Procedure FAQs

Q: Why a Board Certified surgeon?
A: Not all plastic surgeons are equal. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is without a doubt the most prestigious organization of plastic surgeons. The mission of The American Board of Plastic Surgery is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education and certification of plastic surgeons. The Certification process is a challenging one which begins the day the surgeon begins medical school. The surgeon’s performance in medical school, residency, fellowship and subspecialty fellowships are all reviewed by the board to assure excellent performance. After starting practice, the candidate takes a written as well as an oral examination by a panel of Board members. After reviewing the candidate surgeon’s past performance in practice, the board makes a decision on granting "Board Certification." By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, you can be assured that your surgeon has completed a rigorous training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the entire body and is among the top of his specialty. Dr. Sayah is a Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Q: Is it time for me to have plastic surgery?
A: Dr. Sayah emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and youthful lifestyle by exercising and eating right as highlighted in his Health Continuum. Cosmetic plastic surgery is an entirely elective field meant to complement such a lifestyle. It is therefore up to each of you to decide if the time is right to have a plastic surgery procedure to improve your appearance. As plastic surgery procedures become more minimal in their approach and downtime, an increasing number of men and women have plastic surgery at a younger age. It is commonly believed that it's better to have a few small procedures to look great at a younger age versus waiting until one is much older to have a much larger surgery. Smaller plastic surgery procedures are therefore increasing in frequency every year as the baby boomer population grows older and as plastic surgery proves to be safer every year.

Q: What is the downtime of plastic surgery and when can I return to work?
A: Minimally invasive and endoscopic plastic surgery are Dr. Sayah’s forte. With these techniques, the downtime is much less than older techniques. As small hidden incisions are used in such cases, the downtime is much shorter. You can typically return to work in 1-2 weeks after your procedure based on your occupation and the particular surgery you are having.

Q: Is my procedure covered by insurance? A: For insurance purposes, the distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is based primarily on why the surgery was performed. Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Reconstructive procedures are performed on abnormal structures on the body caused by birth defect, cancer, trauma, infection, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most insurance policies. However cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance companies as it is performed by patient’s choice and is not medically necessary. We are more than happy to research insurance coverage for you prior to your reconstructive surgery.

Q: How long will it take for my swelling to subside?
A: You can likely go back to work 1-2 weeks after surgery, but your swelling will be noticeable by those who know you well. Others who may not be so familiar with your face or figure will not be able to tell you have had surgery at 2 weeks. It generally takes 6-8 weeks for 80% of the swelling to subside after any type of surgery. The remainder of the inflammation and swelling will resolve in the following 4 months. However no 2 people were created alike, therefore each of you will heal at a different rate. The above statistics are merely averages and many patients will find their recovery period on each side of the average.

Q: I don't want the unnatural look. Is that possible?
A: Absolutely Yes! Cosmetic plastic surgery has become very refined, especially with the techniques used by Dr. Sayah. In plastic surgery of the face and neck, you will look more youthful, but the degree of rejuvenation can be customized to your preferences. The unnatural upward turned nose with a saddle type bridge which was the norm among nose jobs is replaced by a balanced nose which matches your face after nose sculpting by Dr. Sayah. In those considering breast implants, your chest is measured and the correct implant is selected based on your preferred breast size to assure that your breasts will look natural on your frame.

Q: Are silicone breast implants dangerous? A: Since the silicone scare of the 1980’s, there have been many research studies that have demonstrated silicone implants to be safe. The implant shell and the composition of the silicone gel have changed in recent years such that leak rates have been reduced. Silicone implants remain more natural to touch relative to their saline counterparts, but the ultimate decision rests with you. Dr. Sayah has no preference with regards to the implant type and will discuss each type of implant with you at length until you have made your decision.

Q: What type of anesthesia will I have? A: With the growing safety of plastic surgery and the refined techniques of Dr. Sayah, you will not require "deep" general anesthesia. The preferred anesthesia method is light general anesthesia where you are lightly asleep and entirely unaware of the surgery. You will not feel, see, hear or remember anything about your surgery. As soon as the surgery is over, you will wake-up crystal clear and pain free. With this method, nausea and other discomforts of general anesthesia are minimized.

Q: Is plastic surgery safe for me?
A: Before any elective plastic surgery, you will be asked to complete a physical examination by your general physician as well as a series of blood tests. All of your results will be carefully reviewed by Dr. Sayah and your primary care physician to assure that you are healthy. With such tests completed, complications of plastic surgery are exceedingly rare.

Q: How long will my results last? A: After your surgery, the responsibility lies with you to maintain you beautiful face and body. A facelift generally lasts 10 years but you must avoid excess sun exposure, maintain a healthy diet and exercise. Your breasts will always look better than before your breast implants or reduction, but they will change with the hormonal changes of pregnancy. If you have had breast surgery, you must also wear a supportive bra to fight the downward forces of gravity. After liposuction or tummy-tuck, subtle weight gains of 5 to 10 lbs are typically well tolerated. Anything above 20 lbs weight gain will show on your figure as expected. So take advantage of your new figure and keep the fat off.

Other plastic surgery related pages: Glossary – Procedures – Surgical Guide – Procedure FAQ's – Before & After Gallery