Plastic Surgery: An Overview
Plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to enhance, reconstruct, or restore physical appearance. Cosmetic surgery specifically focuses on improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion through procedures targeting the face, breast, and body.
Core Concepts of Plastic Surgery
There are two primary categories of plastic surgery:
Cosmetic Surgery: Elective procedures aimed at enhancing appearance, including breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, rhinoplasty, and body contouring.
Best for: Individuals seeking to improve their physical appearance, boost self-confidence, or address age-related changes.
Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures focused on restoring function and appearance after trauma, disease, or congenital abnormalities. This includes breast reconstruction, scar revision, and skin cancer removal.
Best for: Patients who have experienced injury, illness, or birth defects requiring surgical correction.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
When selecting a plastic surgeon, consider the following factors:
Board Certification: Verify the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
Experience: Look for surgeons with extensive experience in your specific procedure of interest.
Before/After Photos: Review the surgeon’s portfolio to assess their aesthetic style and results.
Facility Accreditation: Ensure procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities.
Patient Reviews: Research testimonials and reviews from previous patients.
Top 3 Plastic Surgeons in Nashville, TN
1. Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute (NPSI)
Best For: World-class expertise, breast revision surgery, and comprehensive facial procedures.
Philosophy: Patient-centric care with focus on natural-looking results. Led by Dr. Jacob Unger, who trained at UT Southwestern and completed international fellowships in Europe.
Services:
Face: Facelift (deep plane, dual plane, revision), neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, chin implant, buccal fat removal.
Breast: Augmentation, revision, lift, reduction, reconstruction, gynecomastia treatment.
Body: Mommy makeover, tummy tuck, liposuction (including Hi-Def), arm lift, thigh lift, Brazilian butt lift.
Non-Surgical: Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra), Morpheus8, chemical peels, laser treatments.
Location: 2020 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Contact: (615) 236-6686 | nashvillepsi.com
Pricing: Consultation required for pricing. Financing options available.
2. The Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville
Best For: Female-led practice offering compassionate care with a collaborative approach.
Philosophy: Led by two board-certified female plastic surgeons, Dr. Mary Gingrass and Dr. Melinda Haws, both recipients of the RealSelf 500 award. Emphasizes compassion and doctor-patient collaboration.
Services:
Breast: Augmentation, lift, augmentation with mastopexy, reduction, implants, implant removal, gynecomastia.
Body: Tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, fat injections, labiaplasty, liposuction, post-bariatric surgery, thigh lift, mommy makeover.
Face: Facelift, eyelid surgery, laser skin resurfacing, brow lift, La Petite Lift.
Non-Surgical: Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane, Kybella, CoolSculpting, MiraDry, HydraFacial, chemical peels, microneedling.
Location: 1915 State Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Contact: (615) 467-6777 | theplasticsurgerycenterofnashville.com
Pricing: Consultation required for pricing. Financing available. Specials and promotions offered periodically.
3. Ingram Cosmetic Surgery
Best For: Luxury surgical experience with a focus on dramatic, long-lasting results.
Philosophy: Double board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alton Ingram specializes exclusively in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Does not offer non-surgical treatments to focus on surgical excellence.
Services:
Breast: Augmentation, lift, reduction.
Body: Arm lift, Brazilian butt lift, bra roll excision, liposuction, mommy makeover, post-weight loss surgery, thigh lift, tummy tuck.
Face: Facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Location: 2415 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN 37214
Contact: (615) 431-3710 | ingramcosmeticsurgery.com
Pricing: Consultation required for pricing. Financing options provided. Services available in Spanish (Cirugia Plastica).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is typically board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and trained in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. A cosmetic surgeon may be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and focuses primarily on aesthetic procedures. Both can perform cosmetic surgeries, but training backgrounds differ. Always verify board certification regardless of title.
2. How do I know if I am a good candidate for plastic surgery?
Good candidates are generally in good overall health, non-smokers (or willing to quit), have realistic expectations about outcomes, and are undergoing surgery for personal reasons rather than external pressure. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon will help determine your candidacy based on your medical history, goals, and the specific procedure you are considering.
3. What should I expect during a plastic surgery consultation?
During a consultation, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns. The surgeon will examine the treatment area, explain procedure options, show before/after photos of similar cases, discuss risks and recovery, and provide pricing information. Many practices use 3D imaging technology to help visualize potential results.
4. How long is the recovery period for common plastic surgery procedures?
Recovery varies by procedure. Minimally invasive procedures like Botox require no downtime. More involved surgeries have longer recoveries: breast augmentation (1 to 2 weeks), liposuction (1 to 2 weeks), tummy tuck (2 to 4 weeks), facelift (2 to 4 weeks), mommy makeover (4 to 6 weeks). Full results may take several months to appear as swelling subsides.
5. Does insurance cover plastic surgery procedures?
Most cosmetic procedures are elective and not covered by insurance. However, reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, surgery to correct functional issues (like eyelid surgery that impairs vision), or procedures to address congenital abnormalities may be covered. Check with your insurance provider and the surgeon’s office for specific coverage details.