Dr. Kevin O’Grady will go over the necessary preparations with you depending on your health and chosen surgery. Starting two weeks before the operation, and for one week after, you should avoid any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin, as it increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin, Advil and cold remedies. Homeopathic medicines such as garlic, gingko and vitamin E should also be avoided. Abstaining from alcohol during the two weeks prior and week following surgery is also recommended, as it may interact with drugs used…

Some type of scarring occurs any time the skin is opened and heals. As a result, most surgeries will result in permanent scars, but the visibility of the scarring can be limited. An experienced Plastic Surgeon will attempt to hide incision lines, for example inside the nostril during rhinoplasty (nose job) or under the crease of the breast in breast enhancement (augmentation). A good Plastic Surgeon is an expert at hiding scars in your natural skin creases to minimize their appearance. The extent of the scarring will depend on the operation performed and the patient’s health.

Every patient heals differently. Full recovery times will depend on your health and the extent of the procedures performed. Recovery times for Plastic Surgery are generally brief. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days following the procedure. Depending on the operation, you may leave the hospital on the day of your operation after spending a few hours in the recovery room or you may require hospitalization for a few days. Swelling, bruising and sensitivity may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In general, wounds take at least 6 weeks to gain strength and heal.…

Any type of surgery involves a degree of risk. Close monitoring of the patient after surgery will allow any complications to be quickly noticed and promptly treated. Possible complications from surgery include: Internal bleeding: Any type of surgery causes bleeding in the area of the operation. If the accumulation of blood, normally noticeable by swelling, discolouration of the skin and pain, is small, it will absorb by itself. If it is large, your surgeon may need to drain it. External bleeding: Blood leaking from the incision and onto your dressing can normally be stopped by applying pressure to the area. A small amount of ooze…

Provincial health insurance policies in Canada do not cover cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Only medically necessary procedures are covered. Surgery to correct functional problems are covered. These include reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Functional septorhinoplasties, that is, a nose job to restore the shape of the nose after an injury or to improve breathing are also covered. If you would like cosmetic improvement of the nose at the same time, OHIP will only cover the functional part of the surgery – you are responsible for paying the rest. Breast reduction surgery may also be covered by provincial health…

Expenses include the fees for the surgeon and anesthetist, the cost of hospitalization or operating room use, and the cost of any prosthesis (e.g. breast implants) or accessories, such as special garments needed during the post-operative period.

Thanks to advancements in surgery techniques, certain procedures may be performed under general or local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. General anesthesia puts the patient completely asleep. The drugs are administered and monitored by a specialist trained in anesthesia. Several techniques are available and the best one will be chosen depending on the operation. Side affects may include sore throat or nausea and vomiting for short periods. In extremely rare cases, patients suffer from an allergic reaction to the drugs used. Local anesthesia is similar to the type of anesthesia used at the dentist. You will not…

Your psychological make-up, motivation and physical health must all be taken into account when considering cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Do not assume that because you come in for a consultation or want a procedure, that it will be offered to you. A consultation does not guarantee that a procedure can be performed. Any time you are thinking about a procedure you should consult with your friends and family as well as your surgeon. Your surgeon may refer you to a psychologist. Surgery is a serious decision and you should take your time to consider what is right for you.

Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons American Society of Plastic Surgeons The Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario PlasticSurgeryInfo.ca