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Frequently Asked
Questions
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact
us if you
need additional information. Once
of our patient coordinators will be happy to assist you.
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Is
Dr. Joseph a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? |
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Yes.
Dr. Joseph is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, as well as the American Board of Bariatric Medicine and the
American Board of Emergency Medicine. When choosing a cosmetic
surgeon, it is very important to make
sure they are board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic
Surgery.
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What
is the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)? |
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The
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is an accredited council of
professionals devoted to post-graduate medical teaching and
physician education in the field of cosmetic surgery. It is
the nation's largest multi-disciplinary medical organization that
exclusively devotes its educational efforts to cosmetic
surgery. The AACS membership is comprised of surgeons from a
variety of disciplines including plastic surgeons, dermatologists,
otolaryngologists ( head and neck surgeons), facial plastic
surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists and
other physicians who, through rigorous education, are practicing
cosmetic surgeons. AACS represents the interest of cosmetic
surgeons in the American Medical Association via the House of
Delegates.
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How
does the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery differ from the American
Board of Plastic Surgery? |
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Board
certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery doesn't
necessarily equate with experience in cosmetic surgery.
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The
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is the only board that
certifies exclusively for expertise in cosmetic surgery.
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What
is cosmetic surgery? |
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Cosmetic
surgery is a specialty dedicated to the enhancement of the face and
body. For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic
surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape
physical features and improve their self-esteem.
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Is
cosmetic surgery painful? |
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Patient
tolerate postoperative pain in ways that are different from each
other. Appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, are
prescribed for postoperative patients.
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How
long will my results last? |
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There
is no precise answer to this question. Surgery does not affect the ongoing aging process which is
largely dependent upon genetics. What cosmetic plastic surgery does is turn back the clock.
Unfortunately, aging is inevitable. Although with cosmetic surgery you are able to continue to
look more youthful and in shape.
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What
kind of anesthesia is used? |
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Dr.
Joseph performs surgery under most types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, intravenous sedation
("twilight"), general anesthesia and regional anesthesia
(nerve blocks). The method of anesthesia used is based on the patient and
surgeon's preference.
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Will
I be able to breast feed after breast enlargement surgery? |
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Yes.
Breast augmentation should not affect your ability to breast
feed.
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Are
there risks involved in breast augmentation surgery? |
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Every
surgical procedure entails some risk. Those associated with this type of surgery are infection,
changes in the sensitivity of the breast, and scar contracture.
These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be
avoided. Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully
each year and are very satisfied with their outcome.
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Is
there some other way that I could increase my
breast size other than breast augmentation? |
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Yes,
Dr. Joseph is one of only a few surgeons trained to use the Brava®
system. The only clinically proven, nonsurgical approach to
breast enlargement. The Brava System is based on the
scientific principle of tension-induced tissue growth, which has
been used for over 30 years in various medical applications to
successfully grow and reconstruct soft tissue.
The
Brava System applies a sustained and gentle pulling action to
the breast area. This gentle action stimulates the tissue
cells to expand and grow, thus increasing breast tissue volume
gradually, naturally, and safely. When worn over a 10-week
period and supervised by a physician, the system typically results
in a lasting increase of approximately one cup size and adds lift to
the breast.
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What
type of implants do you use for breast augmentation? |
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The
saline implants (filled with sterile saline solution) used for
breast augmentation surgery are available in both round and teardrop
shapes. They also come in both smooth and textured styles.
Dr. Joseph will discuss which implant type would best give
you the results you are seeking.
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Do
the implants have to be changed after several years? |
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No,
as long as there are not problems with the implants they should not
have to be replaced. Dr. Joseph uses only American
manufactured implants that have a warranty for life
from the manufacturer and are FDA approved
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What
if the implant ruptures? |
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Today's
saline implants are more durable than ever. Although risk of rupture is extremely small, if this should
happen, the implant deflates as your body absorbs the saline. There is absolutely no health hazard should this happen.
The implant can be easily replaced with minimal discomfort. The implants Dr.
Joseph uses have a warranty by the
manufacturer and they will usually replace the implants and give you
monies towards the cost of the replacement.
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What
is a tummy tuck and what is it for? |
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A
tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, as it is more formally known, is an
operation meant to rejuvenate the abdominal area by a combination of
tightening the muscles that may well be stretched out (usually in
the case of women through child bearing), and removing the loose
excess skin of the abdomen as well. In the operation, an incision is
made in the bikini line. The skin and fat of the abdomen is lifted
all the way up to the ribs, the belly button is left in place and
then the muscles are tightened and the skin and fatty tissue are
pulled tightly. The excess skin is removed, and the wound is stitched
back up.
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Will
fat return to areas that have been
liposuctioned? |
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You
are born with essentially a fixed number of fat cells that increase
or decrease in size based upon weight gain or loss. When cells are
removed, they do not grow back. However that does not mean that you
can't gain weight! You can and will, if you are not careful about
your diet and exercise. But the excess fat will be deposited
predominately in areas other than those that have been liposuctioned.
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What
is Botox? |
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Botox
is a purified byproduct of a medically grown bacteria. Botox temporarily weakens any muscle in which it has contact.
It is used to eliminate unwanted furrows, or lines, between the eyebrows
or on the forehead. Botox also has been used on "crows feet"
and also on the
vertical lines on your upper lip. Botox is safely performed in the office and there is minimal
down time.
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Will
I look natural after my surgery? |
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The
techniques used by Dr. Joseph create a natural, non-surgical
appearance. Every effort is made to improve your appearance in the most
natural view.
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When
can I go back to work? |
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The
length of time for recuperation after cosmetic surgery varies
depending on the procedure. Most patients will require assistance for
a day or so and
then will be able to care for themselves. We will discuss with you in detail your postoperative care
and recovery instructions. The techniques offered today allow patients to return to work
fairly soon following surgery.
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When
can I begin to exercise? |
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Depending
on the procedure performed determines when a patient may resume
physical exercise. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine
and hold off on anything more strenuous until after consulting with
Dr. Joseph.
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What
is microdermabrasion? |
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Sometimes
called a "lunchtime" peel, microdermabrasion is well
tolerated procedure that is performed in the office in about 20-30
minutes. Using sodium bicarbonate crystals, the registered nurse
performs the peel which helps to exfoliate the top layer of skin.
While recommending a series of 3-6 treatments, a single
treatment can be performed to help improve the skin's appearance.
After a series, you should begin to notice a difference in
the look and feel of your skin, as well as a reduction in fine lines
and age spots.
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Is
there a right age for cosmetic surgery? |
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There
is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery. The time to have an
elective procedure is when the desired change will justify the time,
effort and the cost involved. Another factor to take in
consideration is the potential length of time to enjoy the benefits.
For example, if an individual has a facelift earlier in life, the
rewards of this surgery can be enjoyed for a greater period of time.
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