FAQs about Plastic/Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery
I. GENERAL Plastic/Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery FAQs
- How should I select a surgeon?
- What should I know about anesthesia?
- What are the risks?
- How long will my recovery be?
- How are fees determined?
- Why should I schedule an initial consultation?
- Why are pictures taken before and after surgery?
- What is Informed Consent?
II. PROCEDURAL FAQs
- Breast Augmentation
- Body Contouring
- Facial Surgery:
- Reconstructive Surgery
III. Skin Care FAQs
How should I select a surgeon?
It is important to establish rapport with the surgeon since you place total confidence in that doctor's ability. Select a surgeon who compares alternatives, explains clearly what will be done for you and the rationale for the approach selected. Be sure he discusses convalescence and possible risks. Choose a surgeon who communicates and has a clear understanding of your desired result.
You should carefully evaluate the proposed surgery and the surgeon himself before proceeding. Insist on certain qualifications. Ask specific questions about the doctor's training. Is the surgeon Board Certified? Has he fellowship training or specialized training in the procedures you want performed?
A specialist does the same procedures far more often and therefore has greater experience and skill than most surgeons. Does the surgeon have aesthetic taste compatible with yours? These questions can be answered through referrals to other patients and physicians.
What should I know about anesthesia?
Many procedures can be performed using intravenous conscious sedation and local anesthesia administered by Dr. DeWeese. When necessary, twilight sleep or light general anesthesia is administered by a competent anesthetist or anesthesiologist. The level of anesthesia will vary with the needs of each patient.
The type of anesthetic is clearly described at the time of consultation and is tailored to the patient's needs for surgery. The patient will remain in the recovery area until able to be discharged or transferred to their hospital room. Your surgeon will ask you to have a friend or family member to drive you home after the operation, or upon discharge from the hospital. It is recommended that someone stay with you at home for the first night following the procedure or discharge from the hospital.
What are the risks?
Although complications are possible, they are very rare. Most patients accept the risks after consideration. A full description of every possible complication is beyond the scope of this text, but risks specific to each procedure will be discussed at the consultation. Patients then have a chance to ask questions so that they make an informed decision whether or not to undergo the proposed procedure.
How long will my recovery be?
The period of recovery depends on the surgery performed. After surgery strenuous physical activities are limited. You can resume normal activities within a few days depending upon the surgical procedure. In some cases there will be temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort. The most common concern is an uncomfortable feeling, not pain. Pain is surprisingly minimal and easily controlled with medication. Mild analgesics are used in most cases, but stronger medication is given when necessary.
Dr. DeWeese will discuss your postoperative visits for removal of dressings and sutures. Special arrangements are made for patients who are from out of town, or choose to spend a few days after surgery away from their families.
Care is taken to place the incision in the natural skin creases or skin folds along inconspicuous areas so they are not visible when the healing process is completed. The incision may be pink for several weeks postoperatively, but is easily camouflaged the day after suture removal. Complete maturation of the surgical area takes more than one year, though in most cases after one or two weeks, only the patient and physician can detect the surgical incision. Time is the single most important factor in the healing process.
How are fees determined?
In general, cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. Insurance will only pay when the surgery is done for reconstruction of deformities caused by accidents or when surgery improves function which is impaired by a physical deformity such as a septal deviation in rhinoplasty (nasal surgery). If an insurance company is to be billed for the surgery, the doctor's office staff will usually submit the insurance claim forms and documents to your insurance company for payment.
Fees are generally determined based on each patient's needs. The exact cost of this procedure varies depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgery package price includes the surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, and the hospital and operating room expenses. All surgical fees also include post surgery visits. Fees are clearly explained to the patient at the time of the first consultation.
The initial consultation fee is $100. If another consultation is needed or the patient has additional questions that were not discussed during the first consultation, then no charge is applied.
Why should I schedule an initial consultation?
At the time of your visit the extent of your surgery will be carefully discussed and an evaluation made. A consultation helps to clarify the patient's desires and the surgeons plan. There is no standard operation which applies to every patient. An operation will be designed during this consultation specifically for you and all of the details will be explained.
The most important goal of the consultation is to clearly communicate. Caution is advised in looking at before and after photos. These can often be misleading and may not reflect your particular needs. To help bridge the gap, computer graphics are often employed. Some surgeons are using this tool to show patients what they will look like after surgery. This is an approximation based on past experiences with multiple patients and is definitely not a guarantee of the final result in any given patient.
In general, the consultation helps the patient understand what can be achieved. It helps the doctor understand the patient's desires and, most importantly, it gives the patient an opportunity to ask valuable questions and decide if surgery is right for them.
Why are pictures taken before and after?
Pictures are taken prior to surgery to help plan the procedure. They are useful guides which surgeon will use in planning and preparing for your procedure. In addition, postoperative photos are taken to enable you and the surgeon to evaluate the results of the procedure.
What is Informed Consent?
You will be asked to review and sign a form that clearly describes your desired operation. This informed consent is a legal document and your authorization allows the surgeon to perform the surgery. The main purpose of the document is to educate the patient on the particular procedure, risks, possible complications and alternative treatments, so that the patient can make an informed decision whether or not to undergo the procedure. Request Consultation »