Plastic Surgery In Richmond, Va Faqs

Cosmetic surgery can improve appearance by refining features of the face or body or by addressing visible signs of aging. While many patients benefit from these procedures, surgery is not appropriate for everyone. It is important to understand the potential benefits, limitations, and risks before making a decision. Every patient and procedure is different, so outcomes can vary.

The success of a cosmetic procedure depends on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s overall health, skin quality, and the specific concern being treated. When procedures are performed on appropriate candidates, results are often very satisfying. However, responsible surgeons do not guarantee results because healing and outcomes can vary from patient to patient.

The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve features that concern the patient while maintaining a natural looking appearance. Surgeons aim to create balanced results that complement the patient’s existing features. Patient safety, thoughtful surgical planning, and a comfortable overall experience are also key priorities during the process.

In addition to surgical procedures, many patients choose non-surgical treatments to refresh their appearance. These may include BOTOX, dermal fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane, and chemical peels. Patients may also be referred to a licensed aesthetic specialist for services such as facials or microdermabrasion.

All surgical incisions heal by forming a scar. Surgeons carefully plan incision placement to keep scars as discreet as possible and often position them in areas that can be hidden by natural contours, hair, or clothing. Over time, most scars fade and become much less noticeable.

Healthy adults who want to improve a specific concern and have realistic expectations are typically good candidates. During a consultation at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, Drs. Sundin will review your goals, medical history, and anatomy to determine whether surgery or a non-surgical option is the most appropriate choice for you.

Your consultation includes a discussion of your goals, medical history, and any prior procedures. A physical examination helps determine the safest and most effective treatment plan. Your surgeon will explain available techniques, expected recovery, and potential results so you can decide whether the procedure aligns with your expectations.

Recovery time depends on the procedure being performed. Treatments such as liposuction often involve about one to two weeks of initial downtime, while procedures such as facelift, neck lift, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover typically require a longer healing period. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow up visits to support safe healing.

Modern cosmetic surgery focuses on refinement rather than dramatic change. Procedures are carefully planned to complement your natural features and body proportions. The goal is to help you look refreshed and balanced while still looking like yourself.

A facelift improves visible signs of aging in the lower face and jawline by repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin. Patients often consider a facelift when they notice sagging along the jawline, deeper folds around the mouth, or loss of definition in the lower face.

A neck lift improves loose skin beneath the chin and along the neck while tightening the underlying muscles that contribute to visible neck banding. The procedure can also refine the contour under the chin to restore a smoother and more defined neck and jawline profile.

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures designed to address physical changes that may occur after pregnancy. Treatment plans often include breast surgery, tummy tuck, or liposuction depending on each patient’s goals and anatomy.

LITTLE Lipo is a proprietary liposuction technique developed at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery. The procedure uses very small cannulas, tumescent anesthesia, and power assisted vibrational technology to remove localized fat through tiny incisions. Because it is minimally invasive and often performed with local anesthesia or light sedation, many patients experience a shorter recovery compared with traditional liposuction.

LOTTA Lipo is a large volume liposuction technique used for patients who need significant fat reduction across broader areas of the body. The name stands for Large Objective Tissue Thinning Aspiration. This procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and can remove a larger volume of fat than smaller liposuction procedures.

Liposuction removes localized fat deposits to improve body contours. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess abdominal skin and tightens weakened muscles that can occur after pregnancy or significant weight changes. Some patients benefit from combining both procedures for more comprehensive abdominal contouring.

CoolSculpting is a non surgical treatment that uses controlled cooling to reduce pockets of fat. It is commonly used for areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or under the chin. Because the treatment does not involve surgery, most patients return to normal activities shortly after their session.

Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin have extensive experience with non surgical body contouring and have performed thousands of CoolSculpting treatments. Their practice is recognized as a CoolSculpting Diamond Provider and offers CoolSculpting Elite, the latest generation of fat freezing technology designed to reduce stubborn fat without surgery.

Dr. Burton Sundin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in both hand surgery and aesthetic surgery. Educated at Duke University and trained at the renowned Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, he brings decades of experience to cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Patients often choose Dr. Sundin for his meticulous technique and his focus on achieving refined, natural-looking results.

Dr. Reps Sundin is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed a prestigious aesthetic surgery fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in association with New York University Medical Center. During this advanced training, he worked with leading experts in facial, breast, and body contouring surgery. His approach combines extensive academic training with a focus on thoughtful consultation and balanced, natural results.

Depending on the procedure, plastic surgery may be performed using local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the safest option based on the treatment being performed and your medical history.

Most cosmetic procedures involve some temporary swelling or bruising. The amount varies by procedure and by patient, but these effects typically improve during the early stages of healing. Your surgeon will provide guidance to help minimize swelling and support recovery.

Most cosmetic procedures are performed under anesthesia, so patients typically do not feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort is expected during the recovery period, but it is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Your surgeon will provide guidance to help keep you comfortable while healing.

The cost of cosmetic procedures varies depending on the treatment, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and facility fees. During your consultation at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, you will receive detailed pricing information so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Most cosmetic procedures are elective and are not covered by insurance. In certain situations, procedures performed to correct functional problems may qualify for insurance coverage if specific medical criteria are met.

Choosing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is an important step. Experience performing the procedure you are considering, strong patient safety standards, and clear communication throughout the process are also essential when selecting a surgical practice.

Scheduling a consultation at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is the best way to begin. During this visit, you can discuss your goals with Dr. Burton Sundin or Dr. Reps Sundin, ask questions, and learn which surgical or non surgical options may help you achieve the results you want.