It is common to have many questions about plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Our staff at Shah Plastic Surgery is here to answer your questions and address your concerns about specific plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures.
Mentioned below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Please remember that Dr. Shah is able to answer questions and elaborate based on his evaluation of your goals.
Plastic surgery can be divided into 2 categories: Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is performed to improve appearance and self-esteem by reshaping normal structures of the body. It is usually not covered by health insurance as it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function or approximate a normal appearance by improving an abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is usually covered by most health insurance policies.
Please call or text 212-203-1020 or email contact@shahplasticsurgerynyc.com or submit “Contact Us” form to schedule an appointment. Texting or email is the best way to communicate directly with Dr. Shah before and after the surgery.
Most surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis in an office-based surgery center. Dr. Shah has active privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY; Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital (MEETH), New York, NY; and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, New York, NY (NYEEI). If emergency hospitalization becomes necessary, you can be admitted to any facilities where Dr. Shah has privileges.
One way to gauge the overall quality of the center is to determine whether it is certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation in Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), which accredits nearly 16,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States – everything from hospitals to outpatient surgery facilities. Other accrediting organizations include the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Mild to moderate pain is expected from each cosmetic or aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah will prescribe you appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial surgeries have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is little bit more uncomfortable. Abdominoplasty or breast augmentation which requires tightening or elevation of the muscles will cause more discomfort. Swelling is expected from each surgery. Final results of your surgery are expected at 6-9 months when all swelling resolves. Sometimes, it can take up to 1 year. Avoid heavy lifting greater than 5 pounds for 3-4 weeks. Avoid soaking of incision in bath-tub or swimming pool for 3-4 weeks. Patients can take shower in 2-3 days. Dr. Shah will provide instructions specific to each surgery.
Safety comes first. No surgical procedure is risk-free. It is very important to learn about the safety of the plastic surgery procedure, as well as the expected outcome.
To maximize your safety, ensure the following:
- Your physician is board eligible or board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other appropriate medical board. To verify a surgeon’s certification status, contact either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Medical Specialties. Please be cautious of medical professionals claiming to be board certified even though they are not.
- Your physician should have privileges in an acute care hospital. No surgical procedure is risk-free. If any complications happen, it is important that your plastic surgeon has admitting privileges in a nearby acute care hospital.
- The surgical facility should be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation in Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
- The surgical facility uses skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure.
Patient has to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician within 30 days prior to surgery. It entails complete history and physical, blood tests based on the age, and EKG. Dr. Shah reviews each medical clearance to make sure patient is fit to proceed with surgery.
There are risks associated with any surgical procedures. Find out what they are, how often they occur and how they will be handled if they do occur. If the doctor does not openly discuss the risks or admit that there are always risks, seek another opinion.
Yes, many financing options are available. Please call 212-203-1020 to discuss payment options including CareCredit, Greensky Patient Solutions, etc.
Yes. Depending upon what the procedure, it might make sense to sleep in a reclining (not horizontal) position for one week following surgery to minimize the collection of fluid in the face and eyelids.
Follow the instructions you will be given about making and administering your cold and warm compresses. These will not only reduce bruising and swelling, but they will also maximize and promote healing.
