Plastic Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: The terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably, and it’s true that most cosmetic surgeons have strong competencies in plastic surgery. But there is a subtle distinction related to the purpose of the procedure. Plastic surgery is primarily concerned with reconstruction and rehabilitation of appearance and function. For instance breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, restoration of burn-damaged skin, and repair of a cleft palate are all situations that call for a skilled plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery is purely aesthetic in nature. Many procedures such as rhinoplasty include a significant plastic surgical component, but others, like tummy tuck, might not feature plastic work at all.

One thing that both kinds of surgery have in common, though, is that both seek to make the patient feel healthy, happy, and whole.

Answer: Surgical procedures are as varied as the patients who receive them but they usually share some common elements. In most cases, you can go home the day of, or the day after, your surgery. We discharge you with specific home care instructions that typically call for some amount of bed rest and minimal movement as your body recovers from the procedure.

In most cases, patients can resume some light daily activities after a couple of days, and most are able to return to work within a week or two.

Because healing is so important to the results one can expect from a procedure, we usually recommend that patients not resume strenuous physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Answer: Although millions of plastic surgeries are performed every year with no complications, like any other medical procedure, plastic surgery carries inherent risks. The specific risks vary according to the procedure and the patient. But the most common risks include scarring and infection. It’s also possible that you won’t experience the changes you desire. However Dr. Kleto goes to great lengths to ensure that patients have a realistic understanding of what plastic surgery can and can’t do for them.

Answer: Insurance almost never covers elective cosmetic surgery. Patients who require reconstructive plastic surgery to correct the effects of disfigurement, illness, or congenital conditions, however, may find that their insurance will cover such treatments. Always check with your insurance agent or company before assuming that something will or won’t be covered. In all cases, we are happy to work with our patients to ensure that they have access to appropriate financing options.

Answer: When you’re ready to learn whether plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is right for you, take the next step and arrange a consultation. Feel free to contact Knoxville plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Kleto online or by calling 865.524.2442 to schedule an appointment.