A Q&A with Dr. Faeza Kazmier
MANY OF US have indulged in reality TV shows such as “Nip / Tuck” that seem more bent on shock and awe than realistic plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Faeza Kazmier, a Watson Clinic plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Lakeland, answers some questions for Central Florida Health News magazine on the who, what, when, and how of a procedure that — for the patients — results in better physique and quality of life.
CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH NEWS (CFHN): Who is the best candidate for plastic surgery?
DR. FAEZA KAZMIER: Any individual who wants to see an improvement of a certain aspect of him/herself is a great candidate for plastic surgery, provided that he/she is in good health (i.e. no significant medical conditions or if they have health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, they should be well-controlled).
CFHN: Is there any patient that wouldn’t be a good candidate (i.e., certain chronic health conditions)?
DR. KAZMIER: Anyone who has poorly controlled medical conditions is not a good candidate for plastic surgery. In general, smoking and obesity are also contraindications for most plastic surgery procedures. Also, there are some connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that may preclude an individual from having elective cosmetic surgery.
CFHN: Do patients always come in knowing what they want, or is the opposite more often the case?
DR. KAZMIER: Most people usually have a good idea as to what they want to achieve, but may not really know what it takes to achieve that goal. My job is to educate them on different options, and the pros and cons of those options. Many times, this can be interesting because the “Internet education” may give them a certain idea and if I have a different recommendation, they may be surprised.
CFHN: What type of plastic surgery have you found makes the most positive transformation for your patients?
DR. KAZMIER: That’s a tough question! Most plastic surgery results in immediate change and positive transformation. The difference in levels of self-confidence is so amazing to see and makes what I do that much more rewarding.
CFHN: What kind of concerns/reservations do your patients typically have before surgery, and how do you put their minds at ease?
DR. KAZMIER: All of us are understandably concerned about scars. Once I explain why the incisions are needed and that they are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, most people are more at ease. I also go over what we recommend for the incision lines to heal as well as possible. Another common expressed concern regards anesthesia. Anesthesia techniques have improved significantly and most patients are reassured knowing that they will be cared for by board-certified anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists who provide excellent preoperative care.
CFHN: What kind of education do you recommend to patients before undergoing any plastic surgery, and what’s the “typical” time frame from initial consultation to the surgery date?
DR. KAZMIER: An educated patient tends to be the most satisfied patient. I recommend literature from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and encourage everyone considering plastic surgery to make sure they seek the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon. I love www.mytouchMD.com, which is a web-based education portal. My patients are able to view videos regarding most plastic surgical procedures before they come in for consultation. In office, I frequently take a photo of my patient and use it to better demonstrate and explain the procedure. This really helps my patients understand what is involved. In general, most patients schedule relatively quickly after consultation, but I do have many who are planning surgery around their schedules and major life events so they may look and feel their best.
CFHN: When is the best time to have plastic surgery done, and what is the average recovery time for a healthy adult?
DR. KAZMIER: There is not a best time for plastic surgery, but it does make sense to try to plan surgeries when you have enough time and support for recovery. Also, summertime is not usually the most comfortable for surgeries where you would need to wear a warm garment, particularly in Florida! In general, if someone is getting ready for a certain event like a significant birthday or reunion, I recommend having at least one month of recovery time to be closer to seeing your final results.
CFHN: In your experience, how do the results of plastic surgery improve the patient’s quality of life and/or self-image?
DR. KAZMIER: This is the best part of my job: seeing the change of my patient’s self-image and level of self-confidence! I want all of my patients to pursue plastic surgery because it’s something he or she wants and not for anyone else. This is so important. For the right patient, plastic surgery can make a tremendous difference in quality of life.
CREDIT
staff report by CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH NEWS
photo of Dr. Kazmier by PEZZIMENTI
ABOUT THE PHYSICIAN: Dr. Faeza R. Kazmier, a Polk County Medical Association member, sees patients at Watson Clinic Women’s Center, Suite B (1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland), and has been with Watson Clinic since 2006. Appointment scheduling: (863) 680-7676.