Frequently Asked Questions:
What
is Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery?
Plastic Surgery
is that area of medicine, which is devoted to reshaping the
body involving face, breast and extremities. It deals with
rejuvenation of the skin and combines surgical and laser technique.
Reconstructive Surgery is that branch of medicine that involves
utilizing healthy tissue from local and distant sites of the
patient to help give natural contour to previously operated
or deficient areas. Such areas include breast reconstruction
after breast cancer and skin grafting after burn injury.
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Who
should have Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic Surgery is a personal choice. It
can slow down the effects of aging and help an individual
regain the youthful changes they desire. Cosmetic Surgery
should be preformed to create subtle changes to give a more
natural appearance. Personal body improvements can be spiritual
in nature, encouraging a sense of well being, or cosmetic,
allowing you to see physical changes through body contouring
enhancement.
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Is Dr. Zahir the right
plastic surgeon for me?
Any patient undergoing cosmetic surgery
should feel confident that their plastic surgeon is the right
for them. The best way to determine if Dr. Zahir is the surgeon
for you is to call and make an appointment for your complimentary
cosmetic consultation. This will allow you the opportunity
to ask the questions that you have regarding cosmetic procedures
and how they can benefit you. Dr. Zahir has dual certification
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board
of Surgery who performs plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic
surgery. He combines artistic appeal with surgical expertise
incorporating state-of-the-art technology with laser surgical
techniques.
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What does Cosmetic Surgery
cost?
Cosmetic consultations with Dr. Zahir are
complimentary. Dr. Zahir feels the most important part of
plastic surgery and body rejuvenation involves patient education
first and foremost, allowing the patient to determine what
is best for them, based on the current technology.
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Where
is the Cosmetic Surgery performed?
Most of the cosmetic surgical procedures
do not require hospitalizations and are performed either in
the office or as an outpatient. Some cosmetic procedures require
hospitalization, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast
reduction surgery, body lifting surgery, and individuals who
have multiple cosmetic procedures which are performed simultaneously.
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How
do I make an appointment with Dr. Zahir?
To make an appointment with Dr. Zahir, call
(703) 208-0783, for your complimentary consultation. Our staff
will work diligently to accommodate you for your free office
visit.
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If I have Cosmetic
Surgery, how do I pay for it?
Dr. Zahir feels every person should be entitled
to cosmetic care and he does not want financial challenges
to stop you from looking your very best. Dr. Zahir accepts
Visa and MasterCard. We also offer Care Credit and Capital
One as financing options.
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How long do I have to
take off from work?
The type of surgical procedure performed
will determine the time needed for recovery, and may vary
from 3-5 days to 2-3 weeks. Resuming social activities and
returning to work depend upon the level of physical activity
and public contact you require, as well as the swelling and
bruising you may develop after surgery. Laser surgical procedures
often require minimal down time. Facial surgery, including
eyelid surgery and chin surgery, require between 3-5 days
of recuperation. Fat transfer patients require a minimum of
3-5 days and patients undergoing full facial rejuvenation
require about 7-12 days.
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Preparing
for Surgery & Medications to not take prior to surgery
General Surgical Rules:
- It is important that surgery is timed
at a point when you are ready and are not under a time constraint,
which in turn will cause stress and could impair healing.
- Every individual must decide for themselves
if surgery is what they want, bearing in mind that you have
to have realistic expectations.
- Stop smoking 3-4 weeks prior to most surgical
procedures.
- Aspirin and ibuprofen should be stopped
7-10 days prior to any surgical procedure. Please refer
to the comprehensive list above.
- Do not take Vitamin E, 3-4 weeks prior
to surgery.
- Stop all herbal supplements other than
what we provide for you prior to surgery
- Fill all prescription medications prior
to surgery.
The Day of Surgery:
- Confirm surgery time and date.
- Do not eat or drink anything 8-12 hours
prior to surgery. This includes water, smoking, eating candy
or chewing gum.
- If you normally take prescription medication
in the morning, you may take it with a sip of water, but
check with Dr. Zahir or the anesthesia team prior to doing
so.
- You may brush your teeth but do not swallow
the water.
- Please do not wear moisturizers, creams,
lotions or makeup.
- Wear only comfortable, loose fitting clothing
that does not go over your head.
- Do not bring any valuables and remove your
contact lens prior to surgery.
Post Surgery:
- It is essential to have someone to
help you, both physically and emotionally, during your recovery.
- A certain degree of apprehension and anxiety
is normal with any operative procedure.
- After surgery, some patients experience
mild feelings of unhappiness. Post surgical let downs usually
set in about 3 days after surgery. At this point you may
be regaining some of your physical stamina, but your post-operative
appearance has not yet begun to improve. This emotional
let down may be caused by stress, exhaustion, metabolic
changes or the frustration of waiting for results to appear.
- To properly heal and reduce the possibility
of complications, patients should not: sunbathe, swim, exercise
or engage in strenuous activities.
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