Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic surgery covers a wide range of procedures including rhinoplasty - (nose reshaping surgery), otoplasty – (ear surgery) eyelid lift, face lift, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and body contouring, SmartLipo/liposuction, brow lift, tummy tuck, thigh and arm lift, lip augmentation, and more.

In almost all cases, Dr. Christopher T. Chia performs the plastic surgery at his fully accredited surgical facility in Manhattan, on an outpatient basis.

While some cases may require general anesthesia, most procedures can be easily performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation administered by Board-certified anesthesiologists. SmartLipo and BodyTite cases are done with local anesthesia without traditional intravenous or inhaled agent, allowing the patient to be fully awake. Selection of the type of anesthesia will be based on the procedure and patient/physician preference.

The recovery period can last anywhere from one day as in SmartLipo to several weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the technique used. However, it is vital to follow the advice of the surgeon on recovery and recuperation to get the desired results. No case is the same and the circumstances are individualized for every patient.

Like all other surgical procedures, the possibility of risks and complications exists in plastic surgery, too. Dr. Chia will provide detailed explanations of the risks and benefits that each procedure holds for each patient’s unique set of circumstances.

Yes, some time will be required to recover after the breast augmentation surgery. Usually patients are recommended to stay off work for about a week.

The surgery itself takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. The time depends very much on the type of technique used, the implant options, placement of implants, if you are having other procedures performed and your general health.

The procedure minimizes the visible signs of aging by removing the excess or loose skin on the face and neck, thus bringing back the youthful appearance.

The incisions are made around the ear and below the chin. Many patients are candidates for the short-scar facelift which avoids the traditional incision into the hairline.

SmartLipo is a new laser body sculpting procedure that promises successful fat reduction and body toning. This procedure is perfect for removing excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks or “love handles”, male breast, neck, back or “bra rolls”, upper arms, knees, inner and outer thighs and more.

Although results may vary with each patient, you can expect to see the initial results within 2 weeks and final results with optimal skin tightening effect within 6 months. The overall result depends on many factors: the area being treated, the size of the area(s), and so on.

As SmartLipo does not require general anesthesia, it is considered very safe, and virtually painless, with minimal side effects. In normal cases, complications associated with SmartLipo are extremely rare.

Botox injection is a safe and effective way to reduce wrinkles. BOTOX is Botulism Toxin Type A – a purified protein, which is directly injected into the specific muscles on the face to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, creases, folds, and furrows. The effects of Botox treatment is temporary, and usually lasts for 3 to 8 months.