YOUR QUESTIONS
How long has Dr. Duclos been a plastic surgeon?
Since 1994.
What kind of training must plastic surgeons undergo?
After medical school, training in plastic surgery takes about 5 years and includes not only cosmetic surgery, but reconstructive surgery, burn surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, and maxillofacial surgery as well.
What are the waiting periods before a procedure?
It depends on the procedure. For more information, call (514) 252-0912. Our secretary will be happy to answer your questions.
How much does a procedure cost?
Cost varies according to the type of surgery and its extent. Only a consultation can give you any kind of precise answer. You can, however, get an approximate estimate by phone at (514) 252-0912.
Is it necessary to have an operation to rejuvenate the face?
It is becoming increasingly possible to slow down the effects of aging by opting for injections instead of surgery. Injections are quick and recovery is also quicker than with surgery. Dr. Duclos can recommend the product that’s best for you. You’ll find more details about this in the Facial injections section.
Is it possible to have a mini lift or lift with small incisions?
Dr. Duclos has been performing this type of procedure for quite a few years. When indicated, the results can be excellent and allow for faster recovery than a conventional lift.
Will fat cells come back after liposuction?
No. The fat that is removed by liposuction doesn’t come back, even if you gain weight after the procedure.
Is it possible to get a breast augmentation without scars?
It is possible to do a breast augmentation with an incision in the armpit, the type of incision that isn’t visible when looking at the breasts. Dr. Duclos uses different approaches for breast augmentation, whether in the armpit, the fold under the breast, the areola, or even the abdomen.
What types of breast implants are available in Canada?
Health Canada authorizes silicone gel breast implants and saline solution filled breast implants. At your consultation, Dr. Duclos will advise you on which type of implant is best for you.
Where do the procedures take place?
The procedures take place at Dr. Duclos’s clinic situated at 3350 Rosemont Boulevard, in Montreal.
Are surgical guidelines the same for private clinics as they are for hospitals?
The guidelines followed by the clinic are in accordance with the Collège des Médecins du Québec. During a procedure under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation, the anaesthetist stays at your bedside until you wake up. Furthermore, Dr. Duclos does not leave the premises until the last patient leaves the clinic.
Are there any steps to follow before a procedure?
It’s possible you will need to stop smoking 10 days before a procedure and for two weeks after (nicotine substitutes are also forbidden). You may be asked to stop taking certain medications. Homeopathic products and medication containing aspirin must be stopped one week before. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist if you are taking any medication, either with prescription or without, that contains any substance that could lead to a haemorrhage.
You may have undergone tests in preparation for your procedure, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram. These tests must be done two weeks at the latest before the procedure. You must also make sure that the test results are sent to the clinic on time. The tests can be undertaken without an appointment at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, during opening hours.
You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before a procedure. No drink, no food, no gum. However, you may take any routine medication with a small quantity of water, unless, of course, it’s medication you had to stop taking one or two weeks before your procedure.
The day before, you must take a shower with antibacterial soap and soap the area that is to be operated on for 10 minutes (unless it’s a procedure on the face or neck).
The day of the procedure, be sure to wear loose clothing that you don’t have to pull on over your head, comfortable shoes and socks. You mustn’t wear any jewellery (or piercing), deodorant, make up, hair product, or nail polish. Avoid bringing any valuable objects with you since we can’t be responsible for their loss.
What are the different types of anaesthetic used?
Local anaesthetic allows us to freeze an area of the body, like at the dentist. Your state of consciousness isn’t altered.
Local anaesthetic with narcosis or sedation allows us to alter your state of consciousness (light sleep without respirator) by administering one or many medications, orally, as a suppository, by injection (subcutaneous or intramuscular) or by IV drip.
General anaesthetic renders you completely unconscious. An instrument is used to help you breathe.
Will I stay overnight?
Most procedures are day surgeries, that is, you go home that day. If, for whatever reason, you prefer to remain hospitalized, it’s possible to make arrangements with a convalescent home specializing in cosmetic surgery follow-up. The home will even come pick you up at the clinic.
How long will it take to recover?
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure. You’ll find more information in the sections dealing with each procedure.
What do I do if there’s a problem after the procedure?
Before your surgery, you’ll receive all the necessary information on what to do. You won’t leave the clinic until your condition is stable. Before you leave, precise instructions will be given to you.
If you have any concerns, you can contact Dr. Duclos at any time, by phone or by pager (through a service). However, if your situation requires immediate attention and/or hospitalization, Dr. Duclos will immediately intervene or check you into the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, where she holds privileges.
Is it true that scars shouldn’t be exposed to the sun?
Very true. The scarring process takes months. For the first months (especially the first 6), any scar exposed to sunlight can suffer hyper pigmentation (browning) and may stay that colour forever. It is, therefore, recommended to not expose any scar to the sun for the first 6 months. If you can’t help it, you must use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and apply it to the scar every hour. If the scar is near the eyes, wear sunglasses with a high UV protection.
How can the scars be made as discreet as possible?
Dr. Duclos makes sure the scars are as small, invisible and of the highest quality possible. The scarring process takes many months and in general, the scars fade in time. However, the healing process is unique to each individual and occasionally, the scars are more apparent because of this.
Good hygiene and diet help the scarring process. What’s more, and it can’t be stressed enough, you must avoid exposing scars to the sun. To diminish their appearance, you can also massage them, which helps soften and smooth them out. Applying silicone gel during a massage also helps. But remember to get Dr. Duclos’s permission to apply the gel before doing so.