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What is plastic surgery?
o
The
word "plastic" derives from the Greek
plastikos meaning to mould or to shape.
Plastic surgery was originally devoted to the
reconstruction of facial and body defects due to
birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. The
art and science of plastic surgery has evolved
over the last 50 years to the enhancement of the
appearance of a person through such operations
as facelift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation,
and liposuction. Educating a plastic surgeon is
still firmly based in both reconstruction and
cosmetic surgery, providing a broad knowledge
base to allow for multiple approaches to any
single problem.
Why choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of
the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)?
o
An
ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following
requirements:
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Has at
least five years of surgical training and a
minimum of two years of plastic surgery
training.
o
Is
board-certified by The American Board of Plastic
Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada.
o
Is
trained and experienced in all plastic surgery
procedures, including breast, body, face and
reconstruction.
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Is
peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards
prior to attaining the honor of active
membership.
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Only operates in accredited facilities.
Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon
certified by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery?
o
Many
physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will
claim board certification, but it is important
to clarify which board. The American Board of
Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board
of Medical Specialties and has been in existence
since 1937. Certification by this board
signifies that the surgeon has completed an
approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a
comprehensive written examination, and has
passed an oral examination. Following this, he
or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions,
continuing medical education and written
examinations. This rigorous process ensures
that those who identify themselves as a diplomat
of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are
held to the highest standards of patient safety,
patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.
How long is the initial consultation?
o
About
1 hour. If more time is needed, you may be
asked to return for a second visit at no charge
so that other patients are not kept waiting.
How long will I have to wait to have surgery?
o
Most
surgeries can be scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks
of your consultation.
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
o
Anyone
who chooses to undergo plastic surgery must be
in good health to minimize the risks of
surgery. Just as important is choosing the
correct operation to achieve your goal, and that
takes open communication between the surgeon and
the patient.
Is it necessary to take pictures before my
surgery?
o
Plastic surgery is a visual specialty that
requires proper planning. Photographs are a
very important part of this process. They are
also very helpful to provide comparison after
surgery, allowing the surgeon to review his or
her
technique and results. Selected patients’
before and after photos are also used to provide
examples of the anticipated results. These
photographs are maintained in the office and
will not be published on the internet. If a
patient refuses photographs, this will in no way
impact the care provided.
Why are there no before and after pictures on
this website?
o
Patients come in all shapes and sizes. Posting
photographs of only ideal patient results may
lead to unrealistic expectations. Following
your consultation visit, Dr. Houser can provide
photos of patients with your characteristics so
that similarities and differences may be
addressed.
What are the risks involved with my procedure?
o
Every
procedure comes with its own specific risks and
outcomes. These may involve swelling or wound
healing issues. It is the surgeon’s
responsibility to design a safe, low risk,
highly effective surgery for you. It is the
patient’s responsibility to follow the post-operative instructions, avoid smoking and limit
vigorous activities immediately after surgery.
Dr. Houser will discuss all of the common risks
associated with your procedure either at the
time of the initial consultation or during your
pre-operative visit.
How much will my surgery cost?
o
Although some procedures have relatively routine
fees, each person’s individual situation needs
to be considered after a thorough examination
and review of goals and expectations. Quotes
are given either on the day of the consultation
or will be mailed in a timely manner. Fees for
cosmetic surgery are expected to be paid in full
2 weeks prior to surgery. Patient financing
through approved programs are available if
needed.
Will my surgery be painful?
o
Some
degree of discomfort is to be expected after
surgery. Techniques employed by Dr. Houser will
reduce the degree of discomfort that you will
experience, but pain medication will be
prescribed as well.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
o
Most
procedures can be performed either with local
anesthetic and IV sedation (twilight sedation)
or with regional anesthesia (epidural
catheter). These are available in our surgical
suite. Procedures requiring general anesthesia
or overnight stays in the hospital are performed
at St. Ann’s Hospital.
What kinds of stitches are used?
o
Body
contouring procedures generally use absorbable
sutures that are placed under the skin and do
not need to be removed. Facial procedures may
use non-absorbable sutures that will be removed
the week following your surgery. Surgical
staples are rarely used.
Will I need a ride home after surgery?
o
Any
surgery requiring sedation or general anesthesia
will require a ride home after surgery.
Will someone need to stay with me after surgery?
o
For
any surgery requiring sedation or general
anesthesia, it is important that someone stay
with you during the first 24 hours to ensure
that there are no untoward effects of the
anesthesia.
When will I be able to shower?
o
In
most cases, showers are okay after the first 24
to 48 hours following surgery. It is important
not to soak incisions right after surgery, but
water flowing over the incisions is fine.
Luke-warm water will reduce the chance of
fainting or bleeding. If you don’t have a
shower seat, you may want to put a lawn chair in
your shower so you can sit if needed.
How many postoperative visits will be required?
o
The
first visit after surgery is within the first
week. If everything is progressing normally,
then visits would be at 1 and 3 months after
surgery. Longer follow ups are requested for
some procedures (such as breast implants,
rhinoplasty and facial surgery) that require
longer periods for healing.
What will be expected of
me to get optimal results?
o
Eat a
healthy diet, maintain a low stable weight,
avoid excessive exposure to the sun and stop
smoking. Smoking cessation is absolutely
paramount in avoiding complications with plastic
surgery and should be done at least 4 to 6 weeks
prior to surgery. If you need help with
quitting, either discuss this with Dr. Houser or
contact your family physician. You can get more
information at
www.smokefree.org.
How long is the recovery
period, and what kind of help will I need during
my recovery?
o
Most
procedures require only 1 or 2 weeks of recovery
before it is safe to resume normal activities,
some only a few days. For extensive body
contouring procedures, people may need some help
with daily activities for a few days after
surgery. For families with young children, it
is important to plan for assistance because
heavy lifting is to be strictly avoided for 2
weeks after surgery to prevent bleeding. We can
provide a list of care facilities that cater to
the needs of cosmetic patients recovering from
surgery.
Will I need to take time off work? If so, how
long?
o
Depending on the type of employment, 1 to 2
weeks off is generally sufficient. For many
procedures, recovery over a weekend may be
enough.
What can I do to get rid
of stretch marks?
o
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for stretch
marks. A stretch mark is skin that has
literally been ripped beyond its ability to snap
back. This means that it is a scar. Although
scars may fade with time, the change in the
texture of the skin will not change. When
stretch marks occur on the lower part of the
abdomen or breast, they may be removed at the
time of a tummy tuck or breast lift, but that
requires excision of skin and subsequent scars.
These scars, however, are positioned to be less
conspicuous and will again fade with time.
Is there a service that provides affordable
post-op care & transportation after my plastic
surgery in Columbus?
Yes! Dr. Houser has made special
arrangements with the only plastic surgery
recovery spa in Columbus, Ohio. Nestled in an
upscale, downtown hotel, this
service provides private transportation, pre-op
accommodations and post-op recovery care while
maintaining your complete confidentiality at all
times. Whether you are recovering from a Tummy
Tuck, Breast Augmentation or Facelift Surgery in
Columbus, Ohio, Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Suites
provides a completely luxurious recovery. Enjoy
all the amenities of a beautiful hotel,
continuous pampering, spa services and healthy
meals, all with the peace of mind that
knowledgeable medical professional are
monitoring you closely and tending to your every
need. For more on recovery care after plastic
surgery in Columbus, Ohio, visit
www.cosmeticsurgeryrecoverysuites.com
or call
614.580.9395 today!
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