| Q. |
Will my insurance cover any of the costs for plastic surgery? |
A. |
Aesthetic/cosmetic surgery is only rarely paid for by insurance companies, however, most reconstructive surgery is usually covered by these plans. Reconstructive surgery would include surgery for: |
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-Any congenital problem (birth defect) |
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-Breast reduction |
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-Breast asymmetry |
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-Scar correction |
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-Face or breast reconstruction following cancer treatment |
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-Rhinoplasty when performed to correct breathing problems |
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Q. |
If insurance does not cover the cost of my surgery, what types of payment plans does the Plastic Surgery Group allow? |
| A. |
The Plastic Surgery Group is happy to allow you to pay for your surgery with credit cards. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We also can refer you to a local bank and other financial services and institutions for financing of your surgical costs. |
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| Q. |
Are silicone implants safe? |
| A. |
Yes, the medical literature is replete with reports on the safety of silicone breast implants. There are no systemic illnesses proven to be associated with the use of silicone implants. We, in the Plastic Surgery Group, believe that silicone implants are the best implant for many patients. Under the current FDA guidelines, however, silicone implants are available only for patients who meet strict criteria for their use. The only patients allowed to receive silicone implants are those who: |
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-Require an implant for breast reconstruction following removal of the breast for cancer |
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-Those who need exchange of an old silicone implant for a new one |
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-Those who need a breast lift in addition to implants for optimal breast shape |
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-Those who have extremely thin skin and very little breast tissue |
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The surgeons of the Plastic Surgery Group can provide silicone implants for you and, in fact, we are part of a select group of surgeons who are able to provide silicone implants to our patients under FDA guidelines. |
| Q. |
Can I have fat removed from my buttocks and implanted in my breasts? |
| A. |
No. Transplanting fat into the breast is not a safe procedure. The fat often dissolves and forms scars in the breasts which can look and feel just like breast cancer. However, fat in small quantities can often be transplanted to the face to provide correction for deep wrinkles or scars. |
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Q. |
Can I get a face-lift without surgery? |
| A. |
No. Effective correction of deep facial wrinkles and skin sagging can only be achieved by surgical removal of excess skin. However, newer nonsurgical techniques such as chemical or laser peels and injectables such as Collagen produce a significant improvement in facial lines that have resulted from sun damage or early aging. These techniques can often postpone the timing of a surgical face-lift. Often a combination of both surgical and nonsurgical procedures will be required to improve signs of aging of the face. |
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Q. |
How much work/school will I miss after plastic surgery? |
| A. |
Most plastic surgery is performed in an outpatient setting, allowing full recovery from surgery at home. Many patients feel like returning to their normal routine within 3-4 days of their procedure. Facial procedures can require up to two weeks for the associated bruising to resolve. When having surgery to areas hidden under clothes, patients can return to work or school often within one week of surgery and light exercise can be resumed within 2-3 weeks. |
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Q. |
Is Botox safe and effective? |
| A. |
Yes. Botox (a chemical derived from bacteria) is a nerve-blocking agent, which weakens muscles. It is used to reduce facial wrinkles caused by excessive muscle contraction. The areas most often treated are the forehead, eyebrows and temple. Botox is safe when properly used. The results of Botox last approximately 3-6 months and treatments cost approximately $400.00 per treatment. Our Beautiful You Skin Care program provides Botox for selected patients. |
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| Q. |
Do you recommend any facial skin care products? |
| A. |
Yes. We believe that a simple home program using Alpha Hydroxy acids (fruit acids) can significantly improve skin which shows signs of aging or sun damage. We offer an additional program of bleaching agents to help erase pigment irregularities. When these home programs are not effective, we can perform light to medium resurfacing peels in the office. The home program costs begin at around $20.00 per month; peel procedures cost $60.00 - $500.00 a peel. |
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Q. |
What type of liposuction techniques do you use? |
| A. |
All of the doctors in the Plastic Surgery Group are trained in the latest techniques of liposuction. We use the "tumescent" or "wet" technique for most patients and will employ the ultrasonic assisted technique for certain anatomic areas, which may be better suited for this method. |
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| Q. |
How long will breast implants last? |
| A. |
Breast implants do not last forever. Many implants placed 15-20 years ago are now "worn out" and have leaked. A deflation is readily apparent in those breasts that were augmented with saline filled implants because they immediately go flat. Silicone implants do not deflate the gel remains in the implant pocket and the leak may not be noticed until seen on a mammogram. Once an implant leaks it should be replaced but this is not an emergency. |
