Foreword, James H. Wells vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xv

Introduction xix

Part 1: Plastic Surgery: Definitions and Desire 1

Questions 1-8 define what plastic surgery is and who are plastic surgery candidates, including:

• What is plastic surgery?

• Why should I consider having plastic surgery?

• Why wouldn’t I consider having plastic surgery?

• What are realistic expectations?

Part 2: Plastic Surgery Providers 13

Questions 9-13 discuss the different types of appropriately credentialed plastic surgery providers, including:

• What defines a qualified plastic surgeon?

• What other credentials and factors should be considered?

• How can a qualified provider be found?

Part 3:Where to Begin 23

Questions 14-20 discuss selecting a provider to perform your plastic surgery and the process of consultation, including:

• How do I choose a physician to perform my surgery?

• What is involved in a consultation?

• What is informed consent?

Part 4: Paying for Plastic Surgery 35

Questions 21-26 define cost considerations for plastic surgery, including:

• Will insurance cover plastic surgery costs?

• Are there hidden costs?

• Can money be saved on a procedure?

Part 5: Plastic Surgery and Safety 43

Questions 27-35 explain where plastic surgery is performed and addresses patient safety concerns, including:

• Where will plastic surgery be performed?

• What are the risks of plastic surgery?

• What can I do to reduce chances of complications?

• What are my responsibilities as a patient?

Part 6:The Basics of Plastic Surgery 55

Questions 36-39 discuss basic techniques in all plastic surgery, and their most common individual applications, including:

• What are wound closure and tissue repositioning?

• Is removal of a skin lesion plastic surgery?

• How can plastic surgery treat skin cancer?

• Can scars be removed or erased?

Part 7: Plastic Surgery of the Breast 69

Questions 40-47 cover plastic surgery procedures of the breast and the issues women face when considering plastic surgery of the breast, including:

• What is plastic surgery of the breast?

• What is the difference between silicone and saline filled implants?

• What is breast reconstruction?

• What are the health risks of this type of plastic surgery?

Part 8: A Better Body: Surgical Body Contouring 113

Questions 48-60 discuss plastic surgery to improve the shape of your body, including:

• What is body contouring?

• What is liposuction, and how can it reduce fat?

• What is a tummy tuck?

• Can sagging skin be corrected with plastic surgery?

Part 9: Beauty and Balance: Plastic Surgery to Change

Facial Structure 159

Questions 61-67 cover procedures to change the angles and contours of the facial structure to improve appearance, including:

• What is plastic surgery of the facial structure?

• What are rhinoplasty, facial implants, and otoplasty?

• Can children have facial plastic surgery safely?

Part 10: Looking Younger: Surgical Facial Rejuvenation 189

Questions 68-77 discuss plastic surgery to restore a more youthful appearance, including:

• Can plastic surgery reverse signs of aging?

• What are blepharoplasty, brow lift, and rhytidectomy procedures?

• When is a limited face lift appropriate?

• What are the alternatives to surgical rejuvenation?

Part 11: Plastic Surgery,Without Surgery: Minimally

Invasive Procedures 219

Questions 78-93 cover limited procedures to enhance or improve facial appearance, including:

• What are minimally invasive procedures?

• What are Botox®, fillers, chemical peel, and dermabrasion procedures?

• What are laser and radio wave treatments in plastic surgery?

• How safe are minimally invasive procedures?

Part 12: Recovery and Outcomes 265

Questions 94-100 discuss the plastic surgery experience and your satisfaction as a patient, including:

• What are potential complications of plastic surgery?

• Can pain be controlled?

• Can the signs of plastic surgery be camouflaged?

• Can procedures be repeated?

Afterword 273

Index 277