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Anne Taylor, MD, and Pankaj Tiwari, MD, are two Ohio State plastic surgeons. The Division of Plastic Surgery has the expertise to provide a spectrum of care — from burn and trauma reconstruction to tummy tucks and nose jobs. |
In times past, only Hollywood stars and wealthy socialites could afford cosmetic surgery, although they rarely admitted to having "work done." These days, it seems like everyone who can afford cosmetic surgery is eager to show off the results on reality TV. "All the exposure to cosmetic surgery with celebrities and on reality shows has increased patient awareness," says Anne Taylor, MD, a plastic surgeon at Ohio State. "People are more knowledgeable, which has decreased the taboo of having plastic surgery."
Ohio State Expertise
In the past few years, Ohio State has added several surgeons to the Division of Plastic Surgery, increasing the depth and breadth of the expertise available to patients to include a wide range of plastic and cosmetic surgeries such as cleft lip and palate repair, burn and trauma reconstruction, breast reconstruction and augmentation, laser treatments and tummy tucks and nose jobs.
"While each surgeon has areas of expertise, we all work closely together, which allows us to offer the highest level of services for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery," says plastic surgeon Pankaj Tiwari, MD.
Expert surgeons and staff are with each patient every step of the way, from initial consult through recovery. Services are provided in the Division's relaxing and private offices in its convenient location on Olentangy River Road.
Know Before You Go
Cosmetic surgery is elective surgery, which gives patients the time to research their options and find the best physician. Also, patients should check with their insurance company to see how much — if any — of the charges will be covered.
"Patients should make sure their surgeon is board certified by a reputable board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. They should also be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery," explains Dr. Taylor. "There are plenty of physicians doing cosmetic procedures, but it's important that your physician is fully trained in all aspects of the procedures, including managing complications."
"Also, patients should ask themselves, 'Am I in the best shape for plastic surgery?'" suggests Dr. Taylor. "For example, potential liposuction patients should be at their ideal body weight — or close to it — before surgery. We have a partnership with our patients, and it's important that they do their part."
The Top 5 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in the United States in 2009
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction
D.I.Y. Dangers
"Botox parties" and day spas have become popular venues for certain cosmetic procedures, but patients should beware. "Individuals providing treatments in these kinds of settings have not established a proper doctor/patient relationship that includes a full evaluation of the patient's health and the appropriateness of the procedure," explains Dr. Taylor. "The risks of having medical procedures done in these non-clinical settings can include poor technique, inadequate training and inferior products."
Also, while day spas may have "medical director" oversight, the physician may not be on-site. "If there is a serious allergic reaction, it could be a problem," says Dr. Taylor. "In general, injections of medical products should be done in a medical office setting by a physician."
Hey, good looking
Ohio State's Division of Plastic Surgery, conveniently located at 915 Olentangy River Road, provides patients with personal attention in a relaxing, comforting environment.
Open house
Make an appointment to attend our open house on Friday, Nov. 19. Talk to physicians, get a free skincare consultation, receive free promotions, view demonstrations and tour the office. Call 800-293-5123 to register and to learn about other open house dates.
Photo: Roman Sapecki