Plastic Surgery FAQ

• Are there risks involved with cosmetic surgery?

  As with any surgical procedure, cosmetic surgery procedures are not without risks. Fortunately, the improvement in surgical techniques over the years, and the general good health of our patients, procedures continue to be made as safe as possible. Thus, the risks with cosmetic surgery are usually much less than with other types of surgery.

  Although risks cannot be completely eliminated, measures such as the use of antibiotics and appropriate preoperative medical screening, when indicated, can help minimize these risks. As with most other types of surgery, bleeding or bruising, infection, anesthesia or drug allergies, scars and asymmetry can occur with cosmetic surgery.

  Avoidance of ASPIRIN and ASPIRIN-LIKE medications is mandatory to decrease the risk of intra-operative and post-operative bleeding, since these medicines thin the blood. They should not be taken for at least 10 days prior to or after surgery.

• Can more than one procedure be done at the same time?

  Frequently, multiple procedures can be performed together safely, decreasing the number of recovery courses and times under anesthesia, as well as reducing the cumulative expenses.

• What type of anesthesia do I need for my procedure?

  The type of anesthesia, general (complete sleep) or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) will be determined by the procedure(s) you are having.

• How is revision or touch-up surgery handled?

  Despite my best efforts, on occasion, revision surgery is needed to try to achieve the best possible result. Revision surgery performed within one year of the original surgery will be performed without a professional (surgeon's) fee. However, you will be asked to pay for any operating room, supply or anesthesia costs.

• Comparing Surgical Costs:

  Understanding that cosmetic surgery is an elective expense, we try hard to keep our costs competitive. When you compare costs, be sure you are comparing the same things. Our fee quotes break down the cost of the surgeon's fee including all follow-up visits, the facility fee for our STATE CERTIFIED surgery center (operating room fee), the cost of any implants and the anesthesiologist's fee for general (complete sleep) anesthesia, if needed. General anesthesia is highly recommended and/or required for major procedures such as breast augmentation, full face-lifts and tummy tucks. General anesthesia is only available at a STATE CERTIFIED surgery center or hospital.

  We believe that these types of procedures are safer and definitely more comfortable when performed under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist, than having these procedures performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep).

• How long will I be off work or before I can exercise again?

  Returning to work will be determined by the procedure and comfort level. Returning to strenuous exercise usually takes 3-6 weeks depending on the procedure.

• Is financing available?

  Yes. This information is available through the office or at the time of your consultation.