FAQ

Plastic or reconstructive surgery helps patients with injury or disfigurement by improving appearance. Cosmetic surgery is for patients who desire to enhance their appearance. The word plastic originates from the Greek word "plastikos," meaning molding or giving form.

A doctor must successfully complete a course of postgraduate training of five years to seven years after graduation from medical school. During this time, doctors take at least three years of general surgery training, followed by two or three years of formal education at an approved plastic surgery training center. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to recognize the qualifications of applicants and certify them in the specialty of plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery reshapes normal structures of a patient's appearance. This includes treating the face, torso and extremities (hands and feet). Some examples are eyelid surgery and face-lifts.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, to correct effects of trauma, infection, tumors, congenital defects and more. Surgery generally is used to improve function, but may be used to improve appearance too, such as with breast reconstruction, breast reduction, upper eyelid surgery and cleft lip and palate surgery.

All our procedures are performed in a safe, secure environment by our board-certified surgeons. Our Methodist Hospital Surgery Center and Park Nicollet Ambulatory Surgery Center, are fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits medical facilities based on state-of-the-art, professional-based standards. Not all cosmetic care centers qualify for this accreditation.

Please see fees and payments for sample pricing on our surgical, laser and skin care procedures.

Park Nicollet plastic surgeons perform thousands of procedures each year. Together, our surgeons have more than 60 years of experience.