FAQs

FAQs on Plastic Surgery

Q. How do I find the right plastic surgeon for me?

A. When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is important to research their experience, credentials, and operating facility. You should schedule a consultation to get a feel for the surgeon and their staff to see if their aesthetic sense appeals to you. Plastic surgeons should be able to show prospective patients actual, real-life results, so ask to see before and after photos of their work. Dr. Rousso is a facial plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience serving the Birmingham area. Both he and Dr. Adams have the knowledge and experience to ensure that you will feel safe and confident under their care.

Q. How should I prepare for my plastic surgery consultation?

A. For your meeting with Dr. Rousso or Dr. Adams, we ask that you only wear light makeup (if any) and no turtlenecks. Please be prepared for a 90-minute visit, as most consultations include digital imaging to show patients the projected outcome of their procedure. From there, Dr. Rousso or Dr. Adams can acquire a better understanding of the results you desire. You should also write down any questions or concerns you wish to address during your consultation.

Q. How much does plastic surgery cost?

A. The cost of your plastic surgery experience will depend on the type of procedure you would like done. It will also vary based on factors such as facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the level of correction needed. Dr. Rousso will provide payment plan options during your consultation to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. You may also want to ask if your insurance will cover your procedure.

Q. How do I know I’ll get the surgical results I want?

A. Every patient’s physical concerns and desires are different. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams will work closely with you during your consultation to make sure your personal and aesthetic needs are met. Making sure you have realistic expectations regarding your results can also put your mind at ease.

Q. How old do I have to be to get plastic surgery?

A. There is no specific age to undergo plastic surgery. However, patients younger than 18 years old who desire plastic surgery will require parental consent.

Q. Do I have to be healthy to get plastic surgery?

A. Yes. Dr. Rousso asks that his patients be in good health and at or close to their ideal weight before having surgery done. You will also be asked to stop smoking a few weeks before and after your procedure to avoid any complications. Be sure you maintain a healthy diet, as well.

Q. What are the pros (benefits) and cons of getting plastic surgery?

A. Plastic surgery can provide youthful contours and long-lasting results that will leave you feeling beautiful and confident. However, as with most surgical procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved, including infection, scarring, bleeding, and more. Be sure to discuss these concerns with Dr. Rousso during your consultation.

Q. Can men also get plastic surgery?

A. Yes. Plastic surgery for men has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Most male patients who look into surgery desire either a balanced nose, a rejuvenated face and more rested eyes.

Q. How long does it take to heal from surgery?

A. The extent of your recovery will vary depending on the type of surgery done and the amount of correction needed. Most plastic surgery procedures require between two and four weeks of downtime. Be sure you get enough rest and stick to a healthy diet when recovering. Should any discomfort occur, Dr. Rousso can prescribe medication to help manage the pain.

Q. What is the difference between a board‑certified plastic surgeon and someone who just calls themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”?

A. A board‑certified plastic surgeon has completed accredited training in plastic & reconstructive surgery, passed rigorous examinations, and is certified by the appropriate specialty board. In contrast, someone who labels themselves a “cosmetic surgeon” may have a less specific training background. Checking credentials and certification is key for safety and quality.

Q. How can social media and filtered images affect my expectations before plastic surgery?

A. Social media platforms and beauty filters can set unrealistic standards for appearance, which may lead to distorted expectations around plastic surgery outcomes. It’s important to discuss realistic goals with your surgeon and not base your expectations purely on filtered images.

Q. What types of facial plastic surgery are available in Birmingham, AL?

A. Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL offers a full range of facial procedures, including facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, brow lifts, chin augmentation, and more. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available, and Dr. Rousso or Dr. Adams will help you determine the best approach during a personalized consultation.

Facelift

Q. How soon can I return to work after a facelift?

A. Most patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks after a facelift procedure. It is best for patients not to turn their head for the initial two-week period, and therefore, it is not recommended that they drive during the two weeks after the facelift procedure. If that is not an issue, and the patient’s work is not strenuous, then there is no reason why they cannot return to work earlier than two weeks.

Q. Where are the incisions placed with a facelift?

A. The incisions for a facelift are hidden around the ear area. In women, the incision is hidden so that the incision goes behind the notch of cartilage in front of the ear, and in men, the incision runs in the natural fold just in front of the ear. There are also some incisions in the area just behind the ear and up in the temporal hair. This, of course, will depend on each individual patient and his or her particular needs.

Q. Is there bruising associated with a facelift?

A. Some patients bruise more easily than others. Some patients have absolutely no bruising after a facelift, while others may have a degree of bruising in the cheek and neck regions. This, of course, will depend on each individual’s tendency to bruise. Typically, this bruising resolves within 2 weeks.

Q. Will I have to be put to sleep for facelift surgery?

A. Most patients undergoing facelift surgery can be done with the use of a “twilight” anesthesia. This involves IV sedation to get the patient very comfortable; however, the use of a general anesthetic is not usually necessary. Most patients are very drowsy throughout the procedure and do not remember any of the actual surgery. The advantage of this is that it does not require general anesthesia with the associated risks.

Q. Will a facelift stop further aging or sagging of the face?

A. No surgical procedure halts aging entirely. A facelift improves current sagging and contours by repositioning tissues and removing excess skin, but natural aging and gravitational changes continue. Good maintenance, skin care and lifestyle matter.

Q. How do I know if I’m too young for a facelift or if a less invasive option might suffice?

A. The right timing for a facelift depends on skin quality, facial sagging, and individual goals—not just age. For younger patients with early signs of aging, less invasive options (like tightening treatments or injectables) may be appropriate until fuller correction is needed. Consultation with your surgeon helps determine the best approach.

Q. What is a mini facelift, and is it a good option for patients in Birmingham, AL?

A. A mini facelift addresses early to moderate signs of facial aging, typically in the lower face and jawline, with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery than a full facelift. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams offer mini facelift surgery in Birmingham, AL for patients who want meaningful improvement without the full extent of a traditional facelift procedure.

Q. What is a deep plane facelift, and does Rousso Adams perform it in Birmingham, AL?

A. A deep plane facelift repositions the deeper structural layers of the face — not just the skin — for results that are longer-lasting and more natural-looking than a standard facelift. Yes, Dr. Rousso performs deep plane facelift surgery in Birmingham, AL. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in the region.

Q. Why do patients choose Rousso Adams for facelift surgery in Birmingham, AL?

A. Patients throughout Alabama choose Rousso Adams for facelift surgery because of Dr. Rousso's more than 30 years of experience, triple board certification, and internationally recognized surgical skill. Results are consistently natural, balanced, and tailored to each patient's unique anatomy — never overdone. The practice's AAAHC-certified facility in Birmingham, AL, also ensures the highest safety standards.

Deep Plane Facelift

Q. What is a deep plane facelift, and how is it different from a traditional facelift?

A. A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper structural layer of the face, the SMAS and underlying ligaments, rather than simply tightening the skin. This produces longer-lasting, more natural-looking results with less tension on the skin itself. Dr. Rousso performs deep-plane facelift surgery in Birmingham, AL, drawing on more than 30 years of advanced surgical experience.

Q. What are the benefits of a deep plane facelift in Birmingham, AL?

A. Patients choose a deep plane facelift for results that look refreshed rather than "pulled," with significant improvement in the midface, jowls, and neck. Benefits include a smoother jawline, lifted cheeks, restored midface volume, and a softer transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. Recovery is comparable to a traditional facelift, but the longevity and natural appearance of the outcome are often superior.

Q. How long do deep plane facelift results last?

A. Deep plane facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than results from a traditional skin-only facelift. Repositioning the deeper facial structures creates a more durable lift that ages naturally with you over time. 

Q. What is recovery like after a deep plane facelift in Birmingham, AL?

A. Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within 10 to 14 days, with bruising and swelling continuing to resolve over the following weeks. Final results gradually emerge over three to six months as tissues fully settle. 

Q. Will I have visible scars after a deep plane facelift?

A. Incisions for a deep plane facelift are placed strategically along the hairline, around the ear, and into the natural creases behind the ear, where they fade significantly over time. Most patients find their scars are nearly imperceptible once fully healed. 

Q. What type of anesthesia is used during a deep plane facelift?

A. Deep plane facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation, depending on the patient's health profile and the extent of the procedure. Anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in the AAAHC-certified surgical suite at Rousso Adams. 

Q. Will a deep plane facelift change how I look or affect my facial expressions?

A. A properly performed deep plane facelift should make you look like a more rested, youthful version of yourself, never altered or unrecognizable. Because the procedure repositions deeper tissues without overtightening the skin, facial expressions remain natural and intact. 

Q. When can I return to exercise and other physical activities after a deep plane facelift?

A. Light walking is encouraged within a few days to support circulation and healing. Most patients can resume light cardio at three to four weeks and full-strength training and high-intensity exercise around six weeks post-surgery. Following Dr. Rousso's specific timeline is essential because returning to strenuous activity too soon can disrupt healing tissues and compromise your results.

Eyelid Surgery

Q. How long will it be before I can return to wearing my contact lenses after eyelid surgery?

A. Patients can return to wearing their contact lenses within approximately ten days after their surgery.

Q. Will there be any bruising after surgery?

A. There is usually very little bruising after the eyelid surgery. Some patients bruise more easily than others, and typically, if there is a small amount of bruising, it can be easily camouflaged approximately 9-10 days after surgery. Bruising typically fades within 2 weeks after surgery.

Q. Where will the incisions be placed for eyelid surgery?

A. The incisions for the upper eyelid are placed into the natural fold above the eyelid in the crease. The incisions for the lower eyelid can be either on the inside of the eyelid or underneath the eyelashes. Often, the lower eyelid incision can be hidden on the inside of the eyelid, and therefore, no external incisions are made. This is commonly performed in patients with some extra puffiness of the lower eyelids, where fatty material can be accessed from the inside of the eyelid; therefore, no external incisions are used. These incisions typically heal in 7-9 days, and patients can apply makeup about 9 days after surgery.

Q. Will eyelid surgery correct dark circles or hollows under my eyes?

A. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can address excess skin, fat herniation, or puffiness in the upper and/or lower lids. However, dark circles and hollows may be due to bone structure, volume loss, or pigmentation, which often require adjunct treatments like fillers, lasers, or chemical peels. Discussing these with your surgeon helps set accurate expectations.

Q. Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent or will I need another procedure later?

A. The improvements from eyelid surgery are long‑lasting, especially for skin removal or fat repositioning in the lids. However, natural aging continues, so changes in skin elasticity or volume may gradually affect the area over time. Some patients opt for refresh procedures or non-surgical maintenance later.

Q. Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery in Birmingham, AL?

A. Good candidates for eyelid surgery in Birmingham, AL are patients who have excess skin, puffiness, or drooping in the upper or lower eyelids that makes them look tired or older than they feel. Most patients are in good overall health and have realistic expectations. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams will evaluate your anatomy during a consultation to determine candidacy.

Nasal Surgery

Q. Will I be able to breathe better if I have nasal surgery?

A. Some patients have a deviation of the nasal septum and enlargement of the mucous membrane of the nose that can cause problems with nasal airway obstruction. They may also have some problems with snoring as a consequence of their nasal airway problems. The nasal Septoplasty and cauterization of the mucous membranes within the nose can be performed at the same time that external cosmetic surgery is performed. These procedures can often improve the patient’s ability to breathe through their nose after nasal surgery.

Q. Does insurance help cover nasal surgery?

A. If the patient has some problems related to their ability to breathe through their nose that may be improved with the nasal Septoplasty or cauterization of the nasal turbinates then often the insurance company will help to defray some of the costs of the nasal surgery. If a patient has a traumatic injury to the nose that has caused a significant deformity then the insurance company will often help to cover the costs of the reconstruction of the nose.

Q. How long will I have swelling and bruising after nasal surgery?

A. The techniques that we use on the nose allow for minimal swelling and bruising after the surgery. We do not pack the nose after surgery and therefore patients have fewer tendencies to swell and bruise. This of course makes the postoperative course much more comfortable as the nasal packing is avoided. If the patients do have a small amount of bruising after surgery then they typically will see improvement in this within a period of one to two weeks after surgery.

Q. Is there any packing involved with nasal surgery?

A. The technique that we use when we perform nasal surgery involves the use of a dissolvable suture that allows us to avoid the use of any nasal packing. This allows for a much more comfortable postoperative course with decreased bruising and swelling and a much faster recovery.

Q. How do I know if I need a “functional” rhinoplasty (for breathing) in addition to a cosmetic nose job?

A. If you experience nasal obstruction, snoring, difficulty breathing or structural issues like a deviated septum, you may benefit from a functional rhinoplasty. A combined cosmetic/functional approach addresses both appearance and airway concerns—and may increase chances of insurance coverage.

Q. Can I combine rhinoplasty with other facial surgeries, and does that affect recovery time?

A. Yes—combining rhinoplasty with procedures like chin augmentation or facial rejuvenation is possible and sometimes efficient. But combining means a more extensive surgery, which can lengthen anesthesia time and recovery. Your surgeon will advise whether combination surgery is safe and still aligned with your goals.

Q. What can I expect from rhinoplasty in Birmingham, AL at Rousso Adams?

A. Rhinoplasty in Birmingham, AL at Rousso Adams is a highly customized procedure. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams use techniques that minimize bruising and swelling, and they avoid nasal packing for a more comfortable recovery. Results are designed to harmonize with your natural facial features — improving proportion and balance while looking completely natural.

Q. What is the difference between a nose job and rhinoplasty?

A. "Nose job" and "rhinoplasty" refer to the same procedure. Rhinoplasty is the clinical term for nose surgery that reshapes or resizes the nose to improve facial balance, address structural concerns, or correct breathing issues. At Rousso Adams, both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty are available, and the two can often be performed together.

Q. Am I a good candidate for nose surgery in Birmingham, AL?

A. You may be a good candidate for nose surgery in Birmingham, AL if you are bothered by the size, shape, or symmetry of your nose, have a deviated septum or breathing difficulty, or sustained a nasal injury. During a consultation, Dr. Rousso will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and goals to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Fillers & Injectables

Q. What is Juvederm, and does Rousso Adams offer it in Birmingham, AL?

A. Juvederm is a family of FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Results are immediate and can last from 1 to 2 years, depending on the formula used. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams offer Juvederm in Birmingham, AL, as part of a personalized non-surgical rejuvenation plan.

Q. What is Restylane, and how is it used at Rousso Adams in Birmingham, AL?

A. Restylane is a line of hyaluronic acid-based fillers that address volume loss, fine lines, and lip definition. Like Juvederm, it is FDA-approved and produces natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Restylane is available in Birmingham, AL at Rousso Adams, where Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams tailor each treatment to the patient's facial anatomy and goals.

Med Spa

Q. What services does the med spa at Rousso Adams offer in Birmingham, AL?

A. The Spa at Rousso Adams is a full-service med spa in Birmingham, AL, offering a wide range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including HydraFacial, microneedling with PRP, broadband light (BBL HERO), laser hair removal, chemical peels, Ultherapy, IPL, and more. All treatments are performed in a private, luxury setting under the oversight of Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams.

BOTOX & Wrinkle Relaxers

Q. What can I expect from BOTOX treatments in Birmingham, AL, at Rousso Adams?

A. BOTOX is a quick, in-office treatment that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, crow's feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Results typically appear within a few days and last three to four months. At Rousso Adams in Birmingham, AL, BOTOX is administered by experienced injectors under the direct supervision of board-certified physicians, ensuring natural-looking, precise results.