Purpose

• Explain common plastic and cosmetic procedures.

• Set clear expectations.

• List candidacy factors.

• Outline risks and recovery.

• Break down costs and financing.

• Give checklists for decisions.

Plastic vs cosmetic

• Plastic surgery includes reconstruction and aesthetics.

• Cosmetic surgery focuses on appearance.

• Reconstructive examples: skin cancer closure, trauma repair, breast reconstruction, cleft repair, scar revision.

• Cosmetic examples: rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery.

Candidacy basics

• Stable health. No uncontrolled conditions.

• Non-smoker or willing to stop before and after surgery.

• Realistic goals. Pictures show possibilities, not guarantees.

• Stable weight for body procedures.

• Good skin quality helps results.

• Time available for recovery.

Consultation flow

• History. Medications. Allergies.

• Exam. Photos. Measurements.

• Plan options. Risks. Benefits. Alternatives.

• Incision locations. Scars. Expected feel.

• Anesthesia plan.

• Recovery timeline. Follow-ups.

• Quote. Deposit. Date selection.

Rhinoplasty

• Goal: shape the nose. Improve breathing when indicated.

• Approach: open or closed.

• Changes: bridge, tip, dorsum, septum, nostrils.

• Time: about 2–3 hours.

• Anesthesia: general in most cases.

• Splint: 5–7 days.

• Swelling: months to settle. Tip refines slower.

• Risks: bleeding, infection, asymmetry, breathing change, revision need.

• Revision rates in literature range around 5–15% depending on case complexity.

Breast augmentation

• Goal: volume and shape.

• Devices: implants (saline or silicone) or fat transfer.

• Plane: subglandular, submuscular, dual plane.

• Incisions: inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary (select cases).

• Size decided by measurements, tissue limits, and goals.

• Activity: arms limited for 1–2 weeks. Gym after clearance.

• Risks: capsular contracture, malposition, seroma, rupture, change in sensation.

• Screening: routine breast health continues per guidelines.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

• Goal: lift and reshape.

• Patterns: periareolar, vertical, wise pattern.

• Can combine with augmentation or reduction.

• Scars depend on lift amount.

Breast reduction

• Goal: reduce volume. Relieve neck, back, shoulder strain.

• Insurance coverage possible with documentation in some systems.

• Risks: healing issues at T-junction, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry.

Gynecomastia surgery

• Male chest contouring.

• Techniques: liposuction for fat. Excision for gland. Often both.

• Compression vest: 4–6 weeks.

Liposuction

• Targets fat pockets resistant to diet and training.

• Not a weight loss method.

• Common areas: abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck.

• Techniques: tumescent, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted.

• Compression: usually 4–6 weeks.

• Risks: contour irregularity, seroma, numbness, DVT in large cases.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

• Removes lower abdominal skin and fat.

• Repairs diastasis if present.

• Umbilicus repositioned in full procedures.

• Drains: sometimes used.

• Early walking encouraged.

• Bending at hips for 1–2 weeks protects closure.

Mommy makeover

• Combo of breast and abdominal procedures.

• One stage if safe. Otherwise staged.

• Plan based on time, blood loss limits, support at home.

Brazilian butt lift (fat transfer to buttocks)

• Harvest fat with liposuction.

• Process and inject into buttocks.

• Strict safety: injection above the muscle in recommended planes to reduce risk.

• Compression and off-loading when sitting per protocol.

Facelift (rhytidectomy)

• Repositions deeper layers. Removes excess skin.

• Often with neck lift, fat grafting, eyelids.

• Incisions around ear and hairline.

• Swelling and bruising: 2–3 weeks typical.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

• Upper eyelids: skin and sometimes fat.

• Lower eyelids: fat repositioning or removal. Skin tightening as needed.

• Dry eye evaluation when symptoms exist.

Otoplasty

• Pinned-back ears or shape correction.

• Common in teens and adults.

• Headband support for weeks.

Chin and jawline

• Chin implant or sliding genioplasty.

• Lipo under chin for definition.

• Combine with rhinoplasty for balance.

Non-surgical options

• Injectables: neuromodulators. Fillers.

• Energy devices: lasers, RF, ultrasound for skin tone and tightening.

• Medical skincare: retinoids, sunscreen, pigment control.

• Results are temporary. Maintenance needed.

Safety and anesthesia

• Local anesthesia for small areas.

• IV sedation or general for larger cases.

• Accredited facility reduces risk.

• VTE prevention: risk scoring, compression devices, early ambulation, chemoprophylaxis when indicated.

• Antibiotics: per procedure and guideline.

General risks

• Bleeding.

• Infection.

• Seroma.

• Hematoma.

• Poor wound healing.

• Scars that widen or thicken.

• Asymmetry.

• Nerve changes.

• Need for revision.

Recovery by milestones

• Days 0–2: rest, short walks, fluids, pain plan.

• Days 3–7: bruising peaks then fades.

• Week 2: stitches out if used. Return to desk work if cleared.

• Weeks 3–4: swelling down. Light exercise returns.

• Weeks 6–8: heavier training after clearance.

• Months 3–6: scars flatten. Final shape emerges.

• One year: scar matures.

Scar care

• Keep clean. Follow dressing plan.

• Silicone gel or sheets after closure per advice.

• Sun block on scars for 12 months.

• Massage if recommended.

• Consider laser or injections for thick scars.

Lifestyle factors

• Stop nicotine per protocol. Usually 4 weeks before and after.

• Control conditions: diabetes, blood pressure.

• Protein intake supports healing.

• Hydration helps recovery.

• Avoid blood thinning meds unless approved.

Cost ranges

• Rhinoplasty: about 2,000–12,000 USD depending on location and complexity.

• Breast augmentation: about 3,000–10,000 USD depending on implant type and facility fees.

• Breast lift: about 3,500–9,000 USD.

• Breast reduction: about 4,000–10,000 USD. Coverage varies by system.

• Liposuction (one area): about 1,500–5,000 USD. Multi-areas higher.

• Abdominoplasty: about 4,000–12,000 USD.

• Facelift and neck lift: about 6,000–20,000 USD.

• Blepharoplasty: about 2,000–7,000 USD depending on upper, lower, or both.

• BBL (fat transfer): about 4,000–12,000 USD.

• Otoplasty: about 2,000–6,000 USD.

Prices vary by surgeon expertise, facility type, implants or devices used, anesthesia, and region.

Financing

• Pay in full before surgery.

• Third-party medical financing.

• Bank installment plans where available.

• Avoid zero-interest promotions that back-charge on default.

Choosing a surgeon

• Board certification in plastic surgery or relevant specialty.

• Accredited operating facility.

• Before-after photos that match your case.

• Clear explanation of plan and trade-offs.

• Comfort with questions. No pressure.

• Written consent and instructions.

Red flags

• Unclear credentials.

• Cash-only with no invoice.

• Promises of guaranteed results.

• Refusal to discuss risks.

• Facility lacks basic emergency supplies.

Pre-op checklist

• Medical clearance if needed.

• Stop nicotine and vaping per protocol.

• Stop blood thinners only with approval.

• Arrange rides and home help.

• Fill medications before surgery day.

• Set up recovery station: pillows, compression, gauze, timer, water, high-protein snacks.

Post-op checklist

• Follow dosing schedule. Set alarms.

• Sleep position as instructed.

• Short walks every few hours while awake.

• No heavy lifting until cleared.

• Track drains if present. Log outputs.

• Call for fever, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, or uncontrolled pain.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I combine procedures? Yes when safe. Surgeons limit total time and blood loss.

• How long do results last? Aging continues. Good habits extend results.

• Will I see scars? Incisions create scars. Placement and care reduce visibility.

• When can I fly? Often after initial follow-up. Short walks during travel reduce clot risk.

• When can I return to work? Desk jobs often 7–14 days. Physical jobs longer.

• Is pain severe? Controlled with a plan. Nerve blocks help in some cases.

• What about revisions? Possible. Timing usually after swelling resolves.

Data points that matter

• Smoking increases wound complication risk multiple fold across procedures.

• High BMI correlates with higher seroma and wound issues in abdominoplasty and large liposuction.

• VTE risk rises with long cases, combined procedures, and limited mobility. Prevention reduces events.

• Patient satisfaction tracks with pre-op education and matched expectations.

Setting expectations

• Swelling is normal.

• Sensation can change and often improves over months.

• Small asymmetries are common in all bodies.

• Final look takes time.

Before-after photos: how to read

• Look for similar age, build, and features.

• Check lighting and angles.

• Look for scar placement and quality.

• Note subtle but meaningful changes.

Travel for surgery

• Plan arrival days before surgery for labs and rest.

• Stay long enough for checks and early healing.

• Confirm local emergency plan.

• Arrange translation if needed.

• Understand currency, payment, and prescriptions.

Nutrition for healing

• Protein target set by surgeon or nutritionist.

• Vitamin C and zinc support wound repair when deficient.

• Avoid crash diets before major procedures.

Work and training timeline examples

• Rhinoplasty: desk work 5–7 days. Non-contact sports 3–4 weeks. Avoid nose impact for months.

• Breast augmentation: desk work 5–10 days. Lower body training early. Upper body after clearance.

• Liposuction: desk work 3–7 days depending on areas. Cardio after 2 weeks if cleared.

• Abdominoplasty: desk work 10–14 days. Core training later after surgeon clears.

• Facelift: social downtime 2–3 weeks. Events after swelling resolves.

Result maintenance

• Sun protection.

• Stable weight.

• Routine skincare.

• Follow-up visits on schedule.

Decision worksheet

• My top three goals are written and measurable.

• I accept scars and downtime.

• I have support at home for the first week.

• I can stop nicotine for the required time.

• I have funds for surgery and recovery items.

• I am prepared for follow-up and possible minor revisions.

Key terms

• Rhinoplasty. Septoplasty. Tip refinement. Dorsal hump.

• Breast augmentation. Implant plane. Capsular contracture.

• Mastopexy. Wise pattern. Vertical scar.

• Reduction mammaplasty. Nipple-areola complex.

• Liposuction. Tumescent. Cannula. Seroma.

• Abdominoplasty. Diastasis repair. Umbilicoplasty.

• Facelift. SMAS. Platysma. Neck bands.

• Blepharoplasty. Fat transposition. Canthopexy.

• Otoplasty. Antihelical fold.

• BBL. Fat grafting. Harvest. Processing. Injection plane.

How to compare quotes

• Surgeon’s fee.

• Anesthesia fee.

• Facility fee.

• Implant or device cost if used.

• Compression, garments, meds, and follow-ups.

• Revision policy.

Contact and next steps

• List your goals and questions.

• Collect medical history and meds.

• Schedule two consultations if unsure.

• Choose based on safety, clarity, and fit.