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MacDonald Plastic Surgery FAQs

Dr. Jeannie MacDonald / MacDonald Plastic Surgery FAQs

Choosing plastic surgery is personal, and it helps to have clear answers before deciding what comes next. MacDonald Plastic Surgery in New Westminster offers cosmetic, reconstructive, and plastic surgery care with Dr. Jeannie MacDonald, a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon serving the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver area. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call (604) 288-8517 or send us a message.

Main FAQs

MacDonald Plastic Surgery is located at 250 Keary St #203 in New Westminster, BC. Dr. MacDonald serves patients throughout the Lower Mainland, Greater Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley.

Dr. Jeannie MacDonald is a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial and facial reconstructive surgery. She is known for a simple, direct, and honest approach that combines surgical skill with an artistic understanding of balance and proportion.

Dr. MacDonald’s signature procedures include tummy tuck, breast augmentation, arm lift, thigh lift, brow lift, and eyelid lift. She also offers a wider range of face, breast, body, and skin procedures for patients seeking natural-looking cosmetic and reconstructive results.

Most cosmetic procedures are privately paid. If a concern may have a medical or reconstructive component, coverage questions can be reviewed during consultation.

You can schedule a consultation by calling MacDonald Plastic Surgery at (604) 288-8517. You can also submit an online consultation request to begin the process.

Consultation options can be reviewed with our team when you contact the office. Patients traveling from outside New Westminster can ask about the most convenient appointment format for their needs.

Financing information is available as part of the patient resources offered through MacDonald Plastic Surgery. Payment planning is usually easiest to discuss once your procedure recommendations and timing are clear.

Dr. MacDonald serves patients in New Westminster, Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Greater Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley. Patients also travel from surrounding British Columbia communities for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery care.

Your first consultation should include a relaxed, unrushed discussion of your goals, health history, anatomy, and treatment options. It is also the time to ask questions, review recovery expectations, and decide whether surgery is the right fit.

Dr. MacDonald emphasizes honesty, thoughtful planning, patient education, and natural-looking results. Her background in plastic surgery, craniofacial fellowship training, surgical education, and the arts helps shape an individualized approach for each patient.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

A good tummy tuck candidate is usually someone at or near a stable goal weight who is bothered by loose abdominal skin, stretched tissue, or muscle separation. This concern is common after pregnancy, major weight changes, or aging, especially when exercise no longer improves midsection shape.

Exercise can strengthen the body, but it cannot remove extra skin or repair significant separation of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat, tighten weakened abdominal muscles, and create a flatter, more supported abdominal contour.

Yes. Muscle repair is often an important part of abdominoplasty when the rectus muscles have stretched apart after pregnancy or weight gain. Repairing that separation can help restore a firmer abdominal wall and a smoother waistline.

A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is designed for patients with more significant excess abdominal skin, often after major weight loss. It uses both a lower abdominal incision and a vertical incision to tighten skin from multiple directions and improve the overall waist contour.

A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks when they are located on the skin that is removed, especially below the belly button. Stretch marks outside that area may remain, but the abdomen can still look flatter, tighter, and more proportionate.

Yes. Liposuction may be included when extra fat also affects the abdominal contour. Some patients may also benefit from mons reduction if fullness in the pubic area affects balance after the abdomen is tightened.

Recovery usually includes swelling, tightness, limited mobility, and restrictions on lifting or core activity while the abdomen heals. Patients should plan for help at home, especially during the early recovery period, because protecting the repair is an important part of the result.

Good preparation can make abdominoplasty recovery much easier. Helpful steps include:

  • Reaching a stable weight before surgery
  • Planning help with children, pets, meals, and transportation
  • Setting up a comfortable recovery space ahead of time
  • Avoiding heavy lifting and core strain during early recovery
  • Following all pre-op and post-op instructions closely

A tummy tuck is most rewarding when the timing, recovery plan, and expectations are realistic. The stronger your preparation, the easier it is to focus on healing well.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

A good breast augmentation candidate is usually someone in good health who wants more breast volume, better proportion, improved symmetry, or restored fullness. Many patients consider this procedure after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or long-standing dissatisfaction with breast size.

Breast augmentation can enlarge the breasts, restore lost fullness, improve body proportion, and help correct visible asymmetry. The goal is not simply larger breasts, but a result that feels balanced with the patient’s frame and personal aesthetic.

The right implant choice depends on your anatomy, breast tissue, incision preferences, cost considerations, health factors, and desired feel. Saline and silicone implants each have advantages, so it’s best to choose after reviewing how each option fits your goals.

Implant size should be chosen based on your chest width, tissue quality, lifestyle, and the look you want to achieve. A size that looks natural on one person may not fit another, so proportion matters more than a cup-size goal alone.

Yes. Breast augmentation can often improve breasts that are noticeably different in size or shape. In some cases, different implant sizes, careful pocket planning, or an additional shaping procedure may be needed to create better balance.

Yes. Patients often choose breast augmentation when the breasts have lost fullness after pregnancy, nursing, or weight changes. If your breasts have also dropped significantly, a breast lift may be recommended with implants for a more complete result.

Breast augmentation results can last many years, but implants are not considered lifetime devices. Maintaining a stable weight, living a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring breast changes over time can help support long-term satisfaction.

Preparation helps patients feel more confident before and after surgery. Helpful steps include:

  • Deciding whether your goal is subtle, moderate, or fuller enhancement
  • Thinking about how implants should fit your body and lifestyle
  • Setting up a comfortable recovery space before surgery
  • Planning time away from strenuous activity and upper-body exercise
  • Following medication, smoking, and activity instructions carefully

Breast augmentation works best when the plan is built around proportion and long-term confidence. Clear expectations help make the decision more comfortable and the recovery easier.

Arm Lift FAQs

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess upper-arm skin and can include fat removal to improve arm contour. Patients often choose to have an arm lift done when the upper arms feel loose, heavy, or difficult to tone after weight loss, aging, or reduced skin elasticity.

A good candidate is usually someone at or near a stable goal weight who is bothered by loose upper-arm skin or stubborn fat. This procedure is especially helpful for patients whose arm skin does not respond well to exercise or weight loss alone.

Yes. Significant weight loss can leave loose skin that makes the upper arms look or feel heavy. An arm lift can remove that extra tissue and create a smoother, more toned upper arm shape.

An arm lift may include liposuction when excess fat contributes to the arm shape. The plan depends on whether the main concern is fat, loose skin, or both.

Incision placement depends on how much skin needs to be removed. Mild to moderate laxity may allow for shorter or more discreet incisions, while more significant loose skin may require longer incisions along the upper arm for a better contour.

Arm lift surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day. Swelling usually improves over the first several weeks, but final contour refinement can continue for several months.

Arm lift results can be long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight. Aging and gravity can still affect skin firmness over time, but removing loose tissue can create a meaningful improvement in arm shape and comfort.

Preparation can help make arm lift recovery more manageable. Helpful steps include:

  • Reaching a stable weight before surgery
  • Planning time away from lifting and strenuous arm activity
  • Preparing loose, easy-to-wear clothing for recovery
  • Understanding where incisions may be placed
  • Following all post-op instructions for swelling and scar care

Arm lift surgery is most satisfying when patients understand both the contour improvement and the scar tradeoff. A clear plan helps the arms look smoother while supporting a safe recovery.

Brow Lift FAQs

A brow lift improves sagging brows, forehead creases, frown lines, and upper-face heaviness that can make the eyes look tired, angry, or older. It can also help restore a more youthful brow position and soften the expression.

A brow lift may be the better choice when a low brow is contributing to upper-eyelid heaviness. Eyelid surgery primarily addresses excess eyelid skin, and some patients benefit from both procedures for a balanced upper-face result.

Yes, when the hooding is partly caused by sagging brows. Lifting the brow can reduce heaviness above the eyes and help the upper face look more open and refreshed.

A well-planned brow lift should not create a startled or over-lifted look. The goal is usually a rested, natural upper-face position that still fits your facial features.

Brow lift incisions may be placed in the hairline or near the brow, depending on the technique and anatomy. Scars are usually planned to be as discreet as possible once healed.

Yes. A brow lift can improve horizontal forehead creases, vertical frown lines, and furrows between the brows. Some patients may also benefit from Botox before or after surgery to help manage overly active forehead muscles.

A good candidate is usually a healthy non-smoker with sagging brows, forehead wrinkles, or an upper-face expression that looks tired or stern. Realistic expectations and the ability to follow pre- and post-op instructions are also important.

Preparation helps clarify whether the brow, eyelids, or both are causing the concern. Helpful steps include:

  • Noting whether your brows feel heavy at rest
  • Looking at older photos to compare brow position
  • Asking whether eyelid surgery should also be considered
  • Planning downtime for swelling or bruising
  • Being clear that you want a natural, not over-lifted, result

Upper-face rejuvenation works best when brow position and eyelid anatomy are evaluated together. Clear priorities help create a result that looks refreshed instead of overdone.

Thigh Lift FAQs

A thigh lift improves loose skin, uneven contours, and stubborn fatty tissue around the inner or outer thighs. Patients often choose a thigh lift when weight loss, pregnancy, or aging has left the thighs looking heavy, uneven, or difficult to smooth with exercise alone.

A good candidate is usually someone bothered by loose skin on the thighs, uneven fat pockets, or sagging after weight loss. Patients should be at a stable weight and prepared for downtime, incision care, and a gradual recovery process.

A thigh lift can improve thigh contour and may smooth areas affected by loose skin and fat pockets. Cellulite can be difficult to eliminate completely, but tightening and reshaping the thighs can make the area look smoother overall.

Liposuction can help smooth and contour the thighs before or during skin tightening. When skin laxity and stubborn fat are both present, using both approaches can create a better overall shape than skin removal alone.

An outer thigh lift usually addresses laxity and contour irregularities along the outer thighs, often with an incision above the hip. An inner thigh lift focuses on the soft, stretchy tissue of the inner thighs, often with a hidden incision near the groin crease.

Some patients who have lost significant weight may need an incision that extends along the inner thigh toward the knee. Longer incisions may be necessary when extra skin extends farther down the leg.

Thigh lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and usually requires general anesthesia. Patients need someone to drive them home, wear compression as directed, limit activity, and allow swelling and incision healing to improve over several weeks.

Preparation can make thigh lift recovery more comfortable and easier to manage. Helpful steps include:

  • Reaching a stable weight before surgery
  • Planning help for transportation and the first 24 hours
  • Preparing loose clothing and recovery supplies
  • Understanding where incisions may be placed
  • Following compression and activity instructions closely

A thigh lift can create meaningful improvement when the concern is loose skin and uneven contour. Clear expectations about scars, swelling, and recovery make the process much easier to navigate.

Eyelid Lift FAQs

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tightens eyelid tissues, and may remove or reposition fatty tissue around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.

Eyelid surgery can improve loose upper-lid skin, puffy eyelids, under-eye bags, fine lower-lid wrinkles, and a tired-looking eye area. It may also help when upper-lid skin interferes with the natural eyelid contour or vision.

Yes. Patients often choose blepharoplasty because they feel their eyes look tired, sad, angry, or older than the rest of their face. A well-planned eyelid lift can make the eyes look brighter, more alert, and more rested.

Upper eyelid surgery usually addresses sagging skin and heaviness above the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery is more focused on bags, puffiness, wrinkles, or loose skin beneath the eyes.

Upper eyelid incisions are typically placed within the natural eyelid crease. Lower eyelid incisions may be placed just below the lashes, which helps keep scars discreet once healed.

Yes. Eyelid lift and brow lift surgery are often considered together when both brow descent and eyelid skin contribute to upper-face aging. Treating both areas can create a more balanced and refreshed result.

A good candidate is usually a healthy non-smoker with drooping upper lids, puffy lower lids, under-eye bags, or eyelid changes that make the eyes look older. Patients should not have severe eye conditions or medical issues that impair healing.

A little planning can make eyelid recovery much easier. Helpful steps include:

  • Clearing your schedule for early swelling and bruising
  • Having cold compresses and recovery supplies ready
  • Planning around photos, travel, and social events
  • Avoiding strenuous activity during early healing
  • Asking whether brow position also affects your concern

Eyelid surgery works best when the upper lids, lower lids, and brow position are evaluated together. Good preparation also makes the first week of recovery feel more manageable.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacDonald

Plastic surgery works best when the plan reflects your anatomy, your goals, and the kind of change that feels right for your life. Call (604) 288-8517 to schedule a consultation with Dr. MacDonald or send us a message.