Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plastic surgery?

The Plastic Surgery is a medical speciality and it deals with the rectification of congenital abnormalities, injuries and burns, deficits after cancer removal and with the cosmetical surgery.

They say that plastic surgery does wonders. Is it just a figure of speech or has it indeed a great potential?

In some cases it does indeed wonders, but in some other cases its potential is limited. It is important that someone must acknowledge what to expect from his operation, so as to be satisfied. There are some cases of cosmetical operations that their result is indeed magical (rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, otoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction). There are others, however, that despite the fact that they correct the problem, they leave scars (marks) or even when the result is better, the patient underestimates it, seeing the glass half-empty (buttock and thigh uplift, abdominoplasty, breast reduction). The same thing applies to the reconstructive surgery as well. The solution to a medical deficit problem does not necesserily mean that it is excellent cosmetically.

Does the laser leave marks when used in plastic surgery?

There are operations that leave no mark at all, either because the scars are hidden, as in rhinoplasty (in the nostrils) or otioplasty (behind the ears), either because they are so small that they disappear, as in liposuction or breast augmentation, either that certain body parts do not leave discernible scars, as the eyelid surgery or the face lift. Laser is not the solution to all problems and has its area of operation. Sometimes the result is worse if someone uses laser for skin incision.

Where are the plastic surgeries done?

All operations must be made in organized hospitals and clinics. Small operations with topical anesthesia, such as a nevus removal, can be done in the private practice.

What type of anesthesia is used for plastic surgery operations?

Depending on the case and the area which will be operated, general or epidural anesthesia, drunkenness or topic anesthesia.

How dangerous is the general anesthesia?

A pre-operational check is made before each operation. If all measures are taken, the risk is minimal. Yet, there could be risks from every type of anesthesia. Sometimes the stress caused from topic anesthesia is so big that can even cause cardiac arrhythmia. The presence of an anesthegiologist is always necessary.

What should I have in mind before the operation, so as to reduce the risks and have the best possible result?

It is important to be fully informed by your doctor about the kind of the operation that you will undergo. Each operation has different needs and a different treatment. Generally, the doctor must know about your medication, if any. Some of them should not be temporarily used. E.g. the aspirin causes bleeding during the operation. Possible allergies should be stated. A mitral valve prolapse demands an antibiotic pre-operationally. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus present may present inadequate blood supply. A smoker might have developed chronic respiratory lung disease and should treat it first.

The good mood as well as optimism play an important and positive part. The morning of the operation day you should have a thorough bath with antiseptic and come to the hospital foodless and not having drunk water for the past 6 hours.

What should I take care after the operation, so as to reduce the risk of implications and have the best possible result?

Each operation demands special care and attention. In general, you should stop smoking for at least a week. The use of aspirin should be avoided for another 4-5 days. Anticoagulant treatment is sometimes necessary. According to your doctor, advices concerning the use of antibiotics for the infections, the elastic bands, the change on the traumas, cleanliness, the position when sleeping and resting should be followed.

Special massage sessions, creams or elastic bands depending on the operation could be needed after the operation.

Which time is the most suitable for a plastic surgery?

Apart from operations on face with laser and dermabrasion in tha same area, there is no limitation on the time of the year that an operation is to be made. The patient himself defines the time of his operation, according to his schedule. Christmas, Easter and summer holidays are usually chosen because they provide an easier recovery, away from stress and daily routine. Operations like liposuction demand the use of a special elastic stay for the next 20 post-operational days. When the weather is hot though, this may not be so bearable. In general, cooler times of the year are preferable.

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