As board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno have years of experience performing surgeries as well as educating their patients and peers about all that the field of cosmetic medicine has to offer. Whether you are considering a plastic surgery procedure in the Chicago area or simply curious about the world of aesthetics, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, you’ll find answers to 7 of the most frequently asked questions about plastic surgery, from how much it costs to what the recovery process is really like. Read on to learn more.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery?
A: While these specialties seem similar, there are a few important differences to note:
- Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
- Cosmetic surgery reshapes and adjusts features to enhance an individual’s appearance.
- Reconstructive surgery restores the form and function of features that have been altered due to trauma, congenital conditions, or medical conditions.
Whichever subset your procedure of interest falls into, it is important to choose a surgeon with credentialing and experience in that field.
Q: What Does It Mean for a Plastic Surgeon to Be Board Certified?
A: When a surgeon is referred to as a “board-certified plastic surgeon,” it means they have obtained certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This certification reflects the highest standards of training, expertise, safety, and ethics.
Q: What Should I Look for When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?
A: In addition to board certification, here are a few qualities worth looking for:
- Extensive experience: Your surgeon should have performed a large number of procedures throughout their career. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno have collectively performed more than 30,000 procedures.
- Ongoing innovation: Contributions to the field, such as research, publications, or lectures, reflect a commitment to excellence.
- Glowing reviews: Former patients should have great things to say in their reviews about their experiences and results.
We discussed in-depth how to choose the best rhinoplasty surgeon in a previous blog post. Much of that advice applies to any cosmetic procedure you may be considering.
Q: How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost?
A: Plastic surgery pricing varies quite a bit depending on the procedure, the surgeon, and the geographic region where your surgery is being performed. In the Chicago area, pricing varies from $3,000 to $6,000 for eyelid surgery to $4,000 to $13,000 for a tummy tuck and more for more extensive or combined procedures.
Many people choose to finance their procedures through companies such as CareCredit® or ALPHAEON Credit® that offer affordable payment plans.
Q: Does Insurance Cover Plastic Surgery?
A: Procedures performed strictly for aesthetic purposes are typically considered elective cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. However, procedures such as functional rhinoplasty or breast reduction that relieve medical concerns may be eligible for coverage.
Q: What Is Recovery From Plastic Surgery Like?
A: Recovery times vary from procedure to procedure, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use quick-recovery techniques during surgery to minimize trauma and get you back to your routine as soon as is safely possible.
Q: Will Plastic Surgery Make Me Look Unnatural?
A: Today’s surgical techniques are better than ever at producing natural-looking results. The ideal plastic surgery outcomes are “transparent,” meaning they subtly elevate your unique look without conveying any obvious signs you’ve had a procedure done.
The most important factor in enjoying the best plastic surgery results, however, is choosing the best plastic surgeon. To see examples of our Chicago patients’ transformations, take a look at our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you have additional questions about plastic surgery and would like to speak with a member of our team, please request a consultation online or call (312) 788-2560 to get in touch.
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