What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction and improvement of the face and body from birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is also involved with the enhancement of a person’s appearance through such procedures including face lifts, rhinoplasty, brow lift, and eyelid surgery.
Why the “plastic” in plastic surgery?
The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning “to mold or shape.” Many of the first plastic surgeries were developed to close a difficult wound or replace tissue lost due to injury or cancer. These procedures often involved forming a skin flap to reshape or mold the area to make it as close to the original shape as possible.
What is the difference between a facial plastic surgeon and a (general) plastic surgeon?
Facial plastic surgeons perform aesthetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head, and neck regions only. Training includes one or two years of post-graduate training in general surgery residency and at least five additional years of specialty training in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. A general plastic surgeon performs both face and body procedures. Training includes three to five years in general surgery residency and two years of specialty training in all body areas. For more information on choosing a surgeon, click here.
Why is board certification important?
By choosing a facial plastic surgeon who is board certified, you know the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in an accredited program.
Board certification is a voluntary process a surgeon seeks after completing this training. The doctor must pass comprehensive written and oral exams before becoming certified. For more information on choosing a surgeon, click here.
Who is a good candidate for facial plastic surgery?
In general, the best candidates are:
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What should I expect from my consultation?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Hamilton will examine your facial structure and the condition of your skin, and review your medical history to decide what the best options are for you. Talk with Dr. Hamilton about what you want to accomplish. He may suggest several options to achieve your desired results. It is important that the two of you work together as a team. For more information, click here.
What will my scars look like?
Click here to see some typical scars after surgery.
Since you are at a teaching hospital, does that mean an intern is going to do my surgery?
No. Dr. Hamilton will do your surgery. There may be a resident assisting him but Dr. Hamilton will perform your surgery.
