Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic surgeons that are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) have undergone extensive training in both comestic and reconstructive surgery.   Because many cosmetic procedures are rooted in reconstructive plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle your cosmetic needs.  No regulations govern what type of medical practitioner can perform cosmetic surgery procedures; hence, any physician can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon.  

Choosing a Member Surgeon of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the first step to finding a qualified surgeon because it represents the highest standards in the industry.  Unlike other specialty organizations, each ASPS Member Surgeon must meet the following criteria:

• Operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• Be Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the only board dedicated to plastic surgery.  ABPS certification ensures in-depth surgical training in all aspects of plastic surgery.
• Have six or more years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years in plastic surgery.
• Be experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including face, breast, body, and reconstruction.
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
• Adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Good credentials cannot guarantee a successful outcome; however, they can significantly increase the likelihood of it.  The following are organizations where you can obtain information about a doctor’s credentials: 

• The Medical Board of California - to obtain information on license verification, education, board certification, and disciplinary action.
• The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) - to obtain information regarding board certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
• The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) - to obtain information on board certification in any specialty and contact information for individual specialty boards.

Selecting a doctor who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) is an important first step in choosing a cosmetic plastic surgeon because it will ensure the highest standards in the industry.  Unlike other specialty organizations, each ASPS Member Surgeon must meet the following criteria:

• Operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• Be board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (the only board dedicated to plastic surgery).
• Have six or more years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years in plastic surgery.
• Be experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including face, breast, body, and reconstruction.
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
   

Board certified means that a doctor has completed a training program after going to medical school, and they have taken certification examinations to determine their proficiency in a particular specialty of medicine.  It is important to note that any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification” board. When a doctor claims to be "board certified," ask by which board. Only one, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery. 

Yes.  Accreditation assures that the facility has been inspected by an organization recognized by the State of California and that the facility conforms to strict safety standards.  Plastic surgery procedures performed in accredited surgical facilities by board certified plastic surgeons have an excellent safety record.  Dr. Silberg’s office surgical facility has been accredited by the Institute for Medical Quality. 

The Silberg Tissue Preparation System is an FDA-approved method of gently dispersing fluid into tissues using ultrasonic micro-streaming.   The device and technique were invented by Dr. Silberg and is used worldwide. 

The technique prevents exposure dehydration, loosens tissues to make surgery less traumatic, and allows antibiotics to be delivered directly into the target tissues instead of giving large doses in the entire body. 

The technique also delivers local anesthesia more effectively making general anesthesia unnecessary in many cases. Using local anesthesia and conscious sedation is much safer and involves shorter recovery times. 

Plastic surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. If done under general anesthesia, it is most commonly done in a hospital or surgery center where the highest level of safety is assured by the presence of a staff specifically trained to take care of this type of anesthesia.

Most of our procedures are done under local anesthesia, which is commonly done with varying amounts of sedation.  These procedures are typically done in our accredited on-site surgery facility.  You may be given a pill that relaxes you before going into the operating room.  When you go into the operating room, an IV is started, you are connected to monitors, and an intravenous sedative is given that puts you into a very relaxed state.  Local anesthetic, usually Xylocaine, is injected.

When the Tissue Preparation System is used, the local anesthetic, along with an antibiotic, is gently injected into the area of the surgery.  After that, a special external ultrasound is used to disperse the anesthetic and antibiotic into the tissues.  This allows local anesthetic to be used with much less sedation and often reduces the need for general anesthesia.

More information about anesthesia can be found at http://health.howstuffworks.com/anesthesia.htm.
 

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the person and on the specific procedure performed. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The  lengths of recovery are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.

Facelift Surgery: Patient can usually get around independently by the second day, but may not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days.  May require 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.

Eyelid Surgery:  Patient can usually get around independently by the second day, and, with sunglasses, may feel comfortable going out in public in 3-4 days.  With makeup, patient could return to work by 5-7 days.

Breast Surgery:  Patient can usually get around independently by the second day and may  return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.

Liposuction:  Patient can usually get around independently by the second day or earlier if a smaller number of areas are treated. Patient can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.

Abdominoplasty:  Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently, and can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs in 10-14 days.

The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the person and on the procedure performed.  All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first two weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising.  In most cases, weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at one month.