Cosmetic Surgery FAQs

Cosmetic Surgery Questions Northern Virginia

Plastic surgery is the blending of art, medicine, and surgery. Taken from the Greek word “plastikos”, meaning to mold or give form, plastic surgery is the area of medicine devoted to restoring and reshaping the body. It includes both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Plastic, a product of the petroleum industry, is not used in plastic surgery, though a number of other synthetic materials are frequently employed.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve your appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

The ideal candidate for cosmetic surgery is an individual who recognizes a specific area in which his or her appearance could be enhanced or improved and has a strong personal desire to make a change. In today’s society, many people choose cosmetic surgery to counter the effects of aging. This can be achieved for subtle changes or more dramatic results. The choice is always left up to you. Cosmetic surgery can help you look as young as you feel, build confidence after a lifestyle change, or to retain an edge against younger competitors in today’s increasingly competitive work environment.

Whatever your reasons for choosing cosmetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations for the final outcome. Improving a feature of the face or body can give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery will not stop the aging process, but it will provide many opportunities to reset the clock. The ultimate decision should be based on your personal desire.

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery is to meet privately with Dr. Desman for a cosmetic consultation to discuss your specific concerns.

Most people would agree that what is on the inside of a person is more important than what’s on the outside. However, how you look can have a direct impact on how you feel about yourself. If you are uncomfortable with aspects of your appearance, it can make you feel self-conscious and lower your self-esteem.

The real story behind today’s cosmetic surgery is about people just like you who feel that their quality of life can be improved. Whether it’s to smooth and tone aging skin, enhance your bust, or slim your torso, cosmetic surgery can help you achieve the look you desire.

We strongly encourage all of our patients to ask lots of questions when choosing a plastic surgeon. It is important to select a surgeon with the skill, experience and education you can trust to give you the results you desire. Dr. Desman is proud to offer this to his patients.

Dr. Desman has the respected medical credentials and experience you deserve and can trust. He is certified* by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of some of the most respected organizations in his field, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and more.

The best way to decide if Dr. Desman is the right plastic surgeon for you is to meet with him for a private, cosmetic consultation to get to know the doctor firsthand. When you meet with Dr. Desman, you will realize that his personal attention, caring demeanor, and approachable manner will gain your confidence and help you make this important personal decision.

*Verify Dr. Desman’s board certification.

Your relationship with our office will remain strictly confidential. Whether you come to our practice for extensive surgery or a routine procedure such as skin care, you will receive expert treatment in a warm, caring, professional environment. We believe that the one place you should be able to feel uniquely secure is the place you choose for your cosmetic care. We are dedicated to providing you with the superior care and personal commitment you deserve.

Everyone responds differently to surgery. Most procedures of the face incur more bruising than pain. Procedures of the torso and extremities are usually only uncomfortable for a few days after surgery. This is a question that can be better answered by Dr. Desman when discussing the cosmetic procedure that you are considering during your initial consultation.

The majority of cosmetic surgery procedures do not require hospitalization. They are performed either in the office or an outpatient surgery center of your choice. However, Dr. Desman has privileges at many local hospitals in the event that it is medically necessary to stay in the hospital overnight.

Some breast reduction and some tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures may require an overnight stay and are performed in the operating rooms at one of the local hospitals where you will stay overnight.

Scars are the body’s natural way of healing an injury. Any time an incision is made into the skin, there will be a scar as a result. The art of plastic surgery involves placing the scars so that they heal in the least noticeable fashion. A highly skilled plastic surgeon such as Dr. Desman can help you achieve your desired look with minimal scarring.

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual having surgery. Most patients will require assistance for the first two or three days. Thereafter, most patients are able to care for themselves. If you have young children, you may still require some assistance at home for a few more days.

The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the type of surgery performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second post-operative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not recommended during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. In most cases, weight lifting and contact sports can be resumed one month after surgery.

We make it simple. Contact us today. Our staff will work with you to accommodate your busy schedule. It is important to remember that anyone can say they care, but after meeting with Dr. Desman you will see firsthand why patients truly cherish his unique brand of advanced, personalized care. This is one reason why so many patients refer their friends and family to our office.

Dr. Desman works hard to keep his prices competitive because he does not want financial concerns to prevent you from getting the beautiful look you desire. He accepts Visa and MasterCard and offers financing options that make his services within your reach. His staff will meet with you privately to discuss your financial options.

Some procedures are performed in the office. More extensive surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Desman has privileges at many of the local facilities for your convenience. Surgery performed in the office or an outpatient surgical center will be outpatient surgery – thus you will come in and go home on the same day and will not stay overnight. Some breast reduction and some tummy tuck (abdominoplasty ) procedures may be require an overnight stay, and are performed in the operating rooms at one of the local hospitals where you will stay overnight.

Your safety is of Dr. Desman’s utmost concern. The type of surgery will determine the location of your procedure. More extensive surgeries are not performed in the office so that the resources of the outpatient facilities and hospitals are at your disposal if needed.

Medications and Plastic Surgery

There are many commonly used medications that may have an adverse impact on the outcome of your plastic surgery procedure. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with consuming these drugs immediately before, during, and after your procedure. If you regularly use any of the drugs listed below, be sure to discuss this with Alexandria plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at your initial cosmetic surgery consultation.

super market cart with medicines 

Common Drugs to Avoid

You should avoid using the following over-the-counter and commonly prescribed medications before your surgery. All products containing aspirin should be stopped as part of your preparation. If you have a headache or minor pain, you may take Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Please remember that the following list is not comprehensive. If you regularly take any medications, it is important to tell Dr. Desman at your initial consultation:

  • Advil
  • Aleve
  • Alka-Seltzer
  • Bufferin
  • Celebrex
  • Fiorinal
  • Ibuprofen
  • Midol
  • Naproxen
  • Motrin
  • Pepto-Bismol
  • Propoxyphene
  • Sine-Aid
  • Sinutab
  • Triaminicin
  • Vitamin C > 1000 mg/day
  • Vitamin E
smiling woman cooking 

Foods to be Limited

Many common foods contain chemicals that are similar to aspirin and therefore affect blood clotting. It is best to limit your intake of these foods for two weeks prior to your surgery:

  • Almonds
  • Apricots
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Cucumbers
  • Curry
  • Grapes
  • Grape juice
  • Jellies
  • Nectarines
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Pickles
  • Plums
  • Prunes
  • Raisins
  • Tomatoes and tomato products
  • Wine
  • Vinegar

Herbal Medications and Plastic Surgery

Herbal medicines are medicinal products that contain plant materials as their pharmacologically active components. Many herbal remedies can lead to potentially adverse effects and drug interactions. You can improve your chances for an optimal outcome to your procedure by discussing your use of these medications with Dr. Desman at your initial consultation. Also, we recommend that you stop using these supplements at least 14 days prior to your surgery.

Please contact our experienced plastic surgeon today to schedule your initial consultation. The Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery serves patients in Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.