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All Categories | Plastic Surgery | Head & Face | Breasts | Skin | Body |
How long does it take to become a plastic surgeon?There are several "avenues" to becoming a plastic surgeon but in general, it will take 6 to 8 years of training after medical school to become a real plastic surgeon.
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Can all plastic surgeons perform surgery? All plastic surgeons that finish from an accredited plastic surgery program are trained to perform all aspects of non-surgical and surgical procedures. If your doctor is listed on the BuildMyBod® site, they are a plastic surgeon that has finished an accredited program.
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Why is plastic surgery called "plastic" surgery? Plastic is derived from a Greek word that means, "to mold." Plastic surgery "molds" a body back to it appropriate shape or function but does not necessarily involve plastic!
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Why do people have plastic surgery? Plastic surgery is performed to return a patient’s body to its original function, as in reconstructive surgery or to a more aesthetic ideal of what they want their body to be, as in cosmetic surgery.
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Is Plastic Surgery or Cosmetic Surgery affordable? Depending on your idea of affordable, plastic surgery can be affordable. Statistically speaking, most patients undergoing plastic surgery make under $90,000 per year. If you can not afford plastic surgery, there are non-surgical plastic surgery procedures that may be right for you. To check pricing on procedures, you're in the right place! Click here to be taken to the pricing section of the BuildMyBod® site.
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Is all plastic surgery expensive?The price will vary amogst doctors, but most none surgical procedures offered by your plastic surgeon are under procedures are under $500.
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Is it okay for children to have plastic surgery? For reconstructive purposes, plastic surgery is frequently used for children.
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Do plastic surgeons have life-saving equipment and monitoring devices where they perform surgery in case of an emergency?Yes. Every plastic surgeon has life saving equipment nearby in the facility where they perform procedures in the event of an emergency.
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Are all plastic surgeons doctors?All plastic surgeons have either an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathy).
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Are plastic surgeons also dermatologists?No, dermatologists undergo a training program in dermatology after medical school whereas plastic surgeons undergo a training program in plastic surgery after medical school. But they are all doctors.
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What qualifies one plastic surgeon from another? How do pick the best plastic surgeon for me?All plastic surgeons on the BuildMyBod® site have completed an accredited plastic surgery program so the best way to pick a plastic surgeon is based on word of mouth and meeting with them personally to determine if they understand your concerns and can show you results from other procedures they have performed.
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What procedures have complications for someone that is overweight?Anyone that is overweight has a higher risk of wound healing problems after any procedure but most of these can be treated with wound care without a return to the operating room.
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What's the difference between Plastic Surgeon performing my cosmetic procedure and a dentist?Dentists have no formal training in cosmetic procedures performed on areas outside of the mouth.
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What are the different types of anesthesia used and what is the difference between them?The three main types of anesthesia are local anesthesia, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is when medication is injected directly into the area of surgery and the patient is awake. Conscious sedation is when medication is given through an IV and the patient breathes on their own during the procedure but is sedated during the procedure. Local anesthesia is typically used at the same time with conscious sedation is used. General anesthesia is when a patient is completely "out" and a machine is used to breathe for them.
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Can there be complications with plastic surgery? There are potential complications with any surgical or non-surgical procedure. However, because of their extensive training, your plastic surgeon will be there to help you through any complications that may arise.
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Who administers anesthesia?An anesthesiologist (a doctor) or an anesthetist (a nurse with advanced training) can administer anesthesia.
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Will I need stitches? (Are there alternatives to stitches?)Some procedures need stitches and others may only need tape or glue. Your doctor can tell you ahead of time which you should expect from your procedure.
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What kinds of stitches are available?There are stitches that will absorb and not need to be removed. Others will not dissolve and will be removed within days to weeks of your procedure.
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Is my procedure covered by insurance?If your procedure is being performed for medical reasons or to restore your body to it's original function, insurance may cover it. If your procedure is only for aesthetic purposes, insurance will not cover the procedure or any complications from that procedure. If you are having a cosmetic procedure, specific cosmetic insurance can be purchased to cover any complications within 30 days of your procedure if they arise.
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What does a doctor do if something goes wrong?If you have a complication, your plastic surgeon has the extensive training necessary to help you or connect you with a colleague that can counsel and help you through the healing process.
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If I need to be admitted to the hospital, will my insurance cover this?If you have a cosmetic procedure and need to be admitted to the hospital for a complication, it will be covered if you purchased cosmetic insurance before your cosmetic procedure. Ask your doctor if they offer cosmetic insurance.
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What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?Plastic surgery is performed to return a patient's body to its original function, as in reconstructive surgery or to a more aesthetic ideal of what they want their body to be, as in cosmetic surgery.
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How can I finance my procedure?There are several companies out there that will finance plastic surgery. Ask your doctor which finance program they use.
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How many staff members (nurses, techs, doctors) will be involved in my surgery?Typically, the only members required to perform you surgical procedure are the plastic surgeon, anesthetist or anesthesiologist, the nurse in the operating room and the scrub tech (the person that hands surgical instruments to the surgeon).
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I live out of town. Do Doctors do consultations over phone or email? If I have the surgery, how many days should I expect to need to stay in town? Will I need someone with me to help?Some doctors will perform initial consultations via email, phone or internet, but eventually, they will need to see you preoperatively to discuss risks, benefits, expectations and obtain preoperative photos.
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Is plastic surgery outpatient or inpatient?Depending on the extent of your procedure, you will either go home the day of the procedure or after an overnight stay in the facility where you had surgery.
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Breast Reduction
Of the procedures typically listed on BuildMyBod, which are occasionally paid for by health insurance companies, and why?Breast reductions can be covered by insurance if they cause back and shoulder pain. And eyelid lifts, or blepharoplasty, can be covered if an ophthalmologist states that your heavy eyelids are affecting your vision.
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Since when is a Chiropractor (DO, Doctor of Osteopathy) able to perform Plastic Surgery? Believe it or not, there are no laws that specify which types of doctors can perform specific procedures. These determinations are left to the hospitals, surgery centers and the doctor's conscience. It's the patient's responsibility to do their homework and find a board certified plastic surgeon by going to www.buildmybod.com
For the record, a chiropractor and a DO are not the same thing. A DO can be a plastic surgeon whereas a chiropractor can not.
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Is Plastic Surgery Affordable? That question is so open to interpretation. What type of Plastic Surgery is the person interested in?Correct. It is in the eye of the beholder. The important thing to recognize is that there are many costs involved in cosmetic surgery and fewer costs involved in cosmetic medicine. For surgery, the costs include the surgeons fee, OR fees, implants etc. BuildMyBod provides all of these costs from participating plastic surgoens. As for cosmetic medicine, like injectibles, there are fewer separate costs. These too can be found at buildmybod.com.
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Tummy Tuck
Should I quit smoking a couple of weeks before the procedure?You MUST avoid any nicotine (smoking, Nicorette gum, patches, etc), chewing tobacco and "dip" at least 2 weeks before and after surgery to give your body the best chance for healing. |
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Skin Resurfacing
I have some moles on my face I would like removed. I have a few on my back as well but those are not as bad since no one sees those. I don't have a lot of money. I would be paying in cash, so I would like the simplest procedure possible. I don't want to be tested for cancer or anything like that. I simply want some moles removed from my face.Thanks for your question. Moles can be removed from the face under local anesthesia in the office at an affordable cost. While you do save money by not sending moles for pathological evaluation, it's important you understand the possibility of missing a cancer diagnosis. Please contact any of the doctors within the BuildMyBod network to schedule a consultation.
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Upper / Lower Lid Lift
I'd like a total body makeover at one time, with an extended recovery at an aftercare medical staffed facility. I'm 54, with minimal wrinkles and overweight @ 190 lbs., DDD. I am willing to travel within the US for an all inclusive reputable center.Thanks for your inquiry. There are many reputable aftercare facilities for your recovery or you can choose the comfort of a hotel with a private nurse. Please contact our doctors within the BuildMyBod Health network by going to www.buildmybod.com/pricing and directly contacting a doctor in your city of preference. |
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Selfie Makeover
Hi. I absolutely HATE the way my face looks. My whole right side of my face is higher than my left. I only take pictures from my left side. I wont take pictures from my right side nor will I ever take pictures face forward. This is a huge issue for me. I feel so ugly and awkward. I feel like everyone can notice it. I attached a photo so you can see what I am talking about. What type of surgery would you recommend? One of my eyes is way bigger than the other too... and my nose is crooked... I'm just so self conscious and I feel very ugly. I need guidance. Nothing is ever as bad as you think...especially your appearance. Surgery is usually not the best first option. Before committing to anything, contact a doctor you trust and bring a friend to the consultation. This will be very helpful. |
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Tummy Tuck
Would it be possible to pay in cash for half the procedure and then finance the rest? I'm looking to do lipo to my entire back waist and flanks then a tummy tuck. Yes, that's actually what many patients do. If you go through the process of submitting a wishlist to check pricing on BuildMyBod.com, on the page where you see your estimated cost, there's a button to get financing through CareCredit. Additionally, you can contact your doctor's office and they will let you know what other financing options they have available. This is a very common route that many patients take. Best of luck.
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Arm Lift
Hey do u guys do payment plans?Most physicians do offer payment plans. After submitting a "wishlist," you will have the option of applying for financing. If you have more specific questions as to what financing plans each doctor offers, please contact them directly. Thanks for your question. |
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Brazilian Butt Lift
I have abscess/boil scars on my butt ,is there a procedure for scar removalYou can remove the scar to improve the appearance but you will still have a scar, albeit and better looking one. So you have to weigh the pros and cons of correcting. |
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Brazilian Butt Lift
If I have cancer am I allowed to have plastic surgery ? I want a mommy makeover ... Bbl, tummy tuck, and breast lift with implants. If you have active cancer, then you should hold off on cosmetic surgery for now. If you had cancer and are in remission, you can talk about the specifics with your plastic surgeon and your doctor that is following you for your history of cancer. |
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Breast Reduction
Im getting a breast reduction surgery next week and i just found out that you need to have all piercings out. I got a cartilage ear piercing last year that has been stuck ever since and hurts if i try to take it out. Is there any chance my surgeon will take it out for me with either local anesthetic right before the surgery or while im under general anesthesia?Ultimately you'll have to ask them if they'll take them out under local but the reason they want all piercings out is because of a perceived risk of burns from the piercings when using electrocautery on the body. However, there's no evidence this will result in a burn because they apply a grounding pad to your body to avoid the risk of burn or electrocution by allowing the electrical current to dissipate through the grounding pad. |