Although cosmetic or plastic surgery remains a dream pursuit for it delivers with the best advances in the medical science ever witnessed so far, a proper consulting channel can play a pivotal role in the results as well as the endurance value. Importantly, going by the virtue of wisdom, a good surgical advice isn’t only handy but quite instrumental in personal satisfaction and care.
It is important to establish a rapport with the surgeon since you place total confidence in that doctor's ability. Select a surgeon who compares alternatives, explains clearly what will be done for you and the rationale for the approach selected. Be sure he discusses convalescence and possible risks. Choose a surgeon who communicates and has a clear understanding of your desired result.
You should carefully evaluate the proposed surgery and the surgeon himself before proceeding. Insist on certain qualifications. Ask specific questions about the doctor's training. Has he fellowship training or specialized training in the procedures you want performed? A specialist does the same procedures far more often and therefore has greater experience and skill than most surgeons. Does the surgeon have aesthetic taste compatible with yours? Remember Cosmetic Surgery is an Art and Science. Does your surgeon have an Artistic Sense?
A surgery center offers high quality in the nursing team, anesthesia and post-op care available. Having surgery in a surgery center gives you peace of mind that every detail has been checked and checked again. A surgery centre also has less patient traffic thus maintaining confidentiality and greater testability.
When necessary, twilight sleep or light general anesthesia is administered by a competent anesthesiologist. The level of anesthesia will vary with the needs of each patient. The type of anesthesia is clearly discussed at the time of consultation and is tailored to the patient's needs for surgery. The patient will remain in the recovery area until able to be discharged. Your friend or family member will have to drive you home after the operation.
Although complications are possible, they are very rare. Most patients accept the risks after consideration. A full description of every possible complication is beyond the scope of this text, but risks specific to each procedure will be discussed in the appropriate section.
The period of recovery depends on the surgery performed. After surgery strenuous physical activities are limited. You can resume normal activities within a few days depending upon the surgical procedure. In some cases there will be temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort. The most common concern is an uncomfortable feeling, not pain. Pain is surprisingly minimal and easily controlled with medication. Mild analgesics are used in most cases, but stronger medication is given when necessary.
The surgeon will discuss your postoperative visits for removal of dressings and sutures. Special arrangements are made for patients who are from out of town and arrangements are usually available for patients who do not live in the area, or choose to spend a few days after surgery away from their families.
Care is taken to place the incision in the natural skin creases or skin folds along inconspicuous areas so they are not visible when the healing process is completed. The incision may be pink for several weeks postoperatively, but is easily camouflaged the day after suture removal. Complete maturation of the surgical area takes more than one year, though in most cases after one or two weeks, only the patient and physician can detect the surgical incision. Time is the single most important factor in the healing process.
In general cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. Insurance will only pay when the surgery is done for reconstruction of deformities caused by accidents or when surgery improves function which is impaired by a physical deformity such as a septal deviation in rhinoplasty (nasal surgery). If an insurance company is to be billed for the surgery, the doctor's office staff will usually submit the insurance claim forms and documents to your insurance company for payment.
Fees are generally determined based on each patient's needs. All fees cover post surgery visits. Fees are clearly explained to the patient at the time of the first consultation.
One of the most frequently asked questions when considering cosmetic surgery is "how much?"
Often, patients choose their surgeon on the basis of price. Cosmetic surgery is very affordable in India and costs are much lower when compared to the United States and other countries. However, since the success of your surgery is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon, cost should not be your main consideration for your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery in INDIA.
Your surgeon's skill can make all the difference between a good result and one which will require correction and additional expense. Thus, although it is understandable that price is one of the considerations in your choice of surgeon, it is important to remember that the main consideration should be your surgeon's professional qualifications and experience.
At the time of your visit the extent of your surgery will be carefully discussed and an evaluation made. A consultation helps to clarify the patient’s desires and the surgeon’s plan. There is no standard operation which applies to the same patient. An operation will be designed during this consultation specifically for you and all of the details will be explained.
The most important goal of the consultation is to clearly communicate. Caution is advised in looking at before and after photos. These can often be misleading and may not reflect your particular needs.
In general, the consultation helps the patient understand what can be achieved. It helps the doctor understand the patient's desires and, most importantly, it gives the patient an opportunity to ask valuable questions and decide if surgery is right for them.
Pictures are taken prior to surgery to help plan the procedure. They are useful guides which the surgeon will use in planning and preparing for your procedure. In addition, postoperative photos are taken to enable you and the surgeon to evaluate the results of the procedure.
You will be asked to review and sign a form that clearly describes your desired operation. This informed consent is a legal document and your authorization allows the surgeon to perform the surgery.