What is plastic surgery?
Contrary to its name, plastic surgery does not involve the use of plastics during surgery. The word "plastic" is taken from a Greek word that simply means "moulding" or "giving form".
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery - Surgery to improve function or minimize disfigurement that has occurred as a result of an accident, disease or birth defect.
Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery - Designed to improve a person's appearance by reshaping facial or bodily features
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records.
Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
What should I expect during my first visit?
The best and only way to find out if plastic surgery is right for you, is to consult Arthur G. Handal M.D who will listen to your needs, examine you and provide you with educated advise. Arthur G. Handal M.D can tell you what you need to know about the procedure you are interested in, or recommend another to meet your needs and goals.
During your initial visit, the doctor will explain the specific procedure you want, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. Although complications are rare, all surgeries, especially those that involve anaesthesia, carry some risks. Arthur G. Handal M.D will outline these for you based on the specific procedure.
What about insurance coverage?
In general, your private health fund and Medicare will not cover purely cosmetic procedures. They will cover a portion of other procedures with an associated item number. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure your health fund will adequately cover your surgery with Arthur G. Handal M.D .
What foods should I eat before and after surgery?
There is research that suggests some foods and vitamins that can aid in the recovery from your surgical procedure. Dr. Handal suggests eating fresh pineapple. Pineapple, a tropical fruit, is high in the enzyme bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C, both of which play a major role in the body's healing process. Bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. Dr. Handal also recommends Arnica, an herb, that stimulates the immune system and heart, relieves pain and inflammation and clears fungal and bacterial infections. Generally, these are started a day before surgery. The Pre Op Nurse will discuss this in detail during your one on one visit with her. Dr. Handal recommends that you do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 3 days prior to your surgery and wait for 2 weeks after the surgery. Alcohol can delay the healing process.
Should I stop smoking prior to a surgical procedure?
Yes. Smoking can impair and delay the healing process. It is not the actual smoke but the nicotine so any nicotine products are not permissible. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor; therefore, the blood supply may not be optimal. It is important to be "smoke free" for 3 months prior to your procedure and to remain "smoke free" during your post operative recovery time. Remember, smoking is just no good for you!!!
How soon can I return to the gym?
This is addressed on an individual basis depending on the procedure. Generally, patients resume their physical activity with the start of brisk walking. This is a perfect to talk with Dr. Handal during your post surgery visits.
