Frequently Asked Questions

It’s natural to have many questions about cosmetic surgery. Below, find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures. Remember to schedule your consultation with Dr. Azad so he may answer your questions and elaborate based on his evaluation of your needs. Find FAQ questions about Breast Augmentation here, Liposuction here, and Tummy Tuck here.

Is there anything to do to minimize swelling or bruising?

I always advice my patients to follow “RICE,” which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation — this will be specifically tailored to your procedure. For most procedures, excellent surgical techniques will limit the intra-operative bleeding, which will limit post-op bruising. In certain procedures like liposuction and tummy tuck, dressings and/or surgical garments are placed in such a way to provide compression and minimize swelling and bruising.

Is surgery performed under general or local anesthesia?

It is possible to perform certain surgical procedures under general or local anesthesia with sedation. However, it really depends on the individual circumstances of the patient. During a consultation with Dr. Azad, he will be able to explain the best method of anesthesia based on your surgical procedure, your needs and comfort zone.

What are the possible risks of cosmetic surgery?

All surgeries including cosmetic procedures carry risk. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, or diabetes have a higher risk of developing postoperative complications. Smoking also increases risks and interferes with healing. At your consultation with Dr. Azad, he will discuss in details all the risks of the procedures that you are having and he will make sure that you feel safe, secure, and well informed before any procedure.

What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?

Every patient responds to his or her operation differently. How quickly you recuperate will depend on your body’s ability to heal and the extent of surgery.

How soon can I return to work?

How soon one goes back to work depends on how your body heals and the type and extent of your surgery.
For most liposuction and most facial plastic surgery procedures, you can return to work in about a week, although you may still have some visible bruising. If you are having a tummy tuck with muscle repair or a body lift, you may need to be out of work for 2 weeks or more.

How long you are out of work also depends on what you do for a living. If you have a very active job, you may need to be out of work for longer than if you sit at a desk.

If I have Botox® or Restylane®, how often would I need to repeat the injections?


Botox® lasts about 3 to 4 months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. As it wears off, you will begin to notice some reformation of the wrinkles and increased muscle action.
Restylane® injections last for about 6 months, and can also be repeated as needed.

How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?

Choosing your new breast size is an important decision and can be stressful, but many women find it to be the most exciting part of preparing for breast augmentation. You will choose your new size with the help and guidance of Dr. Azad. The dimensional approach makes the most sense – choosing implants based upon your natural breast width as well as the tightness of your tissues. Once measurements are taken, you will have a range of volumes that will safely fit your measurements. You will be able to see samples of actual implants to size with to get an idea of what to expect.

Who is an ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

A woman considering any combination of the procedures should be finished having children and completely recovered from childbirth. It is also recommended for new moms to be finished with breastfeeding before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. Though liposuction is often incorporated into the surgery, an ideal candidate will be within a few pounds of their target weight with a few specific areas of stubborn fat deposits that have been unable to be reduced through diet and exercise. The best way to determine if you are an ideal candidate is to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Azad to discuss your options.

Are all the surgical procedures for a Mommy Makeover performed at once?

Ideally all the procedures selected for your Mommy Makeover are performed at once in order to reduce the recovery time for the patient. However, depending on the extent of the surgeries needed, it is not uncommon to split the Mommy Makeover into two surgeries, usually one focusing on the breasts, and the other focusing on the body. This is due to the length of time one would need to be in the operating room under anesthesia, for the longer a patient is under anesthesia, the higher the risk of complications.

Will a scar from a caesarian section or hysterectomy affect my Mommy Makeover results?

If your Mommy Makeover surgery involves a tummy tuck, the scar from a caesarian section or hysterectomy will not affect your results because the incision is performed at the same level on the lower abdomen. Often an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can remove any bothersome extra skin that hangs over the previous scar, smoothing the contour of abdomen.

Can I have more children after undergoing a Mommy Makeover?

It is recommended for patients to be done having children before undergoing a Mommy Makeover, as any future pregnancies will likely reverse the results of surgery.

What is the expected recovery time for a Mommy Makeover?

Recovery time is highly dependent on the patient, the number of procedures performed, and the extent of the surgery. Before leaving our surgery center, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, medications to use, and when to follow-up with Dr. Azad. Most patients should be able to return to work 10-14 days after the surgery and resume most activities after 6 weeks.