Frequently Asked Questions About Our Practice

Sean Doherty, MD

Patients’ Questions About Our Plastic Surgery Practice

Before you decide to undergo any plastic surgery procedure, you will likely have a great number of questions. When you come to our Boston-area practice for a plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Doherty will answer all of your questions. He will determine whether cosmetic plastic surgery is right for you and which procedure would best suit you.
Below, are some of the most commonly asked questions from our patients.

Am I a candidate for plastic surgery?

Most adults that are physically and emotionally healthy are excellent candidates for plastic surgery procedures. A successful outcome is most likely if you have appropriate expectations for your cosmetic plastic surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Doherty will discuss in detail your concerns, general health, and medical history. In addition, he will perform a physical examination. Dr. Doherty will discuss with you the plastic surgery procedures for which you are the best candidate.

What is the best age to have plastic surgery?

Since everyone’s health and interests are different, there is no set age best suited for plastic surgery. Some procedures are appropriate for children (i.e. reconstruction) and others are usually reserved for patients over the age of 30. Non-surgical treatments such as skin tightening, Restylane Lyft ®, JUVEDERM®, Raidesse®, RESTYLANE®, Dysport™, and BOTOX® Cosmetic are appropriate for most adults.

Dr. Doherty would be happy to discuss any plastic surgery procedure to help determine if it is appropriate for you.

Will my insurance company cover a plastic surgery procedure?

In most cases, insurance companies will not cover plastic surgery that is performed for cosmetic reasons. If you need reconstructive or otherwise medically necessary plastic surgery, your insurance policy may partially or fully cover the procedure. Dr. Doherty and members of the staff at BPSA would be happy to help you find out that information.

What is the difference between reconstructive surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery?

If you want to change some aspect of your appearance for purely aesthetic reasons, your procedure is considered cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, if you need plastic surgery to repair damage from a medical issue including: cancer, infection, or physical trauma, your surgery would be considered as reconstructive.

Will there be discomfort associated with my procedure?

The amount of discomfort associated with plastic surgery procedures varies with each procedure. For many non-surgical treatments such as Dysport™, BOTOX® Cosmetic or injections of skin fillers, Dr. Doherty will only need to apply topical anesthetic.

More involved procedures, such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or breast augmentation, are performed with the patient under general anesthesia in an operating room with an anesthesiologist. A consultation with Dr. Doherty at his office is an excellent opportunity to discuss plastic surgery anesthesia options.

Are breast implants safe?

Silicone-filled breast implants had been in the news, with reports of leaks of silicone. In 2000 silicone breast implants were approved for reconstructive use, and in 2000, these implants were also approved for cosmetic use in the United States. These new breast implants have no risk of lead-related health problems. Dr. Doherty uses both saline filled and silicone filled implants for cosmetic and reconstructive breast augmentation. At the time of the consultation, Dr. Doherty will discuss – in detail, the pros and cons of both implants and which are most beneficial for you.

Each year, in the United States, many women undergo breast augmentation procedures and experience no major complications. It is important however that patients familiarize themselves with both the risks and benefits of breast augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. Doherty will focus on implant safety and possible complications of breast augmentation surgery. Questions or concerns that you may have about the safety of the procedure will be discussed in detail. By carefully following Dr. Doherty’s instructions, both before and after surgery, patients can greatly reduce the risks.

If you have more questions about plastic surgery that are not addressed here, we welcome you to contact our office, located in Brookline, to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Doherty.

Can I bring my pet to my appointment?

Our practice is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all clients. In keeping with this objective, we do not permit anyone to bring their household pets to our practice. Animals may pose a threat of infection and may cause allergic reactions in other clients. Only trained service dogs are allowed on the premises.