Q & A
How many people undergo cosmetic surgery each year?
Over 13.1 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This is a 5% increase from 2009.
Is surgery performed under general or local anesthesia?
Depending upon what is most appropriate for your particular situation, Dr Lyon will discuss with you what type of anesthesia is best to use.
Do you perform tumescent liposuction?
Yes, tumescent liposuction, is the safest method of liposculpture with less bruising, less swelling and a quicker recovery than older traditional methods of liposuction.
Tumescent liposuction uses a large volume of fluid with diluted adrenaline to cause intense constriction of the small blood vessels, which leads to less bleeding, less bruising and less swelling.
If a patient has a heart condition, is aesthetic surgery with general anesthesia safe?
It depends upon the patient’s disease and current medications. Discuss with Dr Lyon about your specific situation.
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Dr Bill can help you make the right decision during your consultations.
What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?
Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Dr Lyon will prescribe appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation can cause greater discomfort.
What parts of the body do you do Cosmetic Surgery on?
There are commonly performed cosmetic procedures for virtually every part of the face, including the neck, nose, eyes, ears chin, cheekbones, forehead, as well as the breasts and abdomen. Additionally, scar revision and liposuction surgeries are potentially possible on most areas of the body.
How long does it take for an operation?
On an average, most surgeries take 2-3 hours in the operating room, with the most extensive of multiple procedures lasting several hours. Additional time is often required for preparation before, and rest & recovery time after the surgery itself, particularly when sedation or a general anesthetic is administered.
What are the risks?
All surgeries entail risks, such as bleeding, possible infection, etc. Please see the information on the specific surgery or consult with Dr Lyon for more detailed information.
What are the most common surgeries?
Among the most frequently performed surgeries are: breast augmentation surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Will it be covered by my medical insurance?
In general, if it is cosmetic, your medical insurance will not cover the surgery or treatment, however there are many cosmetic procedures that are not only aesthetic but have a functional or medical element and these can be covered by insurance.
What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery?
Typically, the difference exists in the purpose of surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed with the primary goal of improving one’s appearance. Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve personal health, body function or alleviate disease and is often considered medically necessary.
How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
Most reconstructive surgery procedures require one to two weeks for healing. However, recovery time also depends on the patient and specific reconstructive surgery performed. Some patients are able to return to a normal routine immediately after a reconstructive surgery procedure, while others require several weeks to retain a normal level of functioning. In some cases, the final results are not clear for months.
What procedures are considered reconstructive surgery?
The line between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery can sometimes be blurred. Generally, reconstructive surgery improves both appearance and health. Some examples of reconstructive surgery include:
- Laceration Repair
- Scar Revision
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Implant Revision for an Implant related issue (Rupture or Contracture)
- Breast Reconstruction (Following surgical breast cancer treatment)
- Eyelid Surgery (to improve field of vision)
- Abdominoplasty
Does Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery not have scars after the operation. Is it true?
That is not true. Healing of any wound is with scar tissue. But a Cosmetic Surgeon takes extreme care to get a least visible scar by placing the incision in the natural creases of the body. You must realize that the scars are permanent, and it will take three months to one year to mature & look their best.
What should I expect during a consultation for a body lift?
During the consultation for a body lift, Dr. Lyon will go over your complete medical history, take the time to understand your goals, and answer all of your questions. You will see pre-op and post-op photos of previous body lift patients. Dr. Lyon will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes and explain the details of the procedure including the technique, the recovery, the risks, the costs, and financing options.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

