Smith Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Every surgical procedure, whether cosmetic or medically necessary, carries a certain amount of risk. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to doing everything we can to ensure your procedure goes smoothly. We will review your medical history carefully and discuss your current health status to determine if it is safe for you to move forward with surgery. Your responsibility is to fully disclose all relevant information so we can accurately assess potential risks for you. During surgery, our team takes every precaution to reduce the possibility of complications.*

There are very strict medical standards that protect breast augmentation patients. Millions of women have safely undergone this type of procedure and are pleased with their results. At Smith Surgery, we offer three types of breast implants, all FDA approved: silicone implants (filled with silicone gel), saline implants (filled with saline) and “Gummy Bear” implants (filled with form-stable silicone). Most of our patients choose silicone implants, but many prefer saline. During your consultation, Dr. Smith will explain how these options differ and the pros and cons of each one, but the final choice will be up to you.*

There are three key factors you should consider. Your health is the most important factor, because good health can help you recover faster and substantially reduce risk of complications. The second consideration is your motivation. The decision to choose cosmetic plastic surgery is very personal, and typically our patients wish to enhance their overall appearance and self-confidence. Third, it is essential to set realistic aesthetic goals. Although plastic surgery combines both art and science, it is not a “cure-all.” It is particularly important to discuss your goals during your initial consultation.*

As a general rule, yes. Dr. Smith will make the final decision about this depending on what procedure(s) you’re considering, the amount of surgical time required and your age and overall health. Performing multiple procedures simultaneously enables your surgeon to most effectively blend the results to give you the best possible overall enhancement. It also saves you money, because you only have to pay once for surgical facilities, anesthesia, etc. If you are considering more than one procedure, be sure to bring that up during your initial consultation.*

Recovery time differs for each procedure and each individual. As with any surgery, your post-operative instructions will include rest and limited movement so your body can heal as quickly as possible. In general, you can expect bruises to go away within a few days and most swelling to be gone within a few weeks. As time passes, the visual benefits of your cosmetic surgery will be more and more apparent. Depending on the procedure, it may take up to a year for your body to adjust completely to your new look. Any scars from your surgery will fade over time, but they will never entirely disappear. Whenever possible, Dr. Smith will conceal them so they are least visible. By taking care to follow your post-op orders, you will be able to resume normal activities as soon as possible.*

For you, the goal of consultation is to become mentally and emotionally prepared to move forward with surgery, if that’s what you decide to do. This is a time to discuss in detail with Dr. Smith the changes you wish to make and the aesthetic goal(s) you hope to achieve, so bring your list of questions. Dr. Smith may review with you before-and-after photos or use computer imaging to show you what results can be achieved with a particular procedure. He will also review your current health and medical history to help evaluate whether the procedure(s) you’re considering are appropriate for you. If you elect to have surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging you understand what the operation involves and what the possible complications or secondary effects may be.*

Insurance providers are legally required to cover breast reconstruction surgery and any related cosmetic operations needed to produce symmetry in either breast. However, other cosmetic surgery procedures are not usually covered unless there is a specific medical need. For instance you may be covered for nose surgery to improve your ability to breathe, eyelid surgery if the sagging skin is affecting your vision, a tummy tuck to repair diastasis, the vertical separation of abdominal muscles, post-mastectomy breast augmentation or breast reduction to relieve back pain caused by the weight of your breasts.*