JACK A. FRIEDLAND, MD    |    Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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Surgical Procedures

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Face

Browlift
Blepharoplasty (Eyelids)
Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
Otoplasty (ears)

Nose

Rhinoplasty
Septalplasty

Breasts

Augmentation Mammaplasty
Reduction Mammaplasty
Mastopexy (Lift)
Implant Replacement
 

Body Contour

Abdominoplasty
Liposuction

Reconstruction

Cleft Lip and Palate
Scar Revision
Skin Cancer Excision


 

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about plastic surgery.

When reviewing information about specific plastic surgery procedures, it is important to understand that the circumstances and experience of every individual are unique. If you are considering plastic surgery, please ask Dr. Friedland for further information about the particular procedure and what you can expect.


Why the "plastic" in plastic surgery?
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
What is recovery from plastic surgery like?
When can I resume regular excercise?
What should you know about the safety of outpatient plastic surgery?

 

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 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.

What is 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 makeup 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 regular exercise?

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 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 should you know about the safety of outpatient plastic surgery?

When considering plastic surgery, it’s natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, to be fully informed, it’s important to learn about the safety of the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. To maximize safety, ensure that:


    Your physician is an ASPS Member Surgeon - which ensures at least five years of surgical training - with a minimum of two years specifically in plastic surgery, and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;

    The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards - ASPS Member Surgeons only operate in accredited facilities;

    Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history, especially if you have had any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots;

    The surgical facility will use skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure;

    Extra safety measures are taken if you are having a more extensive liposuction procedure.

     

 

*Information on this page provided by American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

 
About Dr. Friedland Schedule Consult Photo Gallery Before & After Your Surgery Surgical Procedures Ancillary Procedures Concept of Beauty Our Office
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