Plastic Surgery FAQs

Your Safety and Comfort is My Top Priority

Having plastic surgery is a major life decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Every procedure performed at K Plastic Surgery — from the simplest laser hair removal or filler injection to full surgery — is important and given the same attention to detail. Here, your should feel at ease, knowing that you’re not “just another patient.” We don’t rush our consultations. Instead, my goal is to listen carefully to what you are trying to achieve and then give you the realistic options for what is possible. Together, we will consider your options. I will discuss how potential procedures are performed, and detail the risks and potential complications. This is something I do personally, not leaving it to a staff member or having you read a written description. If I can’t meet your expectations, I will tell you. In the end, you should feel well informed and comfortable with your decision. Here are some answers to typical plastic surgery questions:

Is anesthesia dangerous?

This is one of the most common patient concerns, but generally anesthesia is very safe. When your procedure requires general anesthesia, it is performed at the hospital and supervised by an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are specialists who I work with on a regular basis; I trust them implicitly with my patients. Prior to surgery we consider your health history and conduct some preoperative testing as determined by your age and medical condition. Patients with significant medical issues require more stringent clearances before they are cleared for surgery and anesthesia.

Is surgery very painful?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little pain they have after surgery. Today, thanks to continuing advances in pain management, we have the ability to control a patient’s pain. Of course, every person responds differently, but I am careful to perform surgery gently and to treat your body with respect. I use long-acting local anesthetics and an OnQ pain pump when necessary to minimize your pain. You will be prescribed pain medication to help you get comfortable once home. I am available 24 hours a day, so if you are having significant pain you only have to call me so I can adjust your medication. It is very unusual not to be able to get a patient comfortable.

Will I have scars?

The simple answer is “yes.” Any time the skin is cut there will be a scar, but as a plastic surgeon I have the skills and knowledge to minimize your scarring. Most patients find their scars an acceptable tradeoff for the results they achieved with their surgery. In the event that you form thick or wide scars following surgery I will use my knowledge of how the skin heals to address them. There are a number of different interventions that can be taken to improve the appearance of your scars. These include massage, silicone sheeting, laser treatment, steroid injections, and revisional surgery.

I’m worried about risks and complications

Risks and complications are a real possibility with any surgery. Fortunately, most complications are rare. If you do have a complication, you can rest assured that I will use my extensive experience and skill set as a board certified plastic surgeon to treat you appropriately. You will not be ignored or cast aside. In fact, I tend to keep the closest contact with these patients to reassure them that we will work through the problem.

Isn’t plastic surgery very expensive?

Not necessarily. Obviously, different procedures have different prices depending on their complexity, but I like to think that plastic surgery should be accessible for most people. I like my patients to think of their plastic surgery as a long-term investment in you. You’re not paying for something that has an expiration date or goes bad in a year or two. To manage the cost, I offer financing plans though CareCredit. Bottom line — if you want to have surgery and are an appropriate candidate my goal is to help you find a way to get it done.

What is surgical body contouring?

Surgical body contouring involves a combination of procedures to address multiple areas of concern at once. Body contouring procedures involve the use of incisions to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying tissue. Body contouring may also involve liposuction techniques in order to remove stubborn fat.

How much does body contouring cost?

The cost of your body contouring procedure will depend on the individual procedures you are having and the specific techniques used. This price will include a surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and surgical facility fee. The exact cost of your procedure and your payment options will be gone over in more detail during your consultation with Dr. Kayastha.

Can I tighten loose skin after weight loss without surgery?

Loose skin and tissue can be impossible to tighten with diet and exercise alone and is often worsened as you lose more weight. There are some nonsurgical options for tightening the skin such as laser treatments for the face. However, severe excess skin and sagging on the face or body should be addressed with a surgical procedure for the most effective results.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting and body contouring?

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat removal method, using cooling technology to freeze and destroy fat cells. This can be beneficial if you have mild amounts of stubborn fat on certain areas of the body. However, CoolSculpting will not address large amounts of fat or loose skin and tissue. Surgical body contouring is the best way to improve these concerns.

RealSelf Q&A with Sanjiv Kayastha, MD

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Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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PatientsDr. Kayastha

Dr. Kayastha and his entire staff were very kind and professional from start to finish. He has exceptional attention to detail and really goes above beyond to ensure that his patients are comfortable and well informed throughout the entire process. His work speaks for itself, and I could not be happier with the results.

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