Dr. Ali Answers Plastic Surgery FAQs
The decision to undergo plastic surgery can be life changing. But, as with any life-altering decision, it is important to do your research and make an informed decision that is best for you.
In this article top Bloomfield Hills area plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali answers some of the most commonly asked questions about plastic surgery.
1. What are the Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures?
In the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) lists the 5 most popular plastic surgeries as:
- Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants): 298,568 procedures, up 4% from 2019
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): 161,948 procedures, up 37% from 2019
- Breast Lift: 143,364 procedures, up 30% from 2019
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): 115,261 procedures, up 13% from 2019
- Rhinoplasty (Noe Job): 87,548 procedures, down 2% from 2019
<p”>Globally, the procedures differ somewhat with the 5 most performed plastic surgeries in 2020 were:</p”>
- Liposuction: 1,552,459 procedures
- Breast Augmentation: 1,525,300 procedures
- Blepharoplasty: 1,132,539 procedures
- Abdominoplasty: 770,790 procedures
- Gynecomastia (male breast reduction): 555,606 procedures
While facelift and neck lift surgery did not make either top 5 plastic surgery lists in recent years, they are also extremely popular plastic surgery procedures. (Note: these statistics do not include non-surgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, which are also highly popular.)
2. Are Plastic Surgery Results Permanent?
While plastic surgery can produce long-lasting results, the aging process continues. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, diet, smoking, and sun exposure will affect the rate at which an individual ages, as well as influence the longevity of plastic surgery results. However, a healthy lifestyle can contribute to sustaining the benefits of plastic surgery. for many years.
Additionally, they type of plastic surgery performed will also be a determining factor in how long results last. For example, liposuction is a permanent fat removal procedure – so the patient will never rebuild fat cells in the treated areas. However, a poor diet or lack of exercise can result in weight gain in other areas of the body.
Similarly, the results of facelift surgery can last a decade or even longer. But if the patient does not avoid sun exposure and/or neglects their skin, the results of the plastic surgery will not be nearly as long lasting.
3. How Long is the Recovery Time for Plastic Surgery?
Recovery times for plastic surgery depend on the type of procedure you have performed. Some minimally invasive procedures – such as liposuction – require very little downtime, and patients can be back to work in less than a week. While more extensive surgeries, like a facelift or tummy tuck, may require 2 or 3 weeks of recovery. During your consultation, top Bloomfield Hills area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali surgeon will explain your options and give you an accurate estimate of the amount of downtime to be expected after your plastic surgery.
4. Are There Risks Associated with Plastic Surgery?
All surgeries carry risks, and plastic surgery is no exception – and plastic surgery is no more risky than with any other type of surgery. When performed by an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon, the risks are very low.
Potential risks of any surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia-related problems. But choosing a highly experienced, board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed thousands of surgeries ensures the safest outcomes possible. Additionally, carefully following all pre- and post-operative instructions helps minimize risks.
5. What is the difference between plastic and reconstructive surgery?
Plastic surgery is performed to reshape areas of the body that are normal, but that the patient wishes to improve the appearance of. It is elective and is generally not covered by insurance. Reconstructive surgery, on the other hand, is performed to correct abnormal structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is typically performed to improve function, but also to improve appearance. It is typically covered in some form by insurance.
6. How many people have plastic surgery each year?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, there were nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the US in 2022.
And International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) data for 2020 (the latest available) indicates that around 19,129,549 aesthetic plastic surgery procedures were performed worldwide, with the US contributing a significant portion.
7. Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?
To have plastic surgery, a patient must be in good overall health, and for many procedures should be at or close to a weight that is healthy for them. It is important not to be a regular smoker, as smoking is proven to delay healing after surgery as well as increase the risk of complications. It’s also important that patients have a realistic expectation of results. Patients need to be willing to be open with their medical history, goals from surgery, and concerns so that board certified Bloomfield Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ali can properly assess the patient’s candidacy for surgery.
8. Does plastic surgery leave scars?
Anytime you have surgery, there will be incisions, which can leave scars. However the size and location of any scars will depend on the type of plastic surgery and the skill of the plastic surgeon. For example, liposuction scars are extremely small – usually less than an inch and sometimes only about the size of a freckle. However, plastic surgery such as a tummy tuck that requires sectioning large areas of skin will require larger incisions which leave longer scars.
Board certified Bloomfield Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is extremely skilled, and has the experience to minimize the size and visibility of scars as much as possible. Incisions will be made in inconspicuous areas to allow for them to be hidden as much as possible. Additionally, once the incisions have healed, over time, they will naturally fade in appearance.
9. What is the ideal age to undergo plastic surgery?
There is no ideal age. Each patient will be evaluated on an individual basis. Typically, patients should be over the age of 18, and finished growing, but in some cases, patients may be younger. For example cleft palate surgery is a form of plastic surgery that is performed on infants and toddlers to repair a split in their upper lip.
Similarly, there is not a maximum age for plastic surgery. Board certified Bloomfield Hills area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed cosmetic procedures such as eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) on patients in their 80s who are in good health.
During your consultation, Dr. Ali will take into account your age, body type, size, overall health, and any underlying medical issues when helping you decide if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery.
Top Plastic Surgery | Bloomfield Hills, MI Area
Dr. Ali is a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed more than 9,000 cosmetic surgeries. He has been voted one of Detroit’s Top Doctors, and is recognized as one of the most renowned and talented plastic surgeons in the Bloomfield Hills area, and all of Michigan.
If you are considering plastic surgery, schedule a consultation board certified Bloomfield Hills area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali – and he will take the time to answer all of your questions so you can decide if plastic surgery is right for you.
