Learning Center
Browse our FAQs or watch our informational videos to learn more about plastic surgery and our practice.
Plastic Surgery 101
Cosmetic surgery and procedures are treatments that change, restore, or enhance your appearance. They are sometimes called plastic surgery. There are many reasons for wanting to change or enhance your looks. If you have had burns or other injuries, were born with a birth defect, or want to change parts of your body for other reasons, you may choose to have plastic surgery.
The results of your plastic surgery depend on the procedure you have. In general, results from most plastic surgery procedures are long lasting if a healthy weight and overall healthy lifestyle is maintained.
There are risks associated with any surgical procedures. Find out what they are, how often they occur and how they will be handled at your personalized consultation appointment with Dr. Lucas.
Depending upon what is most appropriate for your particular situation, the surgeon will decide what type of anesthesia to use. Dr. Lucas will answer any questions you have.
A complete pretesting series of appointments is done prior to any surgery.
Recent data shows more than 15 million cosmetic surgery procedures are performed every year. From minimally-invasive procedures to full body rejuvenation, there are many reasons people of all ages and body types invest in cosmetic surgery.
Over 1.3 million men elected to have cosmetic surgery in 2019, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. We predict this number will continue to rise as trends in men’s health and beauty evolve.
The following links will be helpful in learning about different cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. We encourage patients to visit these sites:
Choosing a Surgeon
Take your time; although it is elective surgery, it is still surgery, and typically not something in which you need or should rush into. Do your research with regards to the specific plastic surgery procedure or medical spa treatment you’re interested in. Once you know both what you hope to achieve and how you hope to achieve it, schedule a consultation. At your consultation, you will not only have the opportunity to learn more about a specific procedure or treatment, but to ask questions.. For instance:
- Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How long have you performed plastic surgery, specifically the procedure you’re interested in?
- Do you primarily perform aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedures?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Who will actually perform the procedure?
- Do you use board-certified anesthesiologists?
Good credentials can’t guarantee a successful outcome; however, they can significantly increase the likelihood of it. Patients are advised to find a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and of the entire body. Certification by the ABPS is “the gold standard” for plastic surgeons because it signifies that the surgeon has had formal training in an accredited plastic surgery residency program. If your surgeon is ABPS-certified, you can be assured that your doctor:
- Has completed at least five years of supervised surgical residency training in an approved program after completing medical school, including at least two years specifically in plastic surgery.
- Has passed comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exams.
- Is qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures – everything from liposuction and facelifts to intricate wound repair.
To verify a surgeon’s certification status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or visit the board’s web site at www.abplsurg.org or the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org or by phoning 1-800-776-2378
Absolutely! There are many self-proclaimed sound-alike boards, allowing some doctors to make claims as to super-specialization. Only one board is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association for the certification of plastic surgeons – the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery:
- Have graduated from medical school
- Have received specialized surgical residency training of a minimum of 5 years after medical school
- Have successfully completed rigorous oral and written examinations in plastic surgery that evaluate candidates in medical knowledge, anatomy, patient safety, surgical techniques, patient selection, and ethics
- Are held to high ethical standards
- Are required to maintain their skills through continuing education
To ensure your plastic surgeon’s memberships, as well as his or her training, you can contact the state medical board, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (215-587-9322), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (888 4-PLASTIC) and if it is an aesthetic (Cosmetic) procedure, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (888 272-7711)
Cost, Payment, & Financing
The price of cosmetic surgery has gone down over the years due to advanced surgical techniques. Therefore, cosmetic surgery probably does not cost as much as you think. During your first consultation with Dr. Lucas at The Lucas Center, you will discover that costs vary according to the type of procedure requested, the location of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, and many other factors. The TLC staff will provide you with a detailed estimate and privately discuss these matters with you during your consultation.
Patient’s wishing to undergo cosmetic surgery need to be aware that insurances generally do not cover these types of procedures (i.e. breast augmentation and abdominoplasty) therefore you, the patient, will be responsible for the doctor, hospital and anesthesia fees. While our office does accept multiple forms of payment (personal check, cash, credit card, money order, etc) all doctor and anesthesia fees are due approximately 10 days prior to your surgery. Payment options will be reviewed with you at your consultation appointment in a private setting.
Cosmetic plastic surgery is considered “elective surgery” and is not covered by most insurance plans. We encourage you to ask about financing options at your personalized consultation as we do not currently accept insurance cases.
The facelift is somewhat more expensive because more surgery is performed. A neck lift is a more limited procedure.
General Info
The medical experience and surgical skills of Dr. Lucas allows him access to the best facilities in Knoxville. After meeting Dr. Lucas to determine which procedure(s) are best for you, we will arrange a date with a nearby outpatient day surgery center or hospital that best fits your schedule. You will arrive approximately two hours early to prepare for your surgery and then stay a few hours following the procedure. Most procedures do not require an overnight stay, but please arrange for a friend or family member to take you home after surgery.
Our office is conveniently located near several hotels which frequently provide accommodation for our out-of-town patients.
No, they do not. The only way to correct sagging skin is with plastic surgery.
