Plastic surgery is the reconstruction of defects on the face or body, often resulting from trauma, congenital disabilities, burns, and disease. Often melded together with cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery’s initial intent was to be purely reconstructive. Specialists in plastic surgery in Raleigh, NC, have special skills and knowledge when it comes to complex wounds, hand surgery, liposuction, and tissue transfers.

Common reconstructive plastic surgery procedures include:

• Breast reconstruction
• Burn repair
• Cleft palate repair
• Scar revision

Cosmetic surgery, a component of plastic surgery, focuses on enhancing a patient’s appearance, rather than correcting an injury or deformity. Cosmetic surgery is meant to improve symmetry, proportion, and overall aesthetic appeal and can be performed on the head, neck, and body.

Popular cosmetic surgery procedures include:

• Breast augmentation
• Rhinoplasty
• Tummy tuck
• Botox or filler injections

Patients wishing to undergo reconstructive or cosmetic surgery will need to consult with their doctor and surgeon. Recovery times and complications can vary per procedure, so it is essential to be as informed as possible before, during, and after the surgery.

Our specialists at Cary Plastic Surgery are highly trained in a variety of procedures, from facial reconstruction to cosmetic body contouring. If you are interested in learning more about our facility, specialists, and procedures, contact our office today by calling (919) 233-1933.

Natural herbal supplements are a common dietary additive many people use in order to boost their immune system, improve their health, and give themselves more energy. But, did you know they can have serious side effects if used immediately prior to or after cosmetic surgery?

Prior to any cosmetic surgery, it’s important to discuss with specialists in plastic surgery in Raleigh, NC, all of the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements you take on a regular basis. Because herbal supplements seem like a natural additive and don’t qualify as medicine, per se, many patients often forget to mention they take them. This can have serious health consequences.

Even though they might say “natural” or “herbal” on the bottle, commonly used herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic, or Echinacea can lead to increased bleeding risk, cardiovascular risk, prolonged effects of anesthesia, and possible interactions with other drugs.

• Supplements that are known or suspected to increase bleeding risk include Gingko biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, Fish oil, Dong quai, Feverfew
• Supplements associated with cardiovascular risk include Ephedra and Garlic
• Supplements with sedating effects that may prolong the effects of anesthesia include Kava, St. John’s wort, Valerian root
• Supplements that can also interact with other drugs include Licorice, St John’s wort, Kava, Valerian, Echinacea, Goldenseal

A patient should halt the use of supplements for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery to ensure there aren’t any adverse effects. To reduce the risk for these side effects and others, it’s imperative that you are open and honest with your physician and anesthesiologist about what vitamins and supplements you may be taking.

People are interested in plastic surgery for a variety of different reasons. Some aren’t happy with the shape of their nose or how their skin has aged whereas others may need to go under the knife for more medically necessary reasons. With the popularity of plastic surgery in full force, it’s important to understand where your procedure lies. For example, certain cosmetic procedures that aren’t always considered necessary, such as eyelid surgery, may be recommended to a patient for medical reasons.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is most often performed on abnormal parts of the body caused by development issues, congenital defects, infections, or trauma. These surgeries are intended to improve functionality and better the life of the patient. For example, those who were severely injured at one point in their life may opt for scar revision to reduce the jarring appearance of the healed wound.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery is most often performed on those who want to reshape normal areas of the body in order to improve form and appearance based on personal preference. Many women opt for face lifts, Botox, or skin rejuvenation as their body begins to show signs of aging to achieve a younger appearance once again.

Dr. Hanna is one of leading specialists in plastic surgery in Raleigh, NC. If you’re interested in setting up an appointment, call Cary Plastic Surgery today at (919) 233-1933.