Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic
Surgery
(For Questions & Answers regarding
a particular procedure, please visit our procedures
page of this site.)
WHAT TESTS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE SURGERY?
All patients undergoing general anesthesia will require basic blood tests.
Patients older than 40 years of age may need a chest x-ray and EKG at
your surgeon's discretion. Occasionally older patients, or those who may
have serious underlying medical problems, may be required to have pre-operative
clearance. Your surgeon will advise you accordingly during your consultation.
HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?
Not as long as you would think. All procedures are performed on an outpatient
basis, require no overnight stay and usually take only a few hours. You
will have to arrive about an hour before surgery to check in with your
surgical team and you'll need to stay at least one hour after the operation
to recover from the anesthesia. By then you'll be back on your feet and
ready to recover in your own bed or hotel room.
WILL IT HURT?
During the procedure, our anesthesia staff insures that you're comfortable
and feel no pain since you'll be asleep through the entire operation.
Sometimes smaller operations may allow the use of local or intravenous
anesthesia. This will be discussed with you in detail during the initial
consultation with your surgeon. After surgery any pain or discomfort you
may experience can be controlled through medication prescribed by your
surgeon and will usually subside within a matter of days.
HOW SOON CAN I GET BACK TO WORK?
It depends greatly on the procedure, but on average most patients are
back to work within 2 to 7 days. Some larger or more complicated operations
may require additional time away from work
WILL EVERYONE KNOW I HAD SURGERY?
Usually not, since good surgery enhances your looks naturally and it often
goes unnoticed. Friends may ask if you've been on vacation, a new diet
or exercise regime, but typically they won't know you've had surgery unless
you tell them.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
Procedures that focus on rejuvenation, such as facelift, forehead lift,
eyelid surgery and laser skin resurfacing and tightening, can last from
5 to 15 years depending on the type of operation performed. Procedures
that reshape or correct an imbalance, such as surgery of the nose, chin
enhancement, breast augmentation, breast reduction and liposuction, usually
offer permanent benefits that last a lifetime. Phalloplasty lengthening
is permanent. A girth enlargement "touch up" may be scheduled
after 3 - 5 months if necessary. This is covered in the original fee,
however.
HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I CAN EXPECT A FINAL RESULT?
This varies with the type of operation being performed. Generally there
will be swelling and bruising for some time after surgery. Swelling will
resolve slowly over weeks to several months, although most of it is gone
in less than 30 days. Bruising is usually gone within a few weeks. The
final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.
WILL THERE BE SCARS?
Yes, but they probably won't be noticeable. Your surgeon will make every
effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the
natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures
your scars will fade over time and become barely noticeable.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include
bleeding, infection and significant scarring. Although these events are
usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. Specific potential complications
vary with each type of operation and these will be discussed with you
during your
consultation with your surgeon. In very rare instances hospitalization
may be required.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Less than you think. After years of being perceived as something only
for the rich and famous, cosmetic surgery is now priced for everyone.
People from all income brackets are undergoing surgery. In fact, half
of the patients who undergo cosmetic surgery make less than $25,000 a
year. Breakthroughs in medicine and outpatient surgery have brought the
price of cosmetic surgery down considerably over the years, while the
quality has gone up. During your consultation our staff will be happy
to tell you exactly how much your procedure will cost. Please keep in
mind not all patients are alike and some will require a slightly different
operation than others. The costs listed on our price
list represent a range for the typical operation listed. You will
receive a specific price quotation during your consultation visit. Some
prices may vary depending on the complexity of the operation. Our staff
is always happy to discuss these matters with you in more detail.
CAN I FINANCE MY SURGERY?
All surgeons accept most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American
Express). Also 100% financing is readily available and an accepted form
of payment for cosmetic surgery. With low monthly payments, financing
makes virtually every procedure instantly affordable. Even patients with
"not so perfect" credit can usually be approved, but sometimes
a co-signer may be necessary. Your monthly payment will be determined
by the amount of your down payment, the interest rate and the term of
the loan.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY OPERATION?
Your operation will include the surgeon's and anesthesiology professional
fees, the outpatient surgery center facility charges, implants (if applicable)
and all of your post-operative care. Lab tests, and other pre and post-operative
tests and medications are not included.
WILL INSURANCE COVER IT?
Usually not, since cosmetic surgery is elective most insurance plans don't
cover it. But there are exceptions. Some functional surgical procedures
may be covered by health insurance, in part or in full, depending upon
your health insurance policy and the procedure you are having performed.
Contact us for more
information: info@worldofcosmeticsurgery.com
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