Plastic Surgery 101: Types, Benefits, and Risks
Many people associate plastic surgery with cosmetic changes, but the specialty covers much more. Plastic surgeons may repair damaged tissue, restore movement, reconstruct the breast after mastectomy, treat hand injuries, or reshape areas affected by aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss. They also provide nonsurgical options, including Botox, dermal fillers, and Kybella. Each treatment has specific benefits, limitations, risks, and recovery needs. Whether you are considering a subtle change or a more involved procedure, reliable information can help you set practical expectations. Here is what to know before scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Fairbanks.
Key Takeaways
- Plastic surgery includes more than cosmetic treatment
: It can refine appearance, restore tissue, improve function, and address changes caused by injury, illness, aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
- Choose care based on your goals and health
: A consultation with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you compare surgical and nonsurgical options, understand risks, and set realistic expectations.
- Plan for the full treatment experience
: Review costs, anesthesia, recovery time, transportation, home support, follow-up care, and warning signs before scheduling treatment.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on restoring, reconstructing, or reshaping the body. Its name comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning “to mold” or “to shape,” rather than the material used in everyday products. Plastic surgeons use detailed knowledge of anatomy, skin, muscle, fat, and other tissues to address changes caused by injury, illness, aging, congenital conditions, or personal aesthetic goals.
The field includes both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. These categories have different primary purposes, but they can overlap. For example, breast reduction may change breast size and shape while also easing neck, shoulder, and back discomfort. Reconstructive procedures may likewise improve appearance while restoring movement, protecting tissue, or supporting daily function.
Treatment options range from major operations to office-based nonsurgical services. At North Star Plastic Surgery, patients can discuss facial, breast, body, hand, reconstructive, and non-invasive treatments with Dr. Erick Martell, a surgeon who is double board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The appropriate option depends on your health, anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome.
Reconstructive surgery
Reconstructive surgery helps restore form and function after an injury, burn, cancer treatment, disease, congenital condition, or other medical concern. Depending on the situation, surgery may repair damaged tissue, improve movement, close a wound, reduce a scar, or rebuild a body part after tissue loss.
Examples include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, scar revision, hand surgery, and procedures that repair soft-tissue damage. Some reconstructive treatments also address appearance, but their primary purpose is often restorative or functional. The treatment plan depends on the affected area, extent of the damage, overall health, and any previous surgeries.
North Star Plastic Surgery offers breast reconstruction and breast enhancement services for patients seeking individualized surgical care. During a consultation, your surgeon can explain suitable techniques, expected results, potential risks, and the recovery process.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery, also called aesthetic surgery, focuses primarily on changing or refining the appearance of a specific area. Patients may consider treatment for concerns such as facial aging, excess skin, changes after pregnancy or weight loss, breast size, or features they have felt self-conscious about for years.
Common procedures include rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery. The goal is not to create an identical or “perfect” appearance. A well-planned procedure should fit your proportions and support a result that looks natural and appropriate for you.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ cosmetic procedure guide offers general information about common treatments. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon remains essential, since online descriptions cannot account for your anatomy, medical history, or personal goals.
Surgical and nonsurgical options
Plastic surgery includes surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatments. Surgery involves incisions, anesthesia, and a recovery period. It may provide more significant or lasting changes when the concern involves excess skin, tissue position, muscle separation, or body proportions. Examples include facial surgery, breast surgery, liposuction, and body contouring.
Nonsurgical treatments generally involve little or no cutting and may require less downtime. Botox can soften certain expression-related lines, while dermal fillers can restore selected areas of volume or improve contour. Kybella may reduce fullness beneath the chin. These treatments do not replace surgery, and their results, risks, and maintenance requirements differ.
Your surgeon may recommend one treatment, a combination of treatments, or a nonsurgical alternative. The right approach depends on the concern you want to address and the degree of change you hope to see. A thorough evaluation helps set practical expectations before treatment.
Candidacy, goals, and informed consent
Good candidates begin with a clear, personal reason for treatment and realistic expectations. Plastic surgery should be something you choose for yourself, not something you feel pressured to pursue by a partner, family member, social media, or a specific event. Your surgeon will also consider your health, medications, allergies, smoking status, weight stability, pregnancy plans, and prior procedures.
During a consultation, describe what you would like to change and what you hope the result will look like. Your surgeon can discuss whether the procedure is likely to help, along with alternatives that may suit you better. In some cases, the safest recommendation is to delay treatment, address a health concern first, or choose a different approach.
Informed consent means understanding the expected benefits, possible complications, scars, anesthesia, recovery, costs, and long-term considerations before agreeing to treatment. North Star Plastic Surgery encourages patients to schedule a consultation so they can ask questions and make a well-informed decision.
Which Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Common?
Plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive care. Some procedures reshape a feature, improve balance, or address changes related to aging. Others restore function and appearance after an injury, illness, cancer treatment, congenital difference, or significant weight loss.
The best procedure depends on your anatomy, health history, skin quality, lifestyle, and goals. A treatment that works well for one patient may not be appropriate for another, even when their concerns seem similar. During a consultation, your surgeon should explain the available options, expected results, possible scars, recovery time, and alternatives.
Some procedures can be combined when doing so is medically appropriate. However, combining treatments may also create a longer operation and recovery period. Your surgeon will consider your overall health, anesthesia needs, and the amount of healing required before recommending a surgical plan.
North Star Plastic Surgery provides face procedures, breast enhancement, body contouring, hand surgery, and reconstructive care for patients in Fairbanks and surrounding Alaska communities. The sections below describe several common procedure categories, but only an in-person evaluation can determine which option fits your needs.
Facial procedures: rhinoplasty, facelifts, brow lifts, eye surgery, and buccal fat removal
Facial procedures can address the nose, eyelids, brow, cheeks, jawline, and neck. Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by changing its size, contour, or proportions. In some cases, it may also address structural concerns that affect breathing. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlines several common cosmetic facial procedures, including rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, treats loose skin and deeper tissue changes in the lower face and neck. A brow lift addresses a drooping brow or forehead changes, while blepharoplasty reshapes the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Buccal fat removal reduces a specific fat pad in the cheek. Your surgeon should assess facial structure, skin quality, and how each feature relates to the others before suggesting treatment.
Breast procedures: augmentation, lifts, reductions, and reconstruction
Breast surgery can address size, shape, asymmetry, sagging, discomfort, or changes following cancer treatment. Breast augmentation increases volume with implants or, for some patients, transferred fat. A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breast tissue without necessarily increasing its size. Some patients combine a lift with augmentation to improve both position and fullness.
Breast reduction removes excess tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller breast shape. It may help relieve neck, shoulder, or back discomfort, although outcomes vary. Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or another breast operation and may use implants, the patient’s own tissue, or both. North Star Plastic Surgery offers breast enhancement procedures, including augmentation, lifts, reductions, and reconstruction. Discuss pregnancy plans, weight changes, scars, and implant considerations during your consultation.
Body procedures: liposuction, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and body contouring
Body contouring reshapes areas affected by localized fat, loose skin, pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss. Liposuction removes selected fat deposits from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, or chin. It is not a weight-loss procedure, and it generally works best when a patient is near a stable weight with sufficient skin elasticity.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess abdominal skin and may repair separated or weakened abdominal muscles. A mommy makeover combines procedures, often involving the breasts and abdomen, to address changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding. The combination varies based on each patient’s goals and anatomy.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck as treatments for specific areas, not replacements for healthy weight management. Your surgeon will also consider future pregnancies, recovery demands, and whether combining procedures is safe for you.
Panniculectomy and arm lifts
A panniculectomy removes a hanging apron of excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. Patients may consider it after significant weight loss when excess skin causes irritation, hygiene concerns, difficulty exercising, or daily discomfort. Unlike a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy primarily removes excess tissue. It does not necessarily tighten abdominal muscles or reshape the entire waistline.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin from the upper arms and may address localized fat. It is often considered after major weight loss, although aging, genetics, and body composition can also contribute to loose skin. Both procedures leave scars, and their appearance can change as incisions mature. North Star Plastic Surgery offers body procedures for patients who want to discuss contouring options, scar placement, recovery, and expected results.
Hand surgery and reconstructive care
Plastic surgeons also treat conditions involving the hand and wrist, including injuries, nerve problems, tendon damage, congenital differences, and soft-tissue loss. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve wound repair, scar care, tendon or nerve repair, skin grafting, or another reconstructive technique. The goal may be to improve movement, strength, sensation, coverage, or a combination of these functions.
Reconstructive surgery can help restore form and function after trauma, burns, infection, tumor removal, or cancer treatment. Results may not make the affected area look exactly as it did before the injury. Instead, treatment focuses on healing tissues and supporting practical function while creating a balanced appearance when possible.
North Star Plastic Surgery’s about page describes Dr. Erick Martell’s training in General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as his experience with complex injuries and reconstruction. A detailed examination is important because tissue condition, nerve function, previous treatment, and timing can influence the recommended plan.
What Are Non-Invasive Aesthetic Treatments?
Non-invasive aesthetic treatments refresh or refine your appearance without traditional surgery, large incisions, or an extended recovery period. At North Star Plastic Surgery, these services include Botox, dermal fillers, and Kybella. Although injectables involve a needle and may cause temporary swelling or bruising, they usually require less downtime than procedures such as a facelift, tummy tuck, or breast surgery. Explore North Star’s non-invasive services to learn more about available treatment options.
Each treatment works differently. Botox temporarily relaxes selected facial muscles, fillers restore or add volume, and Kybella reduces fat beneath the chin. The right option depends on your goals, facial anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and comfort with maintenance. During a consultation, your provider can recommend a focused treatment plan instead of treating every line or contour.
Injectables also have clear limits. They may soften certain wrinkles, restore subtle volume, or improve the appearance of a double chin, but they cannot create the same lift or tissue removal as surgery. A qualified provider should explain expected results, possible side effects, treatment timing, alternatives, and whether a nonsurgical approach fits your goals.
Botox for dynamic lines
Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles. When those muscles move less, dynamic lines caused by repeated expressions may appear softer. Common treatment areas include horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and lines around the outer corners of the eyes. Effects gradually wear off as muscle movement returns, so some patients schedule periodic maintenance treatments.
The goal is not to eliminate natural expression. A carefully planned treatment can soften selected lines while preserving facial movement. Your provider will evaluate muscle activity, facial balance, skin quality, and whether lines remain visible when your face is relaxed. The FDA’s Botox Cosmetic information explains approved uses and important safety considerations.
Dermal fillers for volume and contour
Dermal fillers are injectable materials used to restore volume, soften certain creases, and refine facial contours. Depending on the product and treatment area, fillers may add fullness to the lips, cheeks, chin, or jawline. They can also reduce the appearance of folds associated with age-related volume loss. Results vary by product, location, metabolism, and the amount injected, and many fillers are temporary.
Natural-looking results depend on conservative treatment and precise placement. More product does not always create a better result, especially when several areas are treated at once. Ask which filler your provider recommends, why it suits your goals, how long it may last, and what alternatives are available. North Star Plastic Surgery can discuss facial procedures and aesthetic treatments during a personalized consultation.
Kybella for submental fullness
Kybella is an injectable treatment designed to reduce submental fullness, commonly called a double chin. Its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, helps break down fat cells beneath the chin. The body gradually processes the treated cells. Kybella is not a weight-loss treatment, and it may be better suited to adults with localized fullness than to patients with significant loose skin.
Treatment often involves a series of sessions. The number of appointments depends on the amount of fullness, the treatment plan, and the desired result. Swelling, tenderness, bruising, numbness, or firmness may occur afterward. The FDA’s Kybella information outlines approved uses and safety details. A consultation can help determine whether Kybella, another nonsurgical option, or surgery is appropriate.
Why patients choose less downtime
Many patients choose nonsurgical treatments because they want noticeable changes without taking extensive time away from work, family, or daily responsibilities. Botox and fillers are commonly performed in an office setting, while Kybella does not require the incisions associated with chin or neck surgery. Still, less downtime does not mean no recovery. Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness may temporarily affect your schedule.
Before treatment, ask how long common side effects may last and whether you should adjust exercise, alcohol use, makeup, or medications. Plan appointments with enough time for swelling or bruising to settle before an important event. Nonsurgical care can limit disruption, but proper timing, medical screening, and aftercare remain important parts of a safe treatment plan.
How personalized maintenance supports natural-looking results
Most injectable treatments are temporary. Botox gradually wears off as muscle activity returns, while filler results change as the product is absorbed or metabolized. Kybella may provide a lasting reduction in treated fat cells, but aging, weight changes, and skin laxity can continue to affect the chin and neck. Maintenance should reflect your results and preferences rather than follow an automatic schedule.
A personalized plan may treat one area at a time, use conservative amounts, and allow the full result to develop before additional product is considered. Follow-up appointments help your provider assess symmetry, address concerns, and adjust future treatments. Keeping a record of product names, treatment dates, and injection areas can also make ongoing care more consistent.
What injectables can and cannot treat
Injectables can address dynamic lines, mild-to-moderate volume loss, selected facial contours, and submental fullness. They may help you look more rested or restore balance without substantially changing your overall appearance. However, Botox and fillers cannot remove significant excess skin, tighten severely lax tissue, or provide the same degree of lifting as surgery.
For example, a facelift may be more appropriate for substantial lower-face or neck laxity, while eyelid surgery may better address excess skin around the eyes. Fillers can add structure, but they cannot replace every surgical contouring procedure. As Rush University Medical Center explains, injectables have specific uses and limitations. Your consultation should cover those boundaries, potential risks, alternatives, and the approach that best matches your goals.
What Are Plastic Surgery’s Benefits, Risks, and Misconceptions?
Plastic surgery can serve cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive purposes. Some patients want to refine a facial feature, while others need help restoring movement, comfort, or appearance after an injury, illness, birth difference, cancer treatment, or major weight change. The most appropriate option depends on your anatomy, health history, goals, and expectations.
Cosmetic surgery focuses primarily on appearance, while reconstructive surgery addresses tissue loss, damage, or physical differences that may affect function. The two areas can overlap. For example, breast reconstruction may restore shape after cancer treatment, while a breast reduction may reduce discomfort caused by excess breast tissue. Plastic surgeons may also treat injuries and conditions involving the hands, skin, and soft tissue.
Every treatment involves potential benefits and tradeoffs. Surgery may require anesthesia, incisions, recovery time, and follow-up care. Nonsurgical treatments typically involve less downtime, but they still carry side effects and may require repeated sessions. Before treatment, your consultation should include expected results, alternatives, possible complications, recovery, cost, and the possibility of additional treatment. North Star Plastic Surgery offers facial, breast, body, reconstructive, and nonsurgical services, giving Fairbanks-area patients an opportunity to discuss care based on their individual needs.
Cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive benefits
Cosmetic procedures can help refine proportions, restore shape, or address changes that have not responded to diet and exercise. Facial procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, brow lift surgery, and eyelid surgery may change specific features while maintaining your overall appearance. Breast lifts, reductions, and augmentations can address concerns related to volume, shape, or symmetry. Body procedures may remove excess skin or improve contours after pregnancy or significant weight loss. You can review North Star Plastic Surgery’s facial procedures to see which options may relate to your goals.
Reconstructive and functional procedures may help repair tissue after trauma, burns, cancer treatment, disease, or a congenital difference. Hand surgery can address injuries and conditions that interfere with movement or daily tasks. Removing heavy or damaged tissue may also improve comfort, mobility, hygiene, or clothing fit. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes plastic surgery as a broad specialty that includes both cosmetic and reconstructive care.
Surgical risks and complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks, even when your surgeon and care team take careful precautions. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia reactions, delayed wound healing, fluid buildup, changes in sensation, and noticeable scars. Some patients may experience asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the result, or the need for revision surgery.
Your personal risk depends on the procedure and your health. Smoking, certain medications, uncontrolled medical conditions, previous operations, and limited help during recovery may affect your treatment plan. Be honest about your medical history, including supplements, allergies, prior anesthesia problems, and any past surgeries.
During your consultation, ask how the procedure will be performed, what complications are most relevant to you, and which symptoms require prompt medical attention. You should also understand who to contact after surgery and how follow-up visits are handled. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ patient guidance recommends discussing benefits, risks, recovery, and alternatives before treatment.
Nonsurgical risks and side effects
Botox, dermal fillers, and Kybella do not require traditional surgery, but they are still medical treatments. Botox may cause temporary redness, swelling, bruising, headache, or unwanted muscle weakness. Dermal fillers can result in tenderness, swelling, lumps, asymmetry, infection, or an allergic reaction. Rare but serious filler complications can affect blood flow and require urgent medical care.
Kybella treats fullness beneath the chin and may cause swelling, bruising, soreness, numbness, or firmness in the treated area. Your results can depend on the product, injection technique, treatment depth, and your anatomy. A qualified provider should explain the treatment’s purpose, possible side effects, the number of sessions you may need, and when to contact the office.
North Star Plastic Surgery provides Botox, fillers, and Kybella for patients considering nonsurgical aesthetic care. Ask whether a nonsurgical treatment can address your concern or whether a surgical procedure would be more appropriate.
Scars, aging, and lasting results
Scarring is a normal part of healing after an incision. Your surgeon may place incisions in less noticeable locations and provide instructions for wound care and scar management. Silicone products, sun protection, and other treatments may help scars become less noticeable over time, but no procedure can guarantee an invisible scar. Scar appearance also varies based on genetics, skin type, incision location, and healing.
Plastic surgery can create long-lasting changes, but it does not stop aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or sun-related skin changes. A facelift, for example, can address loose skin and folds, but your face will continue to age naturally. Body contouring results may also change after significant weight gain or pregnancy.
Nonsurgical treatments commonly require maintenance as their effects gradually fade. Ask how long results may last, whether future treatments are expected, and how lifestyle factors may affect the outcome. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ overview of lasting results offers helpful context about aging, maintenance, and additional procedures.
Common plastic surgery misconceptions
One common misconception is that plastic surgery is purely cosmetic. The specialty also includes reconstruction, hand surgery, wound care, and procedures that may improve comfort or function. Patients may seek care after an injury, cancer treatment, burn, birth difference, or condition that affects movement.
Another myth is that plastic surgery always creates an unnatural appearance. Good treatment planning considers your proportions, anatomy, skin quality, and preferences. Your surgeon should explain what can realistically change rather than promise that a procedure will create an exact image or celebrity-inspired result.
Results are not always permanent, either. Aging and other life changes continue after surgery, and some procedures require maintenance or revision. Plastic surgery is also not limited to women. Men may seek facial procedures, body contouring, breast reduction, skin cancer reconstruction, or hand surgery. The ASPS guide to common plastic surgery misconceptions addresses these assumptions in more detail.
Emotional readiness and realistic expectations
A strong reason for surgery starts with your own goals. You should be considering treatment for yourself, not because of pressure from a partner, family member, friend, or social media trend. It helps to identify the specific change you want and understand what the procedure can and cannot accomplish.
Realistic expectations do not mean settling for results you do not want. They mean understanding that healing takes time, small differences between sides are normal, and your result may not match a filtered image or another person’s outcome. Ask how your anatomy, skin quality, age, health, and lifestyle may affect the result.
You should also feel comfortable with the recovery process, cost, possible complications, and the chance that additional treatment could be needed. If you feel rushed, uncertain, or pressured, postponing treatment is a reasonable choice. The Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance recommends thinking carefully about your motives and desired outcome before moving forward.
How Do You Choose a Qualified Fairbanks Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing a plastic surgeon involves more than comparing office locations or procedure prices. You are selecting a physician who will evaluate your health, discuss your goals, perform your treatment, and support you throughout recovery. Review each surgeon’s credentials, experience, communication style, and approach to safety before scheduling a procedure.
A consultation should leave you feeling informed, respected, and comfortable asking questions. Use the following steps to compare Fairbanks plastic surgeons and decide whether a practice is a good fit for your needs.
Verify board certification and state licensure
Start by confirming that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that a physician completed specialized training in plastic surgery and passed comprehensive written and oral examinations in the field. It is different from completing medical school or holding a general medical license.
You should also verify the surgeon’s active Alaska license through the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Review any available disciplinary information or restrictions, and make sure the surgeon’s credentials relate to the procedure you are considering. These checks give you a reliable starting point as you compare providers.
Match training to your procedure and goals
Plastic surgery covers many specialties, including rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast reconstruction, tummy tucks, hand surgery, and injectable treatments. Look for a surgeon whose training and experience align with your specific goals. A surgeon who regularly performs facial procedures may approach rhinoplasty differently from one who focuses primarily on body contouring.
During your consultation, explain what you would like to change and why. Reference photos can help communicate your preferences, but they are discussion tools rather than guarantees. Your surgeon should consider your anatomy, health, and healing process while explaining appropriate techniques, realistic results, and alternatives. You can review North Star Plastic Surgery’s face procedures, body procedures, and breast enhancement services before your appointment.
Review facility accreditation, anesthesia, and safety protocols
Ask where your procedure will take place and who will provide anesthesia. The facility should follow appropriate safety standards, and the surgical team should explain how they monitor patients before, during, and after treatment. For office-based procedures, ask which treatments can be performed there and when a hospital or accredited surgical center is recommended.
You can also ask about emergency protocols, infection prevention, medication instructions, and the qualifications of the anesthesia provider. If general anesthesia or deeper sedation is planned, find out whether an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist will be present. These questions help you understand your care plan. A qualified practice should answer them clearly and explain why the selected facility and anesthesia approach are appropriate for your procedure and health history.
Assess communication and informed consent
Pay attention to how the surgeon listens. Do they ask about your concerns and give you enough time to explain the changes you want? A strong consultation should feel like a thoughtful conversation, not a sales presentation. You should receive clear information about benefits, limitations, risks, scars, recovery, and possible alternatives.
Informed consent means you understand the procedure before deciding whether to proceed. Ask for clarification when a medical term is unfamiliar, and request written instructions when helpful. You should never feel pressured to schedule surgery immediately. North Star Plastic Surgery offers a consultation request form, allowing prospective patients to discuss their goals and learn whether treatment is appropriate.
Review before-and-after photos and patient feedback
Before-and-after photos can help you understand a surgeon’s technique and the types of results they commonly achieve. Look for patients with concerns, anatomy, and starting points similar to yours. Ask when each photo was taken after surgery and whether the patient had additional procedures. Results can change as swelling fades and tissues continue to heal.
Patient reviews may provide insight into scheduling, communication, staff interactions, and follow-up care. However, online feedback reflects individual experiences and should not replace a consultation or credential review. Look for consistent patterns across multiple sources, and be cautious of guarantees or promises that every patient will achieve the same result. A responsible surgeon will explain that outcomes vary.
Ask about follow-up, revisions, and complication care
Before treatment, ask how often you will attend follow-up visits and whom you should contact with questions after surgery. Find out which appointments and services are included in your treatment plan. You should also understand how the practice handles concerns during recovery and whether you will receive an after-hours contact for urgent issues.
It is reasonable to ask what happens if a complication occurs or if the result does not match the agreed-upon goal. Some concerns improve with additional healing time, while others may require treatment or revision surgery. Ask how revisions are evaluated and billed, since policies vary between practices. Clear answers help you understand the care available after your procedure, not just the experience on surgery day.
Learn about Dr. Erick Martell’s credentials and experience
If you are considering North Star Plastic Surgery, review Dr. Erick Martell’s credentials and background. He is double board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His experience includes facial procedures, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive care, and hand surgery.
Dr. Martell also served 21 years in the U.S. Army and performed surgery during combat and humanitarian missions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This background is one factor to consider alongside board certification, procedure-specific experience, safety protocols, and communication. During your consultation, ask how his experience relates to your procedure, which technique he recommends, and what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.
How Do You Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation?
A plastic surgery consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, review your health history, and learn whether a procedure is appropriate for you. You do not need to arrive with every decision made. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, listen to your concerns, and explain which options may fit your needs.
Before your appointment, write down the changes you would like to address and gather relevant medical information. You may also review North Star Plastic Surgery’s facial procedures, body procedures, breast enhancement services, and non-invasive treatments. Reviewing these options can help you prepare questions, but online information cannot replace an individual examination.
Your treatment plan may involve surgery, an injectable treatment, a different technique, or no treatment at all. Use the consultation to discuss potential benefits, limitations, risks, costs, and recovery needs. You should leave with a clear understanding of your options and enough information to make a decision without feeling rushed.
Define your goals and desired changes
Start by identifying what you would like to change and why. You may want to address loose abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss, improve facial balance, restore breast volume, or soften dynamic lines with an injectable treatment. Describe your concerns in your own words instead of focusing only on a procedure name.
Think about what a successful result would look like to you. Are you hoping for a subtle change, a more defined contour, improved symmetry, or better function? Your anatomy, skin quality, and overall health all affect the outcome, so realistic expectations are important.
Reference images can help explain your preferences. Bring them if they are useful, but treat them as starting points for discussion rather than exact templates. Your surgeon can explain which aspects may be achievable for you and which may not.
Share your medical history, medications, allergies, and prior procedures
Prepare a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Include the dosage and frequency when possible. Also tell your surgeon about medication allergies, reactions to anesthesia, bleeding problems, chronic conditions, and previous hospitalizations.
Share details about past surgeries, cosmetic treatments, pregnancies, major weight changes, and complications during earlier procedures. This information helps your surgeon plan appropriately and determine whether you need additional testing or medical clearance. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication unless your surgeon or prescribing clinician tells you to do so.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery’s consultation guidance recommends gathering this information before your appointment. Bringing an updated medication list can make the discussion more accurate and efficient.
Discuss age, health, pregnancy, weight, and smoking
Be open about your current health and any recent changes in your body. Your surgeon may ask about pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, weight stability, exercise, and medical conditions that could affect healing or anesthesia. If you are considering breast or abdominal surgery, discuss future pregnancy plans because pregnancy can change your results.
Tell the practice if you smoke, vape, or use nicotine products. Nicotine can reduce blood flow and interfere with wound healing, so your surgeon may recommend stopping for a specific period before and after treatment. Do not assume that vaping or other nicotine products are harmless alternatives.
Weight stability may also affect procedures such as tummy tuck and body contouring. If you recently lost a significant amount of weight or expect further changes, ask whether waiting would support a safer plan and a more predictable result. Sharing this information early allows your surgeon to plan around your health and goals.
Consider teen patients, parental consent, and emotional readiness
Teenagers may seek treatment for functional, developmental, or cosmetic concerns. A consultation should consider physical maturity, the reason for the request, and whether the patient understands the procedure, recovery, risks, and possible limitations. Some teenagers may benefit from treatment for concerns such as prominent ears, breast development, or breathing problems. Other situations may call for more time and observation.
Parents or legal guardians may need to attend the consultation and provide consent, depending on the patient’s age and the treatment. Requirements can vary, so ask the practice which forms or documentation are needed.
Emotional readiness matters at every age. A patient should want treatment for personal reasons, not because of pressure from peers, social media, or another person. An honest conversation about expectations and motivation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate now.
Ask about techniques, alternatives, scars, and results
Ask why your surgeon recommends a particular technique and whether another option could address the same concern. You may discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatments, different incision locations, staged procedures, or the choice to postpone treatment. If you are considering multiple procedures, ask whether combining them is appropriate or whether separating them would be safer.
Scars are part of many surgical procedures, although their appearance varies based on incision placement, skin type, healing, and aftercare. Ask where scars would be located, how they may change over time, and how to care for them. You can also ask whether treatments such as silicone products or other scar care options may be appropriate.
Before-and-after photos may help you understand a surgeon’s work, but they cannot guarantee a particular result. The Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance also recommends considering your motivations and desired changes before the appointment.
Discuss anesthesia, pain control, and recovery
Ask what type of anesthesia or sedation your procedure may require and who will administer it. Your surgeon can explain how anesthesia affects preparation, transportation, monitoring, and the first stage of recovery. Mention any history of nausea, difficult intubation, or other anesthesia-related problems.
Discuss pain control before scheduling treatment. Ask which medications may be used, what level of discomfort is typical, and whether nonprescription options may be appropriate. Do not take or stop medications without specific medical guidance.
Your recovery discussion should cover swelling, bruising, drains, compression garments, incision care, sleeping positions, bathing, driving, work, exercise, and follow-up visits. Ask when you should contact the practice and which symptoms require prompt medical attention. These details can help you arrange transportation, childcare, time away from work, and support at home.
Bring questions to your North Star Plastic Surgery consultation
Write down your questions before the appointment. It is easy to forget important details during a medical conversation, especially when you are discussing several treatment options. Consider asking:
Am I a good candidate for this procedure or treatment?
Which technique would you recommend, and why?
What alternatives should I consider?
Where will the incisions and scars be located?
What results are realistic for my anatomy?
What risks and complications should I understand?
What type of anesthesia or sedation will I need?
How long might recovery take?
When can I return to work, driving, exercise, and childcare?
What follow-up care will I need?
What happens if I experience a complication or need a revision?
Which costs should I plan for?
If the practice allows it, bring a trusted support person to help take notes and remember details. Request written instructions and ask for clarification whenever something is unclear. You can use North Star Plastic Surgery’s consultation request page to contact the practice about discussing your goals with Dr. Erick Martell.
How Do You Plan for Plastic Surgery Costs and Timing?
Planning for plastic surgery involves more than reviewing the procedure fee. Your total budget may include anesthesia, facility costs, prescriptions, medical garments, follow-up visits, travel, and time away from work. Recovery needs also vary by procedure, your health, and the type of work or activities you plan to resume.
During a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery, ask for a detailed estimate and a personalized recovery timeline. This conversation can help you compare treatment options, prepare for recovery, and choose a date that fits your responsibilities.
Compare surgical and nonsurgical treatment fees
Surgical and nonsurgical treatments differ in more than price. Surgery may involve anesthesia, an operating facility, prescription medication, and a longer recovery period. Nonsurgical services, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and Kybella, typically take less time and may allow you to return to many normal activities sooner. However, these treatments often require repeat appointments to maintain results.
Compare the total cost over the period you expect to maintain your results. A surgical procedure may have a higher initial fee but may not require the same regular maintenance as injectables. Ask what each quote includes, whether follow-up care is included, and whether additional treatments may be appropriate for your goals. Your surgeon can help you weigh your options based on your desired outcome, health, and schedule.
Understand cosmetic and reconstructive insurance coverage
Insurance coverage often depends on whether a procedure is considered medically necessary or elective. Reconstructive surgery may address traumatic injuries, burns, cancer-related surgery, congenital differences, or functional concerns. Cosmetic surgery generally focuses on changing appearance and is not usually covered by health insurance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains the difference between reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Ask your insurance company about eligibility, required documentation, referrals, and prior authorization. Coverage can vary by plan, even when a procedure addresses a functional concern. The practice may provide information to support an insurance request, but your insurer makes the final coverage decision. If you are considering breast reconstruction, hand surgery, or treatment after an injury, discuss the insurance process during your consultation.
Ask about financing and payment options
Before scheduling surgery, request an itemized estimate that separates the surgeon’s fee from anesthesia, facility, laboratory, garment, medication, and follow-up costs. Confirm when deposits or payments are due, and ask how cancellations or rescheduling may affect your balance. If you are considering more than one procedure, ask whether combining treatments changes the facility or anesthesia fees.
Some practices offer financing through third-party providers. Financing terms, interest rates, credit requirements, and promotional periods vary, so review the agreement carefully before signing. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts generally apply only to eligible medically necessary care, not elective cosmetic procedures. Your consultation should also cover expected benefits, possible complications, alternatives, and recovery needs, as outlined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Plan for time off, childcare, transportation, and home support
Recovery planning should account for the responsibilities you handle every day. Ask how long you may need help with driving, lifting, bathing, meals, pets, children, and household tasks. Depending on the procedure and anesthesia, you may need an adult to take you home and stay with you during the first night.
Discuss your work schedule with your surgeon. Desk work and physically demanding jobs may require different amounts of time away. Arrange transportation for follow-up visits, especially if you will be taking prescription pain medication or have limited movement. Preparing a comfortable recovery area, filling prescriptions in advance, and organizing easy meals can make the first few days more manageable. If you live outside Fairbanks, include lodging and local transportation in your recovery plan.
Schedule treatment around travel and major events
Choose a treatment date that leaves enough time for healing before a wedding, vacation, photo session, work deadline, or other important event. Swelling, bruising, incision changes, and results that are still developing may remain noticeable longer than expected. Ask your surgeon when you can safely fly, exercise, swim, receive dental care, or participate in outdoor activities.
Travel from outside Fairbanks may require additional planning for lodging, transportation, and follow-up appointments. Review the expected recovery timeline for your chosen treatment through the appropriate procedure category at North Star Plastic Surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may fit more easily around personal commitments, but it can still cause temporary swelling or bruising. Allow extra time whenever possible instead of scheduling treatment immediately before a major event.
How Do You Manage Plastic Surgery Recovery?
A smooth recovery starts before your procedure. Your timeline will depend on the treatment you receive, your overall health, and how your body heals. Recovery after rhinoplasty can look very different from recovery after a tummy tuck, breast reduction, liposuction, or a combination procedure. During your consultation, ask your surgeon what to expect during the first few days, when you may return to work, and which activities you should avoid.
Your surgeon’s instructions should guide every part of your recovery. Before surgery, prepare a comfortable resting area, fill your prescriptions, stock easy-to-prepare meals, and arrange transportation. You may also need help with childcare, pet care, errands, or household tasks. Review North Star Plastic Surgery’s face, breast, and body procedures and create a written recovery plan with your care team.
Plan for the first 24 hours
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you during the first 24 hours. Anesthesia and prescription pain medication may leave you sleepy, unsteady, or less alert than usual. You should not drive, make important decisions, or care for young children alone during this period.
Set up your recovery space before surgery. Keep water, your phone, medications, comfortable clothing, and entertainment within easy reach. Loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head may be more comfortable after facial or breast surgery. If you live alone, arrange overnight help or another suitable support plan.
Before leaving the surgical facility, confirm when to take each medication, how to reach the practice after hours, and which symptoms require a call. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ patient safety guidance also recommends understanding your postoperative instructions before treatment.
Care for incisions and use medications and compression garments
Follow your surgeon’s directions for cleaning and covering your incisions. Depending on the procedure, you may need to keep the area dry for a certain period, apply an ointment, change dressings, or avoid baths and swimming. Wash your hands before touching the surgical area, and do not use products that your care team has not approved.
Take medications exactly as prescribed. If you receive antibiotics, follow your surgeon’s instructions about completing the course. Ask before taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, supplements, or herbal products, since some may increase bleeding or interact with prescribed medication.
Your surgeon may recommend a compression garment after liposuction, body contouring, or a tummy tuck. Wear it for the recommended amount of time, and report excessive tightness, numbness, tingling, or skin discoloration. North Star Plastic Surgery can explain procedure-specific aftercare during your consultation.
Resume work, exercise, and daily activities safely
Returning to normal activities too soon can place stress on healing tissue. Your surgeon will consider the procedure performed, your job’s physical demands, your pain level, and your progress at follow-up visits. Desk work may be possible sooner than work involving lifting, bending, prolonged standing, or strenuous movement.
Gentle walking is often encouraged once your surgeon approves it. Avoid lifting, running, intense workouts, and demanding household chores until you receive clearance. After breast or body surgery, ask specifically about lifting limits, driving, and sleeping positions. After facial procedures, protect healing areas from pressure, impact, and excessive facial movement.
Plan for gradual progress rather than a strict schedule. If an activity causes increased pain, bleeding, pulling, or swelling, stop and contact your surgeon. Keep childcare, pet care, and work responsibilities manageable while your energy returns.
Manage swelling, bruising, and scars
Swelling and bruising are common after surgery, and they may change from one day to the next. Use cold packs only as directed, placing a clean cloth between the pack and your skin. Elevating the treated area may also help, particularly after facial surgery. Do not place pressure directly on an incision or use heat unless your surgeon recommends it.
Scars mature gradually and may look darker, firmer, or more noticeable before they soften. Protect healing incisions from the sun, since ultraviolet exposure can cause scars to darken. Once the incision has healed and your surgeon approves, you may use a recommended silicone product or topical treatment. Never massage a scar or apply cream to an open area without specific instructions.
Avoid judging your final appearance during the early stages of recovery. Swelling can conceal changes for weeks or months, depending on the operation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ recovery information provides general guidance, but your surgeon’s instructions should take priority.
Track results and long-term maintenance
Keep a simple record of your recovery. Note your medication use, pain levels, swelling, bruising, sleep, and any questions for your next appointment. Photos taken in similar lighting and from similar angles can help you and your surgeon assess changes over time. Wait until your care team says photography is appropriate, particularly while dressings or incisions remain.
Long-term care depends on your procedure and personal goals. Sun protection, skin care, healthy habits, and a stable weight may help you maintain your results, but they cannot stop normal aging. After healing is complete, some patients choose nonsurgical treatments such as Botox, fillers, or Kybella. Ask your surgeon when additional treatment is appropriate.
Your results may continue to settle after you return to your usual routine. Give your body time to heal before evaluating the outcome or discussing a revision.
Attend follow-up appointments
Follow-up visits allow your surgeon to assess your incisions, swelling, skin health, and overall healing. These appointments may also include medication adjustments, suture or drain removal, wound care, and clearance for work or exercise. Keep every appointment listed in your recovery plan, even if you feel well.
Bring your symptom notes and a list of questions. Tell your surgeon about changes in pain, drainage, numbness, fever, medication side effects, or concerns about your appearance. Clear communication helps your care team distinguish expected healing from a potential complication.
Your follow-up schedule will vary by procedure. Facial, breast, and body surgeries have different healing milestones, while reconstructive and hand surgery may require additional evaluations or therapy. Ask what follow-up care is included before scheduling treatment.
Recognize warning signs that need prompt medical care
Contact your surgeon promptly if you develop heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or worsening pain, rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, warmth, pus, or a fever. Other concerning symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, sudden calf pain, or swelling in one leg.
Some symptoms require emergency care rather than a routine office call. Ask your surgeon which number to use after hours and when to call 911. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if something feels seriously wrong.
Avoid removing dressings, taking extra medication, or treating a suspected infection on your own unless your care team tells you to do so. Keep your surgeon’s contact information accessible throughout recovery, and make sure your support person knows where to find it. Prompt communication helps your care team determine the safest next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery? Cosmetic surgery primarily changes or refines appearance, while reconstructive surgery restores tissue, function, or form after an injury, illness, cancer treatment, congenital condition, or significant tissue loss. Some procedures serve both purposes. For example, breast reduction may improve proportions while also easing physical discomfort.
How do I know which plastic surgery treatment is right for me? The right treatment depends on your anatomy, health, skin quality, medical history, and personal goals. A consultation may include surgical and nonsurgical options, such as a facelift compared with injectables for facial aging or a tummy tuck compared with a panniculectomy for excess abdominal tissue. Your surgeon should explain the benefits, limitations, risks, recovery, and alternatives before you decide.
How should I choose a plastic surgeon in Fairbanks? Confirm the surgeon’s board certification, Alaska medical license, procedure-specific experience, facility standards, and approach to patient safety. During your consultation, pay attention to whether the surgeon listens carefully and answers questions clearly. Ask about anesthesia, follow-up visits, complication care, scars, expected results, and revision policies.
What should I bring to a plastic surgery consultation? Bring a list of medications, supplements, allergies, medical conditions, previous surgeries, anesthesia reactions, and relevant treatment records. It also helps to write down your goals and questions. Reference photos may clarify your preferences, but your surgeon will still need to assess your anatomy and explain what is realistic for you.
How long does recovery take after plastic surgery? Recovery varies widely by procedure. Injectables often involve temporary swelling or bruising, while operations such as breast surgery, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, and body contouring may require more time away from work and strenuous activities. Arrange transportation and help at home, follow your surgeon’s instructions, attend follow-up visits, and contact the practice promptly if you notice concerning symptoms.
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