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 the formation of a skin flap to reshape or mold the defect so as to approximate the original shape.

What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. The art and science of plastic surgery is also involved with the enhancement of the appearance of a person through such operations as facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congential defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

Is there a "right" age to pursue plastic surgery?
There isn't any overarching rule as to the right age for cosmetic plastic surgery. In fact, the appropriateness of a certain procedure should be determined more on a case by case basis, looking at the individual's unique body type and aging process. While certain procedures, such as otoplasty, are routinely performed on children ages 5-6, many other operations, such as augmentation, as best done on patients 18 years of age or older.

Is plastic surgery outpatient or inpatient?
Most plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, usually when the surgery is very extensive or complications arise, an overnight stay might be required.

How do I know that Dr. MacDonald is qualified for plastic surgery?
You can check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery by going online to https://www.abms.org/WC/login.aspx or you can call hospitals - such as West Hills Hospital and they will verify that Dr. MacDonald is a plastic surgeon on the staff. Physicians are not allowed to do plastic surgery at the hospital unless they have completed the appropriate residency training after medical school. You may find that several reality shows have featured surgeons who perform cosmetic surgeries; however, the networks don't necessarily check the surgeon's credentials before airing the show and so it's imperative to do the homework yourself.

Will Dr. MacDonald be the one performing my surgery?
Unlike some other surgeons, Dr. MacDonald performs the surgery herself. She does not rely on a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner to perform her surgeries.

Can I opt to have multiple procedures done at once?
Yes. It is possible to have multiple procedures done at once; however, Dr. MacDonald prefers to maintain a 6-8 hour timeframe for her surgeries. What can be done in this time is what can be done safely.

What is the recovery from plastic surgery like? Will I be able to tolerate the pain post-operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. 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 have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.

Eyelid Surgery -
Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with make-up could return to work by 5-7 days.

Facelift Surgery-
Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.

Breast Surgery -
Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work after 5-14 days but cannot lift more than 5 pounds. Reductions may take up to 3 weeks.

Liposuction -
Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 1-10 days.

Abdominoplasty -
Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to most jobs at 10-14 days.

When can I resume normal exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises after cosmetic surgery varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.

Finance for Plastic Surgery Procedure

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?
When the plastic surgery procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not be involved. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes, however, it may be partially or fully covered by insurance. There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement - may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.

Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?
In addition to paying with cash, check, or charge, we can can help you get a step closer to your plastic surgery goal. We work with several financing companies that may be able to provide you with convenient, low-interest financing for any of our plastic surgery procedures. Please call our office for more information, 818-704-6897. You may access more information by logging onto their websites at or .



Además de pagar con efectivo, el cheque, o la carga, podemos poder ayuda que usted consigue un paso más cercano a su meta de la cirugía plástica. Trabajamos con varias compañías de financiamiento que puedan poder proveer de usted el financiamiento conveniente, de bajo interés para cualesquiera de nuestros procedimientos de la cirugía plástica. Llame por favor nuestra oficina entre 2pm a 5pm, de lunes a jueves para más información, 818-704-6897.