The answer to that question is often, no. A woman performing regular self-breast examinations usually finds a mass before her doctor, whether they have breast implants or not. After having breast implants, a woman needs to re-familiarize herself with her breasts. Implants cause the breasts to have a different texture, new folds or bumps from the shell and/or valve on the implant. But after a woman knows her new breasts, having implants does not get in the way of her noticing a change that might be cancer. In fact, recognizing breast changes can sometimes be easier for women with implants because the implants push the breast tissue to the outside of the breast, making a lump easier to feel. In addition, women with implants might even be more likely to notice changes to their breasts because they are often more aware of their breasts and changes to their body.
What are my options if I’m not satisfied with the outcome of my procedure?
This can vary tremendously depending on the circumstance. For example, it can depend on whether the surgery was covered by insurance or completely cosmetic with money out-of-pocket. It also depends on why the patient is dissatisfied. With cosmetic procedures, surgeons will often not charge for any revisions necessary to repair or correct a complication. However, the patient may incur additional facility or anesthesia fees. These issues are dealt with on a case by case basis but we usually try to accommodate our patients to the best of our ability.
Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?
Currently we accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover as methods of payment. We do not offer financing of procedures at the moment. However, we do accept CareCredit which works like a “medical credit card” that can be used for a number of cosmetic procedures including cosmetic surgery, BOTOX, fillers, skin care products and more. More information about CareCredit can be found on their website here.
There are also many other lenders that are available who offer financing for certain medical procedures. You can obtain more information during your consultation with Dr. Tarola or contact us at 615-624-8914.
Where is plastic surgery performed?
The ASPS mandates that its members perform surgery that is performed under general anesthesia be performed in an accredited facility. So, that is what I do. Some surgeons choose to not comply with those guidelines and do surgery under general anesthesia in their offices in a non-accredited operating room/facility. There are also non-plastic surgeons who perform plastic/cosmetic surgery in their own facilities that may or may not be accredited because no accredited facility will give them privileges to do those procedures given the fact that they were never formally trained to perform those procedures and are not board certified in plastic surgery.
Not only is our neighbor Middle Tennessee Medical Center accredited by the Joint Commission, but so is the surgery center downstairs from my office (Middle Tenn Ambulatory Surgery Center).
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is when nothing but the patient’s desire to improve their outward physical appearance necessitates their want for plastic surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to change or enhance a healthy, normal, functioning part of the body.
Reconstructive surgery is when the surgery is performed to restore proper functionality to a body part or to achieve physical normality. Reconstructive surgery is intended to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, tumor or disease, infection, or physical trauma.