Ask Dr. Costas
Dr. Costas answers your general questions about plastic surgery. If you have a question, email info@concordplasticsurgery.com.
Breast surgery
What are breast implants made of?
There are two types of breast implants approved for sale in the United States by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA): saline-filled and silicone gel-filled. Both types have a silicone outer shell. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels very similar to human fat.
Implants come in a variety of sizes. When choosing an implant, you need to consider three measurements: diameter, profile (or projection), and volume. Your body type and desired results will impact your implant choice.
Your surgeon can help you choose the implant that is right for you.
Does breast augmentation require a long recovery time?
Recovery from augmentation mammoplasty, which places implants to increase fullness and improve symmetry of the breasts, or to restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy, takes ten days to two weeks, depending on your activity level.
What is breast lift surgery?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to reshape and raise the breasts and support a new breast contour. A breast lift can provide a more youthful breast profile. It does not significantly change breast size.
Facial surgery
What is the right age to have a face lift?
There is no minimum or maximum age for face lift surgery. Whether or not to have a face lift is a personal decision and the right time for a face lift depends largely on genetics. Some people are prone toward drooping eyelids (ptosis) that can impair vision and may dictate the timing of surgery. Others can achieve the results they desire with BOTOX and fillers. If you are considering a face lift, meet with your surgeon; they can advise you on the results you can expect from surgery.
How long should I plan to take off work after a face lift?
It typically takes two to three weeks for the swelling and bruising caused by a face lift to heal. By the end of the second week post-surgery, many patients feel able to return to work.
What treatments can eliminate dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles can be treated by blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. In blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes excess skin, muscle and fat from around the eyes to tighten the skin. This eliminates shadows that cause the skin under the eye to appear dark. In some more mild cases, a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm can be injected into the tissue under the eye to fill circles. Your surgeon can tell you which treatment is right for you.
Where are incisions made during a face lift?
During a face lift, incisions are made in areas where any scarring will be least visible, for example, inside the ears.
Tummy Tuck
Is Tummy Tuck surgery an alternative to losing weight?
Tummy Tuck surgery can remove some excess fat and skin from your abdomen and liposuction can remove some excess fat from your abdomen and thighs. Both of these procedures can help restore your profile after you have lost weight. Neither is an alternative to a weight loss program that includes exercise and healthy eating. Your surgeon can help you decide whether surgery is right for you.
BOTOX and fillers
If I have BOTOX will I be able to move my eye brows?
BOTOX and fillers can smooth out facial lines and make you look well-rested. Neither of these procedures should prevent you from moving the muscles in your face. A qualified medical provider can give you the results you desire without making your face look frozen or artificial.
How often should I repeat BOTOX treatments?
For best results, treatments with BOTOX should be repeated every four months. Remember that results vary from patient to patient and that it takes 24 to 48 hours for you to notice results after BOTOX treatment.
Financing
Does Concord Plastic Surgery offer financing for cosmetic surgery?
Patients can finance procedures using CareCredit, a special healthcare credit card used to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance, and special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards. CareCredit offers long and short term financing solutions. You can learn more, and apply for CareCredit, here https://www.carecredit.com.