Plastic surgery questions, answered

Plastic surgery is the full speciality: it repairs and reshapes the body. Cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery is the part done to change appearance, such as liposuction or rhinoplasty. Reconstructive surgery is the part done to restore form and function after injury, burns, cancer or birth defects. A plastic surgeon with an MCh or DNB is trained in both.

Planned plastic surgery in a hospital, by a qualified plastic surgeon and anaesthetist, in a healthy patient, is generally safe. Risks rise with smoking, diabetes, obesity, very long operations and surgery done in unequipped clinics. Your surgeon should explain the specific risks of your procedure.

Most cosmetic surgery is done after 18. Rhinoplasty is possible from about 17 in girls once nasal growth ends. Ear correction can be done in children. There is no upper age limit if you are healthy; fitness matters more than age.

Many procedures are same-day: hair transplant, eyelid surgery, Botox, fillers, small liposuction, gynecomastia surgery. Tummy tuck, breast reduction and rhinoplasty usually need one or two nights.

It depends on the procedure. Hair transplant, eyelid surgery, scar revision and small procedures use local anaesthesia. Liposuction of the thighs can use spinal anaesthesia. Larger operations use general anaesthesia given by an anaesthetist.

Non-surgical treatments: same day. Hair transplant and gynecomastia surgery: 3–5 days. Liposuction: 5–7 days. Rhinoplasty: 7–10 days. Tummy tuck: 2–3 weeks. Desk jobs return sooner than physical work.

Yes, at least 3–4 weeks before and after. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and is the biggest avoidable cause of wound problems, especially in tummy tucks, breast surgery and flaps. This includes gutka, khaini and nicotine gum.

Often, yes. Common combinations are liposuction with tummy tuck, tummy tuck with breast surgery (a mommy makeover), and liposuction with gynecomastia surgery. Total operating time and fat volume are kept within safe limits.

Every cut leaves a scar. Plastic surgeons place them in natural creases, under clothing or in hidden areas, and close skin in layers so the scar is as fine as possible. Scars fade over 6–12 months.

Yes, if blood sugar is well controlled (usually HbA1c below about 7.5–8 for planned surgery). Diabetes raises the risk of infection and slow healing, so sugar control before and after surgery is essential.

Usually not, when it is done only to change appearance. Reconstructive surgery after burns, accidents or cancer, and procedures with a medical reason (breathing problems, heavy breasts causing pain, eyelids blocking vision) are often covered.

Ask at the consultation. Photographs of other patients can only be shown with their written consent, which is why they are not published on this website.

Bring a list of your medicines, any medical reports, and photos if you have specific changes in mind. Write down your questions. For hair loss, bring any old photos showing how the hair has changed.

Yes. Patients from other districts of Jharkhand and from neighbouring states can call 090656 39577 to discuss their problem first, then come to Ranchi for examination and surgery. Dr. Vikrant also sees patients in Dubai.

Injectables such as Botox and fillers: about 4–6 weeks before. Surgery such as liposuction or gynecomastia surgery: at least 3 months before. Rhinoplasty and hair transplant: about a year before, because their final result takes that long. See cosmetic procedures before a wedding.

Tell the surgeon about every medicine and supplement you take, including aspirin, blood thinners, painkillers, herbal and ayurvedic products. Some are paused before surgery to reduce bleeding. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner without asking the doctor who prescribed it.

Yes. After sedation or general anaesthesia, an adult should take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Don't drive, ride a two-wheeler, sign important documents or drink alcohol for 24 hours. After a small procedure under local anaesthesia alone, you may be able to go home on your own; ask when you book.

After day-care procedures such as Botox, fillers, a hair transplant or small liposuction, most people travel home by car the same or next day. After larger operations like a tummy tuck or breast surgery, plan to stay near Ranchi or keep journeys short for the first 1–2 weeks, and stop every hour to walk on long trips to lower the risk of blood clots. Your follow-up dates are fixed before you leave.

Usually yes, once the condition is well controlled. Blood pressure should be stable on your usual medicines; the anaesthetist tells you which ones to take on the morning of surgery. Thyroid levels should be in the normal range. The anaesthetist reviews your reports before surgery and may ask for a physician's opinion.

Start with light food and fluids once you are fully awake, then return to normal meals. Protein helps healing, so include dal, eggs, paneer, curd, milk, fish or chicken every day. Drink enough water, eat fruit and fibre to avoid constipation from painkillers, and avoid alcohol while on medicines. There is no need to avoid any particular food for wound healing unless your doctor says so.