Frequently Asked Plastic Surgery Questions
General Questions
Q: How do I select the right surgeon?
A: There are many factors to consider when selecting a surgeon. One should take into account the surgeon’s training, experience, and reputation. It is also important to know if the surgeon you are considering is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is essential that you feel your surgeon is trustworthy and that your safety is their top priority.
Q: Is Dr. Gallego "board certified" and what does that mean?
A: Yes, Dr. Gallego is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means that Dr. Gallego fulfilled the following strict requirements: prerequisite training, plastic surgery training, and passed both the written and oral examinations administerd by the board.
Q: How should I prepare for my initial consultation with Dr. Gallego?
A: Often it is helpful to look at photos online or talk to friends to enquire about their experience. Also, it is very helpful and strongly recommended that you bring a list of questions you would like answered during your visit. Consultations require roughly one hour.
Q: Will I be able to view photos of prior patients?
A: Yes, each patient has the opportunity to review photos of Dr. Gallego’s previous patients’ surgeries. Photos can also be seen here.
Q: Will I be able to talk to any of Dr. Gallego's prior patients?
A: Dr. Gallego has put together a long list of patients who have volunteered to candidly discuss their experience with prospective patients. It is possible for all identities to remain confidential.
Q: What is "Virtually Pain Free Surgery?"
A: This term is used in regards to the use of the On-q Painbuster pain pump. This device is placed during surgery and it administers small amounts of numbing medicine into your wound for the first 3 days after surgery. Patients typically will not need to take as much oral pain medication. This can decrease the incidence of nausea, grogginess, and constipation.
Breast Augmentation
Q: What are the most common incisions used for breast augmentation?
A: The most common incisions used by Dr. Gallego are the areolar, transaxillary (armpit), and inframammary (in breast fold).
Q: What types of breast implants are most commonly used?
A: Dr. Gallego uses both saline and silicone gel filled breast implants.
Q: What techniques does Dr. Gallego use to determine the right breast implant size?
A: Patients are able to review photos of patients with different sizes. Interested patients will be able to try on different implant sizes to determine with which size they feel most comfortable. Keeping in mind patient safety, Dr. Gallego will make a recommendation based on the patient's frame and desired cup size.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of silicone gel filled breast implants?
A: Silicone gel filled implants tend to feel softer and have less rippling than saline implants. However, they do require larger incisions, are more expensive, and require an MRI every three years. For more information silicone gel implants, Dr. Gallego recommends the following site: breastimplantanswers.com
Q: Why are breast implants usually placed partially under the muscle?
A: The implants are placed partially under the muscle (subpectoral) in the majority of cases for a few reasons: 1) it is easier to perform mammograms, 2) the top of the implants are better hidden in patients that are thin, and 3) capsular contracture with silicone gel implants is less common when the implants are placed under the muscle.
Q: How much time off from work will I need after my breast augmentation by Dr. Gallego?
A: Most patients will miss 3-4 days of work depending on the type of occupation. Patients with more strenuous jobs will require a longer period of time off.
Q: How long after surgery does the average patient take pain medication?
A: Breast augmentation patients usually need pain medications for three to four days.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Q: How long before I can resume my usual activities after an abdominoplasty?
A: Typically patients will take two weeks off from work, cannot do strenuous exercise for a month, and will require six to eight weeks before resuming normal activities.
Q: Can a tummy tuck get rid of all of my stretch marks?
A: Most stretch marks below the belly button will be removed. However, this is dependent on the amount of excess skin present in the upper abdomen.
Q: Does Dr. Gallego use plastic drains when he performs a tummy tuck?
A: Yes, Dr. Gallego always uses drains when performing a tummy tuck. Drains help to prevent fluid collections and are typically removed after 7-10 days in the office.
Q: Should I wait until after I am done having children to have a tummy tuck?
A: Yes, it is always best to wait until after you are finished having children before proceeding with an abdominoplasty.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
Q: Will i have to go to sleep during my nose reshaping?
A: The majority of patients undergoing rhinoplasty with Dr. Gallego will choose to go to sleep completely. Some patients will have the procedure done with local anesthetic and some intravenous sedation.
Q: How much time off of work do most patients need after a rhinoplasty?
A: Most patients take off at least one full week.
Q: What sort of dressings are used after a rhinoplasty?
A: All patients have a gauze drip pad and an external splint that helps in the shaping of the dorsum and provides protection. Most patients will also have some internal packing that is removed the day after the surgery. Patients who undergo extensive septal modification will also have internal splints that will be in place for one week.
Liposuction
Q: Can liposuction be a substitute for exercise and eating right?
A: No, liposuction should never be used as a subsititute for living a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction works best in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Q: Am I a good candidate for liposuction if I have a fair amount of excess skin?
A: Most patients with a moderate to severe amount of excess of skin are poor candidates for liposuction. These patients typically require a procedure where the excess skin can be removed, namely a tummy tuck.
Q: Can the fat come back if I do not take care of myself?
A: After liposuction some fat cells will always remain. Therefore, the fat can come back if one does not maintain a healthy lifestyle. Often the fat will deposit itself in another region of the body where more fat cells exist.
Financial
Q: Is it easy to get financing?
A: Most patients with a satisfactory credit score will qualify for financing.
Q: What forms of payments are accepted?
A: Patients can pay using cash, check, credit card, or through a financing organization.
Q: Will I have to pay for any revisions?
A: There is always a fee involved to cover anesthesia and operating room costs. The surgeon’s fee will vary on a case by case basis depending on the surgery.
About Gallego Plastic Surgery
Gallego Plastic Surgery has two offices conveniently located to serve you. Our Irvine Office is located in the city of Irvine and the serves the surrounding Orange County region. Our Corona Office is located in the city of Corona and the serves the surrounding Inland Empire and Riverside regions.
For more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gallego, please contact us.
