Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
The decision to have plastic surgery is a very personal one, but the Web can be your confidant. There are many things to consider; first of all, determining whether plastic surgery will ultimately enhance your life or create physical, psychological, or financial burdens. The Web can help you learn about procedures, side effects, and find a properly trained doctor. The more you educate yourself, the easier your decision will be, and the more confident you'll feel heading into (or away from) the surgeon's office.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Plastic Surgery?
The Web is a great resource for learning about medical procedures, and plastic surgery is no exception. You'll find sites representing official medical societies, as well as more general medical sites providing information on various procedures.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Explore sites thoroughly. In addition to textual information, many of the recommended sites have multimedia features like photos, videos, quizzes, and forums that can enhance your understanding of your procedure.
- If you plan to have cosmetic surgery, it probably will not be covered by your health insurance plan. Reconstructive surgery, however, is typically covered. The Web sites below provide information on both types of plastic surgery.
- There are many questions to ask yourself before you decide to have plastic surgery. Are you being realistic about how it will affect your life, and about your reasons for undergoing a procedure? Talk it over with people you trust. And read this analysis of the psychological effects of plastic surgery from the Medical Journal of Australia.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery ...
WebMD
offers an overview of cosmetic surgery and procedures, with clear explanations of different types of surgeries (click on "Surgery Options" on the left side of the page) and a frequently asked questions section.
For an overview for teens ...
KidsHealth
has a section called TeenHealth, which presents this thoughtful article for teens who are considering cosmetic surgery. You'll learn why most teens choose to have surgery and what is involved in procedures (cost, healing time, etc.). A list of things for teens to think about, including body image issues and exercise as an alternative to cosmetic surgery, is also included.
To learn about the different procedures ...
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
shows illustrations of several cosmetic procedures, explaining how they are done step-by-step. The site is divided into face, skin, body and breast procedures.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
has written descriptions of the different procedures available. Each has a question-and-answer section, plus links to a photo gallery.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
gives an overview of facial procedures, which discusses the surgeries and what to expect if you have it done.
Pros and Cons of Plastic Surgery
Whether to have plastic surgery is not a decision to take lightly. Use the advice and questionnaires from the Web sites in this section to help you determine whether plastic surgery is right for you.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Before you begin researching online, try making a list of your reasons for wanting plastic surgery. As you come across information on the Web, you'll be prepared to compare and evaluate appropriately.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice on considering plastic surgery ...
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
hosts this article that discusses a recent survey statistic: close to 40 percent of plastic surgery patients wish they'd been more aware of potential side effects and complications. Additional survey stats are also discussed, and you'll learn how to be more proactive in discussions with your doctor.
Dr. Phil McGraw
is a TV personality and clinical psychologist who addresses the question of whether to have plastic surgery. He encourages honest self-evaluation and having clear reasons for committing to a procedure. Scroll down to find a link to a list of questions to ask yourself before having surgery.
WebMD
has an "Important Considerations" section that poses questions you may want to ask yourself before you commit to surgery.
For a readiness assessment ...
The University of Pennsylvania Health System
helps you determine your mental readiness for plastic surgery with a self-assessment questionnaire to complete on your own and discuss with your doctor. The questions are thought-provoking and require honest evaluation of your daily life and relationships.
Risks of Plastic Surgery
Surgery of any kind carries an inherent risk. Plastic surgery is no different, even when it's cosmetic. You can learn more about potential risks of plastic surgery on the Web, and begin to weigh your options.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Sometimes, cases of fatal plastic surgery complications make the news, such as this story about a Florida teen who died during cosmetic surgery.
- Many Web sites that discuss the risks of plastic surgery include graphic photos of procedures gone awry. Be aware before you begin researching that you're likely to stumble upon some unpleasant sights at even the most pleasant sites.
Dulcinea's Picks
To learn about the risks ...
MedicineNet.com
lists possible complications of several procedures, such as nose surgery, liposuction, and non-surgical procedures like Botox injections.
WebMD
has a cautionary tale about a woman who had a number of procedures done, battled pain and infection, and then had to have the work corrected in two subsequent surgeries. This video is less than three minutes, and offers advice for patients.
For patient safety tips ...
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
has tips for people who are thinking about cosmetic surgery, such as checking the physician's credentials, planning on follow-up care, and examining the setting in which your procedure would be performed. This page also has a list of phone numbers and Web sites in which you can verify a doctors' credentials.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
has ten questions patients should ask doctors before having plastic surgery, such as "are there alternatives to surgery?" and "will my recovery keep me from my usual, daily activities such as work?" Another page discusses the safety of medical tourism, or going abroad for medical procedures such as plastic surgery.
Find a Plastic Surgeon
It is important that you and your surgeon are a good fit, as you'll want a doctor whom you trust and feel comfortable with. The Web can help you locate properly trained and certified plastic surgeons in your area.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Look for doctors who are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. A doctor may have additional specialty certifications, but the ABPS is the standard. You can learn more about this Board on its Web site, which is described in greater detail below.
- Consider asking your primary care physician to recommend a plastic surgeon. Your doctor may know of a local surgeon, which can save you time and energy in your search.
- Be patient and don't settle on a doctor too soon. If you don't feel right about a particular surgeon, continue your search.
Dulcinea's Picks
For tips to choose a doctor ...
InteliHealth
is a subsidiary of health insurance company Aetna. In this article, Dr. Alice Chang gives her take on cosmetic surgery. In addition to discussing mental health issues related to cosmetic procedures, Dr. Chang advises would-be patients on how to choose a doctor and what to consider before committing to plastic surgery.
To find a doctor ...
Surgery.org
lets you search by doctor's name or location, or browse lists of surgeons, all of whom are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. The site provides doctors' contact information, links to personal Web sites (where available), and in some cases a detailed profile.
The American Board of Medical Specialties
is a nonprofit organization helping to maintain educational and professional standards among medical specialty boards. You'll learn about board certification, how to verify your doctor's certification, and how to be a more educated patient. You'll need to register to enter the site, but it's free to do so.
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
In addition to finding a doctor, you'll have financial and psychological considerations to address before you're ready for surgery. The sites below cover it all.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Don't forget to prepare for after surgery, too, including how much time you'll need to recover after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about potential follow-up surgeries and complications that may arise.
- For even more information about health insurance than the sites in this section provide, see the findingDulcinea Health Web Guide.
- Some of the sites we've selected provide lists of specific questions to ask your surgeon and yourself. You should feel comfortable enough with your plastic surgeon to have a candid conversation about your upcoming procedure.
Dulcinea's Picks
To prepare before the surgery ...
Mayo Clinic
presents this article for presurgery patients. You'll find a list of questions to help you determine your readiness, plus general advice about important considerations to make before surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
has "Five Essential Steps Before Plastic Surgery." Another article addresses psychological aspects of having surgery, including depression that sometimes sets in three days after the procedure.
After the surgery ...
WebMD
describes what you can expect to deal with after your surgery has been completed. You'll learn about the potential need for follow-up procedures, as well as the impact on your health insurance.
For costs and insurance ...
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
lists common surgical and non-surgical procedures and the national average surgeon fee for each. The average surgeon's fee for saline implants and breast augmentation is about $3,500, while the fee for the procedure with silicone gel implants is approximately $3,800.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
has a guide to insurance that describes what's generally covered and offers suggestions with specific examples. This piece also discusses how to appeal insurance decisions. Scroll to the bottom for a glossary.
Plastic Surgery Forums
Even if you have friends and family supporting you, it may help to talk to people who've experienced plastic surgery firsthand. The Web can connect you to other people who've had or are planning to have plastic surgery.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Blogs and forums let you post questions and comments, which is a great way to join discussions with fellow patients and get tips and advice. Consult several to get a variety of opinions and outlooks.
- If you'd like to find more blogs about plastic surgery than the ones we recommend here, try a blog search engine like Technorati or Blogpulse. You can be as specific or as broad in your search as you'd like to get the results you seek.
Dulcinea's Picks
For blogs ...
Plastic Surgery 101
is the blog of Alabama plastic surgeon Dr. Rob Oliver. Deemed a "community for discussing plastic surgery without needing a translator," this blog discusses recent news articles and scientific studies. See the right-hand sidebar (you'll have to scroll down a bit) for labeled topics, such as liposuction.
Truth in Cosmetic Surgery Blog
is a collection of anecdotes, opinions, photos, and plastic surgery news updates by California surgeon Dr. John DiSaia. You'll find a variety of topics, including celebrity surgeries, as well as advice; for example, click on August 2007 on the right side, then scroll down to the Aug. 11 post discussing how to avoid "Fake US surgeons."
For forums ...
Make Me Heal
provides message boards for plastic surgery discussions. The site also sells anti-aging products, vitamins, supplements, post-surgery clothing on its site, and related information packets; avoid this questionable material, but do not let it deter you from the message boards, which are entirely user-led and maintained.
Discovery Health
provides message boards separated into three categories, including patients' personal experiences, people who are still considering plastic surgery, and a discussion of the Discovery television show about plastic surgery.
For patients' stories ...
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
has a section of patient stories, written and in videos. Some stories are of people who had reconstructive surgery, while others are about patients who had elective procedures.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
