Plastic Surgeon in Princeton, NJ Accepting New Patients

People are often referred to a plastic surgeon for a multitude of reasons that include both medical necessity and aesthetic enhancement. On the medical side, referrals are commonly to address physical abnormalities present from birth, such as cleft lip and palate, webbed fingers, or birthmarks. These conditions may not only affect appearance but can also hinder bodily function, which can make surgical intervention a critical step towards an improved quality of life. Additionally, patients who have suffered serious injuries, such as ones resulting from burns or tissue removal from cancer often call on the skills of a plastic surgeon. Oftentimes these procedures play a vital role in the physical and emotional recovery from the condition. From the cosmetic front, a referral to a plastic surgeon is generally driven by the desire to enhance one’s appearance and ranges from procedures such as rhinoplasty to breast augmentation. While they may be purely aesthetic to most, cosmetic procedures can often have significant benefits to an individual’s self-esteem and well-being.

The difference between that a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is certainly significant and rooted in differences in their training, certification, and scope of practice. Plastic surgeons are generally board-certified in plastic surgery and have undergone rigorous, extensive training in medical school and plastic surgery residency. Their training covers a variety of procedures and as such, they are equipped to handle complex reconstructive surgeries in addition to performing cosmetic procedures as well. A cosmetic surgeon may come from a different medical background and very likely has not completed quite the amount of training as a plastic surgeon. Instead, they will likely have been trained for specific aesthetic procedures such as facelifts, Botox, or liposuction, to name a few. The term ‘cosmetic surgeon’ may also be used by doctors who have not undergone extensive training in plastic surgery, but have shifted their focus towards offering cosmetic procedures. More concisely, plastic surgeons are trained in performing both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, while cosmetic surgeons perform select aesthetic procedures solely. It is crucial to be informed of this as it can be an important factor when deciding to pursue a procedure.

Your first visit with a plastic surgeon presents an opportunity to establish a foundation of trust and understanding, a key part of any successful surgical procedure. The initial consultation will involve a detailed discussion regarding the goals of the procedure (functional issues or aesthetic enhancement), procedure options, as well as questions about your medical history, general health, and why you are considering plastic surgery. It may also be recommended to bring files, notes, or test results regarding your medical history to this first visit to get a more detailed understanding. During this time is also where potential risks will be discussed and patients can ask any questions regarding the procedure. The surgeon will clearly outline the realistic expectations and outcomes of the procedure to you, as well as the limitations. A physical examination, particularly for reconstruction, will also be performed to get an idea of how the procedure will be performed around the target areas. It may also be the case that your surgeon talks through the exact steps they will take during the procedure as this often helps patients gain a better understanding and feel more at ease on the day of surgery.

Partridge Plastic Surgery is currently welcoming new patients at our Princeton, New Jersey location. The team is committed to providing exceptional care and detailed services to each individual interested. People must find healthcare professionals that not only meet your specific needs, but ones that you can trust. Board-certified Dr Joanna Partridge MD holds an impressive and extensive background in plastic surgery, being board certified, a clinical instructor, and serving on the board of the New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Partridge, MD and her team look forward to guiding you through the process of plastic surgery! We serve patients from Princeton NJ, North Brunswick NJ, Milltown NJ, Clyde NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Edison NJ, Sayreville NJ, Rocky Hill NJ, and BEYOND!