Possible complications include changed sensitivity in the breast and nipple, blood clotting and pooling, and hardening of the tissue surrounding the implant.  

Proposed revision:

At Cosmetic Surgery of Boston, we believe that the best decision is an informed decision.  We have learned through decades of experience that an informed patient is a confident patient; and confidence is key to achieving the best possible outcome.  

Here are a few of the questions most frequently asked by those considering plastic and cosmetic surgery.  

Is plastic surgery safe?

For the vast majority of cases, the answer is “Yes.”  It should be noted, however, that all plastic surgery -- regardless of procedure -- entails an element of risk.  And that is why your medical history, as well as a full assessment of your current state of health, is made prior to committing to surgery.  (All risks, no matter how remote, are fully explained prior to surgery.)

Is plastic surgery right for me?

When determining if plastic surgery is right for an individual, three things must be considered: their medical history and current state of health, motivation behind their decision, and desired outcome.  When you consult with a plastic surgeon at our Boston office, these factors are fully explored and your potential candidacy determined.  At times, a patient may believe a certain plastic surgery procedure is right for them, when in fact, there may be more appropriate alternatives available that do not require surgery at all.

Can several plastic surgery procedures be performed at the same time?

Depending upon the procedures in question, combining surgeries can actually save time and money, and may even provide your surgeon the opportunity to have the procedures "work in concert" with one other.  There are, however, several important variables that must be considered, with all such decisions made on a case-by-case basis.

Is age a factor when considering plastic or cosmetic surgery?

Generally speaking, age is not a factor in the qualification process.  However, since a potential candidate’s current state of health is always our principle consideration, it may be that certain procedures should be postponed until young patients reach full height and maturity.  If age is a factor, your doctor will advise you so during your initial consultation.

What takes place during my initial consultation?

During your first visit to our Boston office, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals and the physical changes you have in mind.  A complete medical history will be taken and your current state of health will be determined. The doctor will then explain procedure options, outline the potential risks, and if applicable, demonstrate a virtual “before and after" image through the use of photography and computer imaging.  During your visit, you will also be given ample opportunity to address any issues or concerns you may have.  As with any surgery, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form stating that you understand the procedure, inherent risks, and possible complications.

How long will it take to recover from my cosmetic surgery procedure?

Recovery times can vary, depending on the procedure and a number of individual factors.  Typically, bruising generally takes a few days to dissipate, while reduction of swelling may take up to a few weeks.  Rest and limited activity are critical to speeding the healing process and reducing recovery time.  Regardless of the procedure, however, it is very important to follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your doctor.  

Are breast implants safe?

The Institute of Medicine and the FDA recently concluded that silicone, gel-filled implants do not cause major illnesses.  While this does not eliminate the possibility of a leak or rupture, silicone gel is highly unlikely to be absorbed into surrounding tissue, and can be removed in a straightforward manner.  Possible complications incurred by silicone, gel-filled implants include changed sensitivity to the breast and nipple, blood clotting and pooling, and hardening of the tissue surrounding the implant.