A. The term “Plastic Surgery” is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" which means "to shape". So, this term is not at all derived from the materials used in the surgery itself. It refers instead to the skill of the surgeon as he/she re-shapes a patient’s form during cosmetic procedures.

A. This can be a complex topic that you should feel free to discuss with our experts during the consultation. However, in general terms, surgery done primarily to improve one’s health or physical function may be considered medically necessary and may fall into the “Reconstructive Surgery” category. Examples may include certain rhinoplasty procedures to improve air flow through the nose or eyelid surgeries to improve field of vision. Surgery done with the primary goal of improving the appearance of the patient is a “Cosmetic Procedure”. Typically insurance does not cover any of the costs associated with cosmetic procedures, although there can be exceptions for accidental or congenital deformities. Especially when it comes to insurance coverage, the line between reconstructive and cosmetic can be difficult to draw.

A. As you may have noticed, Woolfson Cosmetic, is focused on the areas that are most commonly treated with cosmetic techniques and which often provide the most outstanding results. This includes almost every part of the face including the ears, eyes, nose, neck, chin, cheekbones, and forehead. Cosmetic surgery is also frequently performed on the breasts and abdomen. Liposuction and scar revision procedures, also common, can be performed anywhere on one’s body.

A. Any time a cut is made in the skin, there is a scar left as part of the healing process. Woolfson cosmetic surgeons have received specialized training to minimize the size and optimize the placement of these scars so that they are least noticed in a patient’s final result. Also, these scars usually become even less noticeable over time.

A. Many in-office procedures are available today which can allow you to return to work immediately following the procedure. For more complex surgeries the recovery can be 1-2 weeks. However, varies significantly by procedure, and even among individual patients.

A. Your medical insurance will most likely not cover any cosmetic surgery or treatment. (However, surgery that might be considered “Reconstructive” by your insurance carrier may quality. See the question in this FAQ regarding the differentiation between these two types of surgery.)

A. We can discuss this only in terms of broad averages. Many in-office procedures can be done in an hour or less. Most surgeries take 2-3 hours in the operating room, but more extensive operations (often to perform multiple procedures) last several hours. Preparation before and recovery afterwards, also require time especially when general anesthetic is used.

A. For in-office procedures including injectables like Botox^®, laser tattoo removal, or collagen therapy, patients can return to normal activity immediately. For more invasive procedures like laser skin resurfacing or blepharoplasty, patients are typically ready for most activities in 3-6 days. The body's complete healing process varies from patient to patient and may last from several week up to a year or more.

A. All surgeries entail risks, bleeding and possible infection are common examples. However, your Woolfson team can provide you with information on your specific surgery. Please ask any questions you may have about potential risks.

A. All joking aside, cosmetic surgery can achieve impressive results for patients with realistic expectations. We at Woolfson Cosmetic often hear patients say that their results were – in their opinion – “miraculous” or “beyond expectations”. Thinking that you might be cosmetically altered so thoroughly that you actually look like another person, however, is a great example of unrealistic expectations. In your consultation with one of our Cosmetic team, we will focus on the ways in which we will refine your appearance as opposed to change it entirely.

A. An endoscope is an instrument allowing our surgeon to use a very small incision to clearly see the surgical location deep under the tissues. In many cases, this can minimize the scar without compromising surgical results, but it does require additional surgical training and skill which our team possesses. Also with the endoscope, surgeons can supplement their traditional skill and experience of operating “by feel” with direct, visual information during procedures.

A. In short, this is the surgical modification of the eyelid where excess skin and fat can be repositioned or removed. Additionally, surrounding muscles and tendons can be reinforced or otherwise affected.

A. Conventional blepharoplasty utilizes an incision through which the surgeon repositions or removes excessive skin, muscle, and fatty tissue. The artistry and experience of our surgeons will craft these repositions and removals to provide an aesthetically consistent and long-lasting result.

Various forms of "Laser" blepharoplasty involve laser light resurfacing of the skin in the eyelid regions. This typically does not remove as much or any excess skin, focusing instead on the treatment of fatty tissue deposits.

A. No, this surgery only affects the skin and muscle of the eyelids. How your contact lenses fit is based on the shape of your eye which will not be changed. (You will not be able to wear contacts for the first few days after surgery, however, to allow healing.)

A. Non-surgical alternatives can create marked improvements, especially for patients exhibiting early facial aging signs. Lasers, chemical peels, botulinum toxin, and dermal fillers can all be considered by your Woolfson surgeons. (To clarify, however, these effective treatments are not technically blepharoplasty – even when used on or around the eyelids.)