Plastic Surgery FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery

The decision to undergo plastic surgery is personal, and your plastic surgeon can help you decide if plastic surgery is right for you.

It’s only natural for you to have questions about plastic surgery. Although it is always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions below.

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a type of surgery used to mold and reshape the structures of the body. Plastic surgery can be used to help you meet your ideal appearance goals and improve self-esteem, or it can be performed to restore normal function and appearance. In some cases, plastic surgery may be elective. In other cases, it may be a medical necessity.

What are the types of plastic surgery?

There are two types of plastic surgery: cosmetic and reconstructive.

Cosmetic surgery is used to enhance and improve the appearance of normal body structures without impaired function. This type of plastic surgery is elective and not a medical necessity. When considering cosmetic surgery, make sure that you are doing it for yourself and not to meet someone else’s expectations. A breast lift to improve the appearance of your breasts is one example of cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery is used to restore function to body structures that have been damaged due to congenital deformity, developmental abnormalities, or trauma. Reconstructive surgery may also incorporate some aspects of cosmetic surgery to restore normal appearance. Burn rehabilitation or a breast reconstruction after surgical treatment for cancer are examples of reconstructive surgery.

At UPMC in central Pa. , our board-certified plastic surgeons offer cosmetic and reconstructive facial, breast, hand, body, and skin procedures.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

When setting the price for a plastic surgery procedure, three main factors are considered. First, part of the cost is used to pay your plastic surgeon. Second, there is the cost of the facility in which the operation takes place. Finally, the cost of the anesthesia is taken into account.

The final cost of plastic surgery may vary depending on a number of other factors as well, such as insurance coverage and medical necessity. Cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by insurance plans because it is an elective surgery. Reconstructive surgery, however, is usually covered because it is a medical necessity in many cases.

In the event that your procedure is not covered by your insurance, UPMC in central Pa. may be able to offer financial assistance for qualified individuals.

Who is a candidate for plastic surgery?

Not everyone is a candidate for plastic surgery. Your health history, activities, and desired result all play a part in determining if you are eligible for plastic surgery. Additionally, some procedures are minor, while others are intensive and not appropriate for everyone.

Your surgeon will review all of these factors with you in detail before presenting an appropriate treatment plan.

Who will perform my plastic surgery?

The plastic surgeons at UPMC in Central Pa. offer a full range of plastic surgery procedures and are highly trained, board-certified experts in their fields. Our team works to make sure that your goals are met with safety and precision, that your choices are well-informed, and that you are presented with the proper options for the best possible results.

How safe is plastic surgery?

Each year, thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeries are performed without complication. However, no surgery is without risk. Part of the risk depends on your health background, how intensive the surgical procedure is, and the type and amount of anesthesia used. Your surgeon will review the risks of your procedure with you before helping you decide whether plastic surgery is right for you.

To help ensure patient safety, all UPMC surgeons in Central Pa. are board-certified experts, have the proper privileges to perform plastic surgery, and operate only in accredited facilities that conform to strict safety standards.

Does plastic surgery last forever?

The results of plastic surgery may be permanent or may last from a few months to a number of years, depending on the type of procedure. In some cases, results can be longer lasting with the proper lifestyle adjustments. However, no surgery will be able to permanently reverse the effects of age. Your surgeon will discuss the expected length of time the results of your procedure should last.

What is recovery from plastic surgery like?

Recovery from plastic surgery depends on how intensive the surgery is and your health history. For minor procedures, you may be able to return to your normal activities after a few days or weeks of rest. For more intensive procedures, weeks or months of physical therapy may be required before you are completely recovered. Recovery may also sometimes include postoperative pain. Your surgeon will help you find the best way to manage postoperative pain and other aspects of the healing process.

When considering your personalized treatment plan, your surgeon will advise you about the recovery process for your specific surgery.