Is Plastic Surgery Right for Me?
Dr. Joe Smith Chicago Cosmetic Surgeons, understands that deciding to undergo plastic surgery is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your mental and physical well being.
That is why it is important to take the time to find a good board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure. Our goal is to deliver a safe and inspiring experience at our Chicago medical office.
Here are some things to look for before you find a cosmetic surgeon in your local area.
Considering undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure could be one of the most important decisions that you could make. So selecting the very best plastic surgery team is critical.
It makes all the difference between a successful and unsuccessful cosmetic procedure. So, it is good to know some very important factors that define quality cosmetic surgery clinics and how to find the best clinics for your specific needs.
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons
As you probably already know, there are literally thousands of cosmetic surgeons around the country. But you can find a top cosmetic surgeon where you live.
The first thing you should look for is a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Then you can be sure that your surgeon will meet specific qualification standards put in place by these medical boards.
What a “Board Certified” Surgeon Guarantees:
When you choose amongst the Top plastic surgery teams in your area, ensure that they are board certified. It is reassuring that your surgeon meets all of the strict criteria in order to be board certified.
First, they must have at least five years in surgical training, along with a minimum of two years in cosmetic surgery. They’re will be trained and experienced in all forms of cosmetic surgery, from breast augmentation to facial and reconstruction surgery.
They will operate under accredited medical facilities that would have undergone strict inspections. They will have an exacting code of ethics, and they also have to meet continuing education standards, that includes patient safety innovations and improving standards.
What’s Most Important to You?
For example, experience might be top on your list, what they charge is important, their reputation or if they offer financing and payment plans could be a key to your choice.
Look for before and after pictures of their results, and it is important that they offer prior patients as references for their services. Finding a top cosmetic surgeon is extremely important for your health and well being, so follow these tips to find the best Chicago cosmetic surgeons in your local area.
(Note: It’s important to note that most health insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic surgery or any complications from surgery. Remember to check with your medical professional for more information on any cosmetic or cosmetic surgery procedures.)
10 Most Common Cosmetic Procedures
Liposuction – Liposuction is a well known type of cosmetic surgery that targets fat deposits under the skin. The most common areas of this type of procedure are the stomach, thighs, buttock, neck and face.
The surgeon uses a tiny instrument called a “cannula” to literally suck fat out of the body and re-contour it. If you choose liposuction, you should be able to return to work after one to two weeks, at the advice of your cosmetic surgeon.
Breast Enhancement - More than 350,000 women undergo breast enhancement surgery every year in the US.
While silicone implants were once banned, they are now quite popular, especially because they have a more natural feel than saline implants.
Women undergo surgery to enlarge breasts, but there are also other reasons for the surgery, including breasts that are unequal in size, or due to removal of a breast.
Most cosmetic surgeons recommends that patients return to regular activities after one to two weeks, but athletic activities may have to wait a bit longer.
Eye Lid Surgery – This surgery is better known as “Blepharoplasty”. It can correct vision in patients who have drooping eye lids, but it can also reduce puffiness, wrinkling, and bags under the eyes.
Patients usually recover in about 10 days, but some swelling can be noticeable for months.
Tummy Tuck - This is also know as “Abdominoplasty”. There are two types of tummy tucks, the mini tuck, and the full tuck. The mini tuck specifically targets the lower abdomen area, while the full tuck targets the whole abdomen, and will leave a larger scar.
The tummy tuck is especially helpful for women after pregnancy, or after a dramatic loss in weight. Recovery usually takes about two to three weeks, but your physical activity may be limited for a much longer amount of time.
Breast Reduction – The breast reduction surgery is one of the few cosmetic surgery options that insurance company’s may pay for, because it it is know to improve many areas of a woman’s health. It reduces back pain and helps with posture. Recovery time is approximately about two weeks.
Nose Job – This surgery type of surgery is called “Rhinoplasty”. This is a cosmetic procedure reshapes the nose. But it can also help with breathing problems for conditions such as sleep apnea and deviated septums. There will be bruises in the facial area after surgery, but patients should be able to return to work in about 10 days.
Facelift - A facelift is known medically as a “Rhytidectomy”. Facelifts at one time used to be the most common of cosmetic surgery procedures.
The most common reason patients had for undergoing a facelift is that it helped fight wrinkles and sagging that came with aging.
Usually, patients can go back to work after two weeks. Breast Lift – A breast lift will also helps combat the signs of aging. But patients who have lost a lot of weight could also have this type of surgery. Patients probably will be able to go back to work within two weeks.
Forehead Lift - This surgery targets wrinkles and sagging in the forehead and between the eyebrows and most people can get back to work after about 10 days.
Male Breast Reduction – This surgery for men is know as “Gynecomastia”. This is surgical procedure reduces large amounts of male breast tissue that causes large breasts in men and it can be a permanent solution to the problem. Most men can go back to work within about a week.
What to Expect Before and After Cosmetic Surgery
If the decision has been made to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s best to be prepared on what to expect both before and after cosmetic surgery. While the majority of these procedures are strictly cosmetic surgeries, there are those who must undergo these procedures to repair damage from burns, accidents, or other trauma. Understanding what will be done, and how the post-operative period will help you with all phases of the surgery.
Before cosmetic surgery:
Prior to the surgical procedure: There should be several consultations with your surgeon, in order to discuss what will happen, and the actual details of the procedure. Tests will be conducted to make sure all aspects of your medical history are addressed.
Photos will be taken: This provides a record of the patient’s appearance before and after the surgery. Photos are the best effective way to learn
if the surgery was successful and it provides the surgeon with references for future clients regarding his or her skills. In the case that something goes wrong, the photos are also legal documentation of any complications that are available for you.
During the pre-operation period: The surgeon will administer the proper medications, post-operative treatment, and any other considerations in preparing you for the surgery.
Payment arrangements: This includes the down payment or co-payments. What kind of costs that you will incur all depends on the type of insurance coverage or contract that you have signed with the surgeon.
After Cosmetic Surgery:
During the pre-surgery: Comprehensive post-operative care and procedure plan should have been developed. While the details of this care will vary from patient to patient and you must understand there are some basic components to every cosmetic surgery regardless of the surgeon.
After the surgery: There will be a period for healing, the recovery from the cosmetic surgery can take weeks and sometimes months, which obviously depends on the extent of the procedure or procedures.
There will medications and maintenance recommendations, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the surgery or to enhance its quality.
Expect more expenses: As there is maintenance that must still be addressed. Also, further payment on the remaining surgery balance is expected. Additionally, if the patient is restricted from work, finances must be in place to handle this loss of income.
Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery: Recovery time will vary from days to weeks, perhaps even months. Be sure that you have scheduled some time to heal and that you have someone to assist you in the first few days after your procedure.
Allow for making emotional adjustments: While minor changes like eyelid lifts and chemical peels do not typically require an extensive period of emotional adjustment, a dramatic facial or body change may. You will be given counseling before and after cosmetic surgery to help with adjusting to the new look.
The Cost of Cosmetic Surgery
Everyone knows the cost of cosmetic surgery can be high. However, while most consider it a luxury item, prices can vary greatly, depending on the type of procedure you’re considering, and the area where you live. Usually, the costs include your surgeon’s fee, a fee for the anesthesia, a fee for the surgical room, and any materials that the doctors use in your surgery, such as implants.
Our costs at Chicago Plastic Surgeons is listed below but you need to understand that costs will vary around the nation, so check with the
surgeons in your area to see how our costs compare. The American Society national averages from the Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery (ASAPS).
- Tummy Tuck $5,365
- Eyelid Surgery $2,778
- Silicone Implants $3,843
- Facelift $6,881
- Hair Transplantation $5,226
- Liposuction $2,803
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) $4,495
Your total cost includes the surgery room, anesthesia, and the costs from the ASAPS only cover the surgeon’s fees only. However, you may find that costs are much lower or higher in your local area, because these costs represent only the averages. It can be beneficial to have several cosmetic procedures done at once, since you’ll save on anesthesia and other costs.
For example: At it could cost $2,803 to have liposuction on only one area of the body, but it could cost as little as $4,870 for three different areas of your body. In addition, the costs depend on the area of the body.
Liposuction of the abdomen costs about twice as much as liposuction on your thighs. There’s another cost that you must consider before you undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure.
It is also important that you factor in the cost of your recovery. You will miss at some workdays, and there could be additional costs if there are complications from your surgery. This is the reality of having cosmetic procedures.
The cost of anesthesia is anywhere between $1,300 and $1,600 and the surgery fee from between $650 and $2,400, depending on the surgery.
Most of the remaining fee is the surgeons fee. In some cases, fees don’t apply, such as in cosmetic hair removal, where there is no need for anesthesia. Make sure you ask your doctor just what is included in the cost of cosmetic surgery, and what isn’t included.
In order to stay competitive in the cosmetic surgery market, most surgeons offer payment and financing plans. So make sure you ask them about their payment plans and financing, too.
Dr. Joe Smith and his experienced team of board certified plastic surgeons hope we have provide you with information that will help you to make the best decisions for your cosmetic procedure.
Our board certified cosmetic surgeons are available to provide you with the best care and specialized surgical procedures that gives you the results that you are looking for.
Call Us Today for an appointment:
Sincerely,
Joe Smith, MD