Below are links to some of the most frequently asked questions about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

When reading information about plastic surgery, it is important to understand that the unique circumstances and experience of every individual. If you are considering plastic surgery, please ask your plastic surgeon for further information about the plastic surgery procedure(s) and what you can expect.

If you would like to contact New York plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, or if have any further questions about any of our cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, please use our contact form.

Why the "plastic" in plastic surgery?

The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning "to mold or shape."

Many of the first plastic surgeries were developed to close a difficult wound or replace tissue lost due to injury or cancer. These procedures often involved the formation of a skin flap to reshape or mold the defect so as to approximate the original shape.

What is 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 is also involved with the enhancement of the appearance of a person through such operations as facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congential 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 involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) — a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement — may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.

What is the recovery from plastic surgery like?

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 cosmetic 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 make-up could return to work by 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 at 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 - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.

When can I resume normal exercise?

The time a patient resumes regular exercises after cosmetic surgery varies based on the operation performed.

All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative 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 at 1 month in most cases.

What is the most common plastic surgery procedure?

The most common plastic surgery procedure overall is tumor removal (for skin lesions such as skin cancers).

The most common cosmetic surgery procedure is liposuction.

Which plastic surgery procedure do men have performed most often?

Men most often have the nose reshaped, followed by eyelid surgery.

How much cosmetic surgery is performed on teenagers?

About 3% of all cosmetic surgery is performed on people 18 years old or younger. The top procedure is nose reshaping.

How old are most people when they choose to have cosmetic surgery?

35-50 years of age is the primary category for cosmetic surgery. In 1992 and 1994, this group accounted for more than 40% of all cosmetic surgery.

In which state is cosmetic surgery most popular?

1 out of 5 cosmetic surgery patients reside in California.