Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery (FAQ)
1 Should I get Botox or a Facelift?
Botox is injected into your face via a needle, aimed at relaxing specific facial muscles and reducing wrinkles. A Facelift surgery involves incisions performed on your skin in order to lift the sagging wrinkled skin and requires anesthesia. Botox, on the other hand, is a simple, anesthesia-free procedure which delivers remarkable results. A Facelift lasts longer than a Botox, the latter requiring repeat injections every 6 months.
2 Can I sunbathe after a Botox treatment?
It would be wise to avoid sun and extremely cold temperatures during your recovery period.
3 Can I have a surgery-free Facelift?
Unfortunately, no.
4 Is there a chance of being refused a plastic surgery?
A plastic surgeon will never refuse treating a good candidate. So, if you are refused a procedure, there is always a good reason for that.
5 Is it true that breast implants can explode on an airplane?
No. This is yet another myth.
6 When is a plastic surgery successful?
A plastic surgery is considered successful when it corrects a patient’s imperfections, has no post-operative complications and/or adverse events and the result is natural-looking!
7 How long do Botox injections last?
Typically, they last 6 months. However, the time period a Botox lasts is case-dependent.
8 Is a plastic surgery painful?
Yes, a plastic surgery involves pain, though not a severe one, as it can be treated with mild painkillers. Pain intensity depends on the type of surgery performed.
9 How soon can I wear sunglasses after a Facelift;
Try to avoid putting any weight on your face during the first 3-4 weeks after a Facelift.
10 Is there an age limit for plastic surgery?
You should be 18 years of age and above. In case you are under the age of 18, parental written consent is required (otoplasty-gynecomastia).
11 Are teenagers eligible for plastic surgery?
Teenagers, much like everyone, do benefit from a corrective plastic surgery, in case of amputation or malformations. However, if the reasons are purely cosmetic, a teenager should wait until he/she is physically fully developed, save for the cases of prominent ears surgery, which can be carried out after the age of 5, adolescent gynecomastia, adolescent severe breast asymmetry (virgin hypertrophy), and always according to the surgeon's recommendations.
12 Is there a maximum fat volume in Liposuction?
Liposuction does not involve large fat volumes removal and is not intended for weight loss. The average fat volume removed is 1-2 liters.
13 Is hormone therapy advised for smaller waistline and larger breasts?
It would be wise to avoid it as most hormonal pills can damage your system and their results are questionable.
14 What can a Breast Augmentation NOT correct?
Unfortunately a Breast Augmentation Surgery cannot lift your breast more than 1 cm upwards. However, it can full an empty breast caused by weight loss or pregnancy. In any case, it can make your body look prettier and harmonic and boost your self-esteem.
15 How safe is plastic surgery?
It all depends on the plastic surgeon. Make sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (A.S.A.P.S) in USA and the Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (HESPRAS) in Greece. Plastic surgery is safe, provided you search for experienced plastic surgeons.
16 Can Botox work as an alternative to Eyelift surgery?
Botox is NOT an alternative to Eyelift surgery; it simply paralyzes the muscle it is injected into. This method can smooth any wrinkles in the area treated, but it cannot lift it. Typically, it lifts the outer part of the eyebrow.
17 Who is the best candidate for plastic surgery?
Any person can undergo plastic surgery, provided s/he is eligible, healthy and has realistic expectations.
18 What is Botox and where is it applied?
Botox (Botulinum toxin-BTX) causes muscle paralysis and can be applied on any facial muscle.
19 Which body areas can be treated with liposuction?
Most commonly, Liposuction is performed on the following body areas: chin, cheeks, neck, arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, knees and ankles.
20 May fat return after Liposuction?
If the patient gains weight after Liposuction, this will be evenly distributed throughout the body. This happens because a significant part of the fat cells has been removed from the affected areas during Liposuction.
21 Can abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) be combined with another surgical procedure?
Yes, provided you are healthy, you encounter no health problems and you are not a smoker.
22 Can I have a surgical reconstruction after being subjected to 3 abdominoplasties?
Typically, you may undergo such a procedure without any problem. Consult a plastic surgeon that will assess your overall condition.
23 Can I smoke a cigarette 2 weeks after my abdominoplasty?
Even as little as one cigarette can negatively affect your recovery.
24 How much time does it take to resume daily activities after abdominoplasty?
Most patients can resume their daily activities in about a week after the surgery.
25 What is the best scar treatment after abdominoplasty?
Most of the marks heal over time. If the problem persists, you can discuss with your surgeon about a Laser treatment to improve your skin.
26 Are diabetics eligible for rhinoplasty (nose job)?
Yes, as long as they inform the surgeon beforehand.
27 Does rhinoplasty recovery resemble a broken nose one?
There is some post-operative bruising and swelling but rhinoplasty recovery is faster compared to a broken nose one.
28 When is the best time to engage in sports after a rhinoplasty?
3-4 weeks.
29 When do rhinoplasty final results show?
In 12-15 months.
30 How much time should I wait for a reconstruction surgery on the nose?
Approximately 15 months.
31 What are the benefits of Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?
Blepharoplasty delivers spectacular results on a person’s appearance as it removes any loose skin and eye bags. After the surgery, the patient’s face appears fresher and younger, as opposed to the tired-looking face prior to the surgery.
32 Can Blepharoplasty improve crow's feet?
When you undergo only Blepharoplasty, this is not possible. Crow’s feet improve by Botox –it constitutes part of our office treatment protocol and is applied after the patient’s consent.
33 What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Eyelid skin is very thin. Dark circles are the result of pigmentation being worsened by tiredness, poor nutrition, irritation and other factors. Blepharoplasty is not intended for dark circles treatment.
34 How long do Blepharoplasty results last?
Blepharoplasty delivers long-term results but it does not stop the aging process. It just retards the effects of time and gives you a radiant and fresh-looking face.
35 Is it painful?
It is not considered a painful procedure although you may get a sense of tension and some swelling during the first 48 hours.
36 Will I have any visible scars?
Blepharoplasty incisions heal excellently due to the adequate blood supply of the tissues. Moreover, all incisions are performed in places that are hard to notice.
37 What is Laser Blepharoplasty?
Laser Blepharoplasty is an extra tool for the plastic surgeon but its benefits are not that straightforward.
38 When is full recovery achieved?
It takes most operated patients a week to 10 days to resume their professional activities. Resting during the first 2 days after the procedure is imperative.
39 What type of surgical specialty is required for the procedure?
Blepharoplasty is performed only by plastic surgeons.