Frequently Asked Questions about Aesthetic or Plastic Surgery
What is a plastic surgeon?
What organizations does Dr. Tumi belong to?
What is Aesthetic or Plastic Surgery?
What is the difference between aesthetic and reconstructive surgery?
Who is a good candidate for aesthetic (plastic) surgery?
Planning Your Surgery?
What is recovery from aesthetic or plastic surgery like and will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
When can I resume regular exercise?
What should I know about the safety of outpatient aesthetic or plastic surgery?
How can I be sure that my surgeon has adequate training?
How can I determine if my plastic surgeon’s surgical facility meets acceptable safety standards?
How can I be sure that the anesthesia care I receive in my plastic surgeon’s surgical facility is adequate?
What is a plastic surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is a surgical specialist who has completed a minimum of 5 years of study and training in surgery after receiving a medical degree. He or she is thus specifically qualified to practice reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. You may verify that your surgeon is a qualified specialist in plastic surgery by contacting the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, in Quebec, the Quebec Association of Specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, the Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Aesthetic) Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons will also be able to help you. Dr. Tumi is a qualified plastic surgeon.
The techniques employed in aesthetic surgery are derived from those used in reconstructive surgery. In fact, aesthetic surgery is an extension of reconstructive surgery. It requires competent surgical skill, a sense of harmony of the body parts and good aesthetic judgement on the part of the surgeon.
What organizations does Dr. Tumi belong to?
Dr. Tumi belongs to the following organizations:
What is Aesthetic (Plastic) Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. The art and science of plastic surgery also involves the enhancement of the appearance of a person through such operations as facelift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and liposuction.
What is the difference between aesthetic (plastic) and reconstructive surgery?
Aesthetic (Plastic) Surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Aesthetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations which may be reconstructive or aesthetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve aesthetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
Who is a good candidate for aesthetic (plastic) surgery?
People who have health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema, malnourished, severely depressed, obese and/or smokers are not generally good candidates for aesthetic surgery. All surgery has inherent risks, but if you have a health problem it makes it more likely there may be complications. If you are overweight your heart has extra stresses and surgery may not be advisable. If you smoke or drink heavily, you may not be a good candidate. Any and all health conditions should be discussed openly with your surgeon so they can help you make the most informed decision.
Smokers who do choose to have surgery must quit for at least 2 months prior to surgery and remain smoke-free until at least 2 months after surgery, for proper healing and recovery. Smokers have a higher rate of infection, skin separation, skin death, and anesthesia complications. One major study found that the risk of losing a significant area of skin (also called necrosis, or skin death) due to poor oxygen supply with a facelift is increased by 150% in active smokers.
Good candidates for aesthetic surgery are close to their ideal weight (within 30%), non-smokers, emotionally stable, with low stress, exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also wise to drink less than 5 ounces of alcohol a week and limit caffeine. It is important to have realistic expectations and not expect plastic surgery to change your life. A good candidate also accepts the disadvantages of plastic surgery (cost, inconvenience, discomfort, and medical risk). Recovery is much easier with a good support network. If you do not meet each criteria, it does not mean you won't be a good candidate for plastic surgery. If you meet none of them, it's more likely your doctor may want you to make some lifestyle changes before surgery.
It is important to let your doctor know your complete medical history including:
- medications as well as aspirin and vitamins
- hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement)
- herbal medications
These products can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications used during surgery and could increase your surgical risk.
Ask yourself:
Are your expectations realistic?
How will you handle unexpected results?
Do you feel fully informed about the risks (see General Risks & Complications) and the specific considerations for the procedure?
Do you have the time in your schedule for proper recovery time?
Can you afford the cost of plastic surgery?
Will the cost of the procedure add too much financial stress to your life?
Are you hiding your plans from friends and family? This can create added stress.
Are you having aesthetic surgery to please yourself or someone else?
Do you have a support network to help you during recovery?
Are you willing to ask for help?
Planning Your Surgery?
Planning of your aesthetic (plastic) surgery will usually require more than one visit, depending on the surgery. For example: Aesthetic Rhinoplasty may take up to three visits. The first visit is usually to discuss the concerns of the patient, a review of the patient's medical history and an assessment of the concern. Photos may be taken at this time. The second visit is to schedule and finalize the plan with the patient. The last visit may be to be sure the patient understands what is involved with the surgery and to give written information to the patient for preparation for and self care after the surgery.
What is recovery from aesthetic (plastic) surgery like and will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial aesthetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles, such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation, have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.
- Eyelid Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with makeup could return to work in 5-7 days.
- Facelift Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
- Breast Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work in 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
- Liposuction - Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to a C-section. One can return to a desk job in 5-7 days, other jobs in 10-14 days.
When can I resume regular exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second post-operative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed after 1 month in most cases.
What should I know about the safety of outpatient aesthetic (plastic) surgery?
When considering plastic surgery, it’s natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, to be fully informed, it’s important to learn about the safety of the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. To maximize safety ensure that:
- Your surgeon is adequately trained and is board certified;
- The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards;
- Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history, especially if you have had any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots;
- The surgical facility will use skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure;
- Extra safety measures are taken if you are having a more extensive liposuction procedure.
How can I be sure that my surgeon has adequate training?
Good credentials can’t guarantee a successful outcome but they can significantly increase the likelihood of it. Patients are advised to find a doctor who is certified by the Canadian Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Tumi holds memberships with the The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, and The Canadian Medical Association.
How can I determine if my plastic surgeon’s surgical facility meets acceptable safety standards?
Dr. Tumi performs his procedures at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario.
How can I be sure that the anesthesia care I receive in my plastic surgeon’s surgical facility is adequate?
Any planned anesthesia should be administered by skilled, licensed personnel acting under the direction of an anesthesiologist or the operating surgeon.
Before any type of anesthesia is used, the surgeon or anesthetist must take a full medical history. A physical examination and appropriate lab tests may also be performed. Your surgeon needs to know if you have any serious medical problems or have had previous adverse reaction to any other type of anesthesia. Also, you must let the anesthetist know about any medications you are taking (including herbal supplements), any known drug allergies, when you last ate and whether you smoke cigarettes or use alcohol or illegal drugs.
You should be assured that you will receive individual monitoring by skilled, licensed personnel before, during and after the procedure. Staff who are familiar with the warning signs of cardiac or respiratory distress and are trained in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) should be on hand to monitor your procedure and recovery following your surgery.
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