Aesthetic Science Institute


FAQ's

When can I resume regular exercise?

Why the plastic in plastic surgery?

Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?

What is plastic surgery?

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

How long is the recuperative period? When can I return to work?

Q: When can I resume regular exercise?
A: The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow, walking routine on the second post-operative 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 after one month in most cases.

Q: Why the plastic in plastic surgery?
A: 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.

Q: Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
A: Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we take this into consideration. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for post-operative patients to 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 (tummy tucks) or breast augmentation, have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

Q: What is plastic surgery?
A: Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to the 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 facelift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and liposuction.

Q: What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
A: 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 congenital 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.

Q: How long is the recuperative period? When can I return to work?
A: 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. Following these two days, 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 - Most patients can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, you may feel comfortable going to the store by days 3-4, and with makeup could return to work in 5-7 days.

Facelift Surgery - Most patients 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 - Most patients can get around independently by the second day. You can return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.

Liposuction - Most patients can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas were 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 a C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.

Florida Plastic Surgeon Disclaimer: The Asthetic Science Institute provides cosmetic surgery procedures in the Boca Raton, Florida area. This site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice, but to provide information about cosmetic surgery in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, Florida.