Things you need to know about your Plastic Surgeron

You can have your frown lines treated with injections at the dentist, gynecologist, internist, spa, salon, and at your friend’s house.  Why are all these medical specialists offering anti-aging treatments? They all want a part of the lucrative cosmetic surgery business.

The first thing you need to know before you have an injection is what is the doctor’s experience and credentials. Most specialists in cosmetic procedures complete a residency in plastic surgery or dermatology; do you really want a part time injector treating your face?

There is no such thing as a lunch time facelift that involves surgery. Many modern short scar facelifts can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. Most procedures last 2 to 3 hours long and no one returns to work after surgery. You have postoperative pain that is controlled with medication and swelling and bruising. Some patients can return to work in a week but most will take two to three weeks to recover. Liquid facelifts are injections that fill depressions but do very modest lifting.

Bargains in cosmetic surgery are unwise. Social medial and internet sites advertise cheap Botox@ treatments and bargain prices on surgery. It is important to remember that no two surgeons are alike in their expertise and experience. Complication is cosmetic surgery can leave permanent scars or impact your long term health. The cost to correct a problem is often more than the original surgery. If you travel for inexpensive surgery remember to factor in the cost of travel and the time away from home. Also consider what would be the additional cost of travel if you have complications from surgery and need to return to the doctor. There are many stories of disaster with cosmetic surgery performed over the border.

Every evening on the news the latest and “greatest” advances in cosmetic surgery are vetted and by morning my office is flooded with calls concerning the newest development. Some of these procedures pass the test of time and are here to stay however, most new treatments fail to meet patient expectations and fade away. Many of these new treatments involve the use of expensive equipment and considerable cost with little or no advantage over time tested procedures. It is prudent to seek the advice of a surgeon with experience to guide you through the many options available.

Results vary with every patient and especially with facial surgery. Your results depend on the amount of sun damage that your skin has suffered as well as whether you smoke cigarettes or not.  Smokers and sun worshipers have less improvement and the longevity of the procedure is reduced.  A facelift lasts 3 to 5 years in a smoker and up to 10 years in a non- smoker, these results have been proven in twin studies were two identical twins one a smoker and the other a non-smoker and followed with photos over time.  The twin that smokes looks considerably older than the twin that did not smoke.

Many patients wait till they exhibit advanced signs of aging before seeking plastic surgery. While dramatic results can be achieved with multiple long procedures it may better serve you to have a series of smaller procedures at a younger age with a shorter recovery. Many patients are presenting to the office with early signs of aging, a subtle jowl, or pronounced facial lines. Surgery to improve these features can be done in the office or as outpatient surgery with an early return to work and activities. Small changes are less obvious and my patients often comment that their friends have complimented their appearance attributing the change to better rest or a new hair style.

The Rosato Plastic Surgery Center is a state licensed ambulatory surgery center devoted exclusively to Plastic Surgery. It has met or exceeded all safety standards for the state of Florida since being built in 1998.

When choosing a surgeon for your surgery be sure they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is the first board of plastic surgery and it is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  You can search their web site to find board certified surgeons. www.abms.org

You call also call my office, Ralph M. Rosato, MD for more information and for any questions. (772) 562-5859 or www.rosatoplasticsurgery.com