FAQs

What’s the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on enhancing physical appearance of the body(face, breasts, stomach, etc.). Reconstructive surgery restores form and function after injury, cancer treatment, or congenital issues, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy or scar revision. Dr. Keen has experience performing both types of plastic surgery, but has been specializing in primarily cosmetic plastic surgery for the last 20 years.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for plastic surgery?

A good candidate is anyone who is in good health that has a correctable aspect to their physical appearance. Generally a good candidate will be a healthy individual who has realistic expectations and understands the requirements to ensure proper recover from treatment. A consultation with Dr. Keen will include a full medical history and discussion of goals to determine your individual suitability.

I don’t love this question or the answer. We should scrap this one or individualize it for each surgery on the Q&A for those surgeries. 3. How long do results from procedures like facelifts or eyelid surgery last?

Results vary by individual factors such as genetics, age, skin quality, and lifestyle. A comprehensive facelift often lasts 8–12 years, eyelid surgery 10+ years, and liposuction results can be long-lasting if body composition remains stable.

Are there non-surgical options that really work?

Yes. Dr. Keen’s office offers proven, effective treatments such as: Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, muscle stimulation and skin-tightening devices which can address wrinkles, texture, or mild sagging with little or no downtime. While there is nothing that will substitute physical skin removal from a surgeon, a combination of non-surgical services can make large improvements; especially if used in tandem with surgery.

What should I expect during a consultation?

Our goal with consultations is to get you as educated as possible about the process surrounding surgeries you may be a candidate for. We will assess your candidacy for various procedures by reviewing your concerns and goals. We will get you as much information about preparing for surgery, pricing, financing, recovery, and anything else that may help you make a decision about your surgical options. All of this can be done in a free virtual appointment with our patient coordinator.

If you decide that you wish to create a specific surgical plan, you will come into the office to meet Dr. Keen where you will get a physical evaluation, see before-and-after photos, discuss procedure choices, expected results, recovery time, costs, and any potential risks.

How safe is plastic surgery?

All surgery carries some risk, but board-certified surgeons like Dr. Keen follow rigorous safety standards. Dr. Keen goes above and beyond the typical surgical safety standard of her peers by having board-certified anesthesiologists present for the entirety of your surgery. Procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities, and patients are carefully screened pre and post operatively to reduce complications.

How much downtime should I plan for?

Downtime depends on the procedure. Some surgeries you may resume full activity in a matter of days while some may require weeks of limited or reduced activity. We see Dr. Keen’s patients have a faster recovery timeline than most of her peers due to advanced surgical techniques. We can provide an accurate estimate of what your recovery could look like.

Will there be scars?

While scars are typically amongst our patient’s primary concerns before surgery, they are usually a non-issue in the later stages of recovery. Any incision leaves a scar, but plastic surgeons specialize in placing incisions in natural creases and using advanced closure techniques to keep scars as discreet as possible. Scars usually fade significantly within 6–12 months. We also offer complimentary scar care to all of our surgical patients which includes topicals, scar tape, laser services and discounted permanent scar camouflage. We also have great photos to demonstrate the typical progression of scars available to see during your in-office consultation.

How can I prepare for surgery to get the best outcome?

Patients should be at a comfortable weight, within 10 pounds of their goal weight, as weight fluctuation can be one of the biggest risks to your surgical outcome. Patients should stop smoking, avoid certain medications like blood thinners, maintain stable weight, follow nutrition guidelines, and arrange help for the first few days after surgery. Adequate rest and reduced stress will help achieve your fastest and best recovery.

When will I see final results?

Some changes are visible immediately post-surgery. Swelling and bruising can take weeks to settle. Most procedures show 70–80 percent of the final look by six weeks, and we can have a realistic expectation of your results 6 months after surgery.