Frequently Asked Questions
Lift Plastic Surgery
Questions About Plastic Surgery in Houston?
About Dr.Patel and Lift Plastic Surgery
What are Dr. Shitel Patel’s qualifications? Dr. Shitel Patel is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. As the Founder and CEO of Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, Dr. Patel has helped over 15,000 patients achieve their aesthetic goals. His dual board certifications ensure expertise in both the artistic and medical aspects of plastic surgery.
Where is Lift Plastic Surgery located and what areas do you serve? Lift Plastic Surgery is located in Houston, Texas, and serves patients throughout the greater Houston area including Webster, League City, Pearland, and Galveston. We’re conveniently accessible from all major Houston suburbs.
Do you accept insurance for plastic surgery procedures? Lift Plastic Surgery operates as a cash-pay practice and does not accept insurance. However, we understand that financing your aesthetic goals is important, which is why we offer multiple payment and financing options to make your procedures more accessible. We’ll discuss all available financing solutions during your consultation to help you find a plan that works for your budget.
Breast Procedures
What’s the difference between a breast lift and breast reduction?
- Breast Reduction; Removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size while lifting. Best for women with large, heavy breasts causing physical discomfort.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy); Repositions existing breast tissue higher on the chest without significantly changing size. Best for women happy with their breast size but want to address sagging.
- Combined Approach; Some patients benefit from both procedures performed together.
How do I know if I need a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation?
- Choose breast reduction if you have; Back/neck pain, bra strap indentations, difficulty exercising, breasts that are disproportionately large
- Choose breast lift if you have; Sagging breasts, nipples pointing downward, loss of upper breast fullness, stretched areolas
- Choose augmentation if you have; Small breast size, loss of volume after pregnancy/weight loss, asymmetry
What can I expect during breast reduction recovery?
- Week 1; Rest at home, wear surgical bra, no lifting over 5 pounds
- Week 2; Return to desk work possible, continue wearing surgical bra
- Week 4-6; Light exercise approved, can wear regular supportive bras
- 3 months; Full activity including heavy lifting and high-impact exercise
- Final results; Visible at 6-12 months as swelling completely resolves
Body Contouring
What’s included in a mommy makeover? A mommy makeover typically combines procedures to address pregnancy-related changes;
- Tummy tuck; Repairs separated abdominal muscles and removes excess skin
- Breast procedure; Lift, reduction, or augmentation depending on needs
- Liposuction; Removes stubborn fat deposits
- Additional options; Arm lift, thigh lift, or Brazilian butt lift
The exact combination is customized based on your specific concerns and goals.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck? You may be a good candidate if you have;
- Excess abdominal skin that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
- Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) from pregnancy
- Stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal area
- Realistic expectations about results and recovery
- Good overall health and stable weight
What’s the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
- Liposuction; Removes fat only, best for good skin elasticity, minimal downtime
- Tummy tuck; Removes excess skin and fat, repairs muscles, longer recovery but more
dramatic results - Combined; Often performed together for optimal contouring
Post-Weight Loss Surgery
What plastic surgery options do I have after massive weight loss? After losing 100+ pounds, common procedures include;
- Body lift; Addresses loose skin around torso, hips, and thighs
- Arm lift; Removes excess skin from upper arms
- Thigh lift; Tightens inner and outer thigh skin
- Breast lift/reduction; Addresses deflated or sagging breasts
- Face/neck lift; Improves facial sagging
Most patients need multiple procedures, often staged over 12-18 months.
How long should I wait after weight loss surgery before plastic surgery? Wait at least 12-18 months after bariatric surgery and ensure;
- Weight has been stable for 6+ months
- You’ve reached your goal weight
- Nutritional levels are normal
- You’re cleared by your bariatric surgeon
Facial Procedures
What’s the difference between a facelift and non-surgical options?
- Surgical facelift; Addresses significant sagging, lasts 10-15 years, requires 2-3 weeks
recovery - FaceTite; Minimally invasive, moderate skin tightening, 1 week recovery, lasts 3-5 years
- Morpheus8; Non-surgical, mild tightening, minimal downtime, may need multiple sessions
- Fillers/Botox; Temporary solutions, no downtime, results last 3-18 months
When should I consider eyelid surgery? Consider blepharoplasty if you have;
- Drooping upper eyelids affecting vision
- Puffy under-eye bags
- Excess skin making you look tired
- Eye irritation from sagging lower lids
Non-Surgical Treatments
What’s the difference between different neurotoxin treatments? We offer several neurotoxin options that all relax muscles to reduce wrinkles;
- Pure formulations; Clean neurotoxins without added proteins, which may be better for
those who’ve built resistance to other treatments - Fast-acting options; Formulations that spread more effectively, making them ideal for larger
areas like the forehead - Results; All neurotoxin treatments last 3-4 months with similar effectiveness for smoothing
dynamic wrinkles
How does Morpheus8 compare to surgical options? Morpheus8 is ideal for;
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Acne scarring
- Skin texture improvement
- Minimal downtime preference
Surgical options are better for: Significant sagging Excess skin removal Dramatic, long-lasting results
Consultation and Costs
What happens during a consultation at Lift Plastic Surgery? Your consultation includes;
- Medical history review
- Physical examination of treatment areas
- Discussion of goals and expectations
- Explanation of recommended procedures
- Review of before/after photos
- Cost breakdown and financing options
- Opportunity to ask questions
How much does plastic surgery cost in Houston? Plastic surgery costs vary significantly based on procedure complexity, individual needs, and treatment goals. Every patient is unique, so we provide detailed, personalized pricing during your consultation. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we’ll explain exactly what’s included in your treatment plan.
Do you offer financing? Yes, we offer multiple financing options to make procedures accessible. As a cash-pay practice, we’ve partnered with reputable medical financing companies to provide flexible payment plans. Options include low-interest financing, extended payment terms, and special promotional rates. We’ll review all financing options during your consultation to find a solution that fits your budget and goals.
Safety and Recovery
How do I prepare for plastic surgery? Pre-surgery preparation includes;
- Stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Arrange help for recovery period
- Prepare recovery space at home
- Follow pre-op instructions exactly
What should I expect during recovery? General recovery timeline;
- First week; Rest, pain management, follow wound care instructions
- Second week; Return to light activities, desk work possible
- 4-6 weeks; Exercise clearance, most normal activities
- 3-6 months; Final results visible as swelling resolves
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon in Houston? Look for;
- Board certification in plastic surgery
- Extensive experience in your desired procedure
- Hospital privileges
- Before/after photo galleries
- Patient reviews and testimonials
- Comfortable, accredited surgical facility
Location-Specific Questions
Why choose Lift Plastic Surgery over other Houston plastic surgeons?
- Dr. Patel’s double board certification
- Over 15,000 satisfied patients
- Comprehensive range of procedures
- State-of-the-art facility
- Personalized treatment plans
- Excellent patient care and follow-up
Do you see patients from outside Houston? Yes, we welcome patients from throughout Texas and beyond. We can help coordinate;
- Extended recovery accommodations
- Follow-up care scheduling
- Travel planning for out-of-town patients