Plastic Surgery

1. How do I decide whether I need a plastic surgery procedure?

The first step is to decide exactly what it is about you and your body (or appearance) that you would like to improve or change. Be specific – if you know where you would like to go, it is much easier to get there. People sign up for plastic surgical procedures for many reasons – to look younger, to change an undesirable feature or to feel confident about oneself. The decision is personal. Remember that plastic surgery will not, by itself, change your personality. But it may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being. If you are undecided, I recommend you think about your expectations carefully, make sure that you are in good health and have good self-esteem, understand the risks of the procedure you are considering signing up for, and, most importantly, are considering taking up the procedure for yourself rather than to please someone else.

2. is plastic surgery expensive?

Like any other medical treatment, the costs involved in a plastic surgical procedure depend on many factors: the expectations of the client, the intricacies of the procedure, etcetera. It is best to ask this question during your consultation, since by then the doctor would have a fair idea of your expectations. In some cases, your doctor would be able to suggest alternative, lower-cost treatments which may enable you to achieve results similar to the results offered by the procedure you wish to take up.

3. I want a procedure, but I can’t afford to spend tons of money. Do I have other options?

Yes. You can look for a less expensive procedure (assuming that it meets your criteria for results). This is usually possible. First, decide what it is that you really want to change. Let’s consider an example of a person desirous of a facelift. If it is the neck and jaw line, several very effective, much less expensive procedures are available. For example, liposuction of the lower face with neck tightening can produce excellent results for at least 60% less. Minimal incision facelifts are available for much less (50% or more), but you will need to search for them. If the skin is your concern, ask about laser resurfacing or facial peels as alternatives. A blepharoplasty (removal of excess eyelid skin) can often provide a definite lift to the upper face. Rigorous daily skincare combined with mild to moderate facial chemical peels can often give nice results. Remember, you can have the rejuvenation in stages, with less recovery time and less expense.

4. Are plastic surgery procedures painful?

All surgery carries with it a different degree of pain and discomfort. However, depending on the procedure, your surgeon would generally involve an anesthetic – either local or general – which should block out the pain during the procedure. Post-procedure, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medicines to minimize discomfort.

5. What are the risks involved in plastic surgery procedures?

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. While thousands of plastic surgeries are performed successfully each year, there are always risks associated with surgery – infection, bleeding, scarring, and anaesthesia adverse reactions. However, the risks are substantially mitigated when the surgery is done by a qualified plastic surgeon. Also, certain personal habits – such as smoking – may have an effect on the risk of complications.

6. I want cosmetic surgery, but I’m afraid, I hear so many horror stories.

You must be proactive in specifying your wants, needs, and preferences. Most horror stories are caused by a combination of general anesthesia, poor judgment, excessive surgery, and ignorance. Think: are you willing to accept 70% improvement using a very safe procedure, rather than “trying for” an 80% improvement with a procedure that is, statistically, up to 10,000 times more dangerous? Are you willing to experience some mild discomfort during the surgery (rather than being asleep) to be up to 10,000 times safer, assuming that both procedures result in similar improvement? These are not exaggerations, although most surgeons do not discuss things this way. Amazingly, the safer procedures are almost always less expensive.

7. How long will the results of cosmetic surgery last?

Well, it depends on many things – if you do not smoke, avoid direct sun exposure, eat well, exercise, maintain your general health, and limit alcohol use. If so, then count about 6-10 years. Change is gradual, and in 6-10 years, you are 6-10 years “ahead” of those who did not have cosmetic surgery or that much better than you might have been without the surgery. For liposuction, the fat cells removed with liposuction are gone forever, but if you continue to gain weight, the remaining cells will expand, and be noticeable

8. What should I consider before signing up for a procedure?

Make sure you are psychologically and physically fit for your procedure. Equally important for you is to select the right surgeon and the operating facility. Check if the surgeon has the appropriate academic and professional credentials and is board-certified for the procedure. Also, understand the kind of training the surgeon has had in the specific procedure you’re considering and the number of clients on which your surgeon has performed the procedure. Apart from a clean and hygienic ambiance, your operating facility should have emergency facilities – check for backup generators, 24-hour staff on call, an ICU, provision for central oxygen and nitrous, state-of-the-art anesthesia facilities, ventilators, laminar airflow in the OT (which filters air particles greater than 3 microns, minimizing the risk of infections), central monitors, an in-house pathology laboratory, etc.

9. I have decided to take up a procedure / I need more information. What do I do next?

Please get in touch with us at CPLSS on 022-61178888 / +919833807002 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Viral Desai. Depending on your specific expectations, you may be required to provide certain details over the phone or via email before your appointment. During your consultation, Dr. Viral Desai will understand your needs, answer your questions, and will advise you on the procedures available to you to fulfill your expectations.