Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions many of our patients have asked about their procedures. If you have any other questions, or you would like to schedule an appointment at Black Hills Plastic Surgery in Rapid City, SD, we would love to hear from you.
All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons. Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly. We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery.
It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications during and after your procedure.
Several important factors come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you.
One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery.
Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are. People who have plastic surgery generally find that it enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem.
Third, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.
It is a relatively common practice for plastic surgeons in Nebraska and South Dakota to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better sculpt your final appearance.
In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications.
The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age and health. Ultimately, your surgeon will decide whether it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children!
It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery cannot fix every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment as to whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you.
This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the results that can be achieved and make sure that you understand the potential risks and complications.
You will have the opportunity to review before and after pictures of patients who have gone through similar procedures.
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement to speed up the healing process and recovery time for our surgery patients.
Recovery from plastic surgery is different for each individual, and each procedure requires a different recovery time. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks.
If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within no time. Your scars will fade over time but are permanent. We take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all.
The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time, with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery, but not for cosmetic surgery. For example, insurance providers will often pay for:
- Breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts
- Eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision
- Nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better
- Tummy tucks to remove excess skin after weight loss
In addition, insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations necessary to create symmetry in either breast.
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and your specific benefits may vary. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification is required. We will be happy to assist you with the process.