Learning everything you can about your preferred procedure, your surgeon, and plastic surgery in general is an important part of preparing for a cosmetic procedure. Our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. James Gaffield, has treated patients from the larger Queensland region for the past twenty year. Every patient has questions; these are some of the most common ones. If the answer to your question does not appear here, please do not hesitate to contact Pacific Plastic Surgery and speak with a member of our staff.

• What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
• How do I know which cosmetic surgeon is right for me?
• Will my scars ever fade completely?
• Will people be able to tell that I had surgery?
• How safe is cosmetic surgery?
• What is the recovery process like?
• How much does plastic surgery cost?
• How can I request more information?

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is intended to enhance or improve a person’s natural appearance, while reconstructive surgery is designed to restore normal appearance (and, if possible, function) after an injury, illness, or birth defect. Examples of cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation and facelift; examples of reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction and cleft palate surgery.

How do I know which cosmetic surgeon is right for me?

Choosing a cosmetic surgeon is a very personal matter. You should choose someone who has significant experience and training in the specific procedure that interests you. It is important for your safety that your cosmetic surgeon be accredited and licensed. For example, Dr. Gaffield, our surgeon in Bundaberg, Queensland, is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and is board certified in the United States. These qualifications are the culmination of years of training, education, and rigorous testing, ensuring your safety and satisfaction. Most of all, though, you should choose a cosmetic surgeon that you trust to treat you with respect and produce outstanding results.

Will my scars ever fade completely?

Some permanent scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure. Though surgical scars fade significantly within months of surgery and continue to fade for years afterward, they never disappear entirely. This fact must be weighed against the potential aesthetic benefits of surgery. Some procedures, such as liposuction, produce little or no visible scarring. Others, such as body lift, produce larger or more widespread scars. Your cosmetic surgeon should explain the scarring associated with your chosen procedure in detail before treatment.

Will people be able to tell that I had surgery?

At Pacific Plastic Surgery , our goal is always to produce the most natural-looking results possible. Our goal is to blend surgery with your natural good looks so seamlessly that no one will be sure whether you have visited a cosmetic surgeon.

How safe is cosmetic surgery?

There are certain unavoidable risks associated with any surgical procedure, including post-surgical infection, anesthesia-related complications, and even permanent disability or death. However, these risks are exceptionally remote under the guidance of a skilled cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Gaffield. Our practice has an exceptional safety record, and we work extremely hard to ensure that your plastic surgery experience is as safe and comfortable as possible from beginning to end.

What is the recovery process like?

Our patients’ recovery experiences vary widely based on the individual procedures they undergo, but there are certain common themes. You should expect to feel tired and somewhat sore for at least a few days after surgery. Most patients need to take some time away from work so they can rest and recover at home. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity until healing is complete, though some very light exercise, such as walking, can speed the recovery process. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort is normal in the early stages of recovery, but they can be controlled with prescription medication. Most of all, it is important to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions regarding hygiene, nutrition, rest, follow-up appointments, and everything else as closely as possible.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

The cost of plastic surgery varies widely from practice to practice and from procedure to procedure. At our practices, we try to make treatment as affordable as possible by working with elective medicine financing companies and maintaining a patient-centric financial policy. In many cases, reconstructive surgery is covered by insurance. In the end, most of our patients consider the cost of surgery to be small when compared with the benefits they enjoy after recovering.

How can I request more information?

If you want to learn more about plastic surgery, we encourage you to contact our practice at your convenience. Our staff is knowledgeable, and we look forward to helping you find the information you need. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic surgeon.