Questions To and Answers From the Doctor

Why the "plastic" in plastic surgery?

The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word plastikos, which means "to mold or shape." In its early years, plastic surgery was used to close a wound, or to replace tissue that had been lost due to injury or cancer. Surgeons would form a skin flap which they used to fashion something that was about the same size as the missing tissue.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

The function of Cosmetic surgery is to reshape normal structures of the body. These procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons to improve the patient's appearance. Cosmetic surgery is more often than not, considered elective surgery and so usually is not covered by health insurance companies. The function of Reconstructive surgery is to re-fashion abnormal structures of the body that were caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. The purpose of reconstructive surgeries is to improve function, or to give the patient a more normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is usually covered by health insurance policies.

What kind of person is the best candidate for plastic surgery?

The best plastic surgery patient is one who has realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can and cannot do. That person understands that results may vary from person to person and that there are limitations set by medicine, technology, and the particular patient's body. People who have a good sense of themselves and what they expect the plastic surgery will “do” for them, are good candidates.

At what age is plastic surgery appropriate?

There is no “exact” age that makes it okay for a patient to have plastic surgery. More important than age is a person’s body type and where they are in the aging cycle. Most surgeons will not perform a facelift on patients under 30, while, depending on the particular case, nose reshaping can be appropriate for patients as young as five.

Where so plastic surgeons “do” the surgery?

Plastic surgeons are almost always affiliated with local hospitals, where surgery can be performed in an operating suite. Some surgeons work out of surgical centers. Some surgeons, like Dr. Hagerty, have in-office private surgery suites. The later offers a combination of safety, because it is well equipped and privacy.