Plastic Surgery In Richmond, Va Faqs

Cosmetic surgery can improve one’s appearance by altering aspects of the face or body or by counteracting the signs of aging. In a society that places so much emphasis on appearance, no apologies for this type of surgery are necessary. However, cosmetic surgery is not for everyone and it is important that the person considering such surgery be well informed and understand the risks involved as well as the anticipated benefits. The following is information with which you should be familiar if you are considering cosmetic surgery. Please understand that we speak in terms of the average case – variations do exist.

Persons who are seeking an improvement in their appearance and are realistic in their expectations as to what the surgery can accomplish are good candidates. A person who is seeking absolute perfection or expects a transforming miracle is not a good candidate. While cosmetic surgery is often psychologically beneficial in increasing one’s self-confidence and esteem, it is not the solution for all of one’s problems. For instance, a cosmetic operation can adjust a physical feature such as a prominent nose, but it cannot correct problems with interpersonal relationships. If we believe the patient is expecting more from the surgery than it can accomplish either physically, psychologically or socially, we will recommend they not have surgery.

The degree of success of an operation depends not only on the skill and experience of the surgeon and the cooperation of the patient, but also on such widely variable factors as the general health, age, skin tone, bone structure, heredity, and the specific problem. The healing process is influenced by these factors and is not entirely under the control of the patient or surgeon. While good results are anticipated in properly selected cases, it would be unethical for the surgeon to imply any type of warranty or guarantee.

Our goal is to improve the features that you find objectionable and provide a natural appearing result. We wish to keep your recovery period as short as possible and allow you to return to your normal activities quickly. In our office we try to provide a private, pleasant experience and maximum convenience. Our main goal is to ensure maximum patient satisfaction.

In addition to a wide array of cosmetic surgical procedures, we offer many non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These include Botox injection, injection of fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane, and chemical peels. Flexible scheduling is available. We are also can refer you for consultation with an aesthetician for additional skin care services such as microdermabrasion or facials.

During the operation, which is usually performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, there is seldom any discomfort. Any breakthrough pain is easily remedied with additional medication. After the surgery, there should be only minor discomfort that can be controlled with oral medication. Surgery always results in some pain, but our goal is to keep you comfortable through the postoperative period.

Most operations, especially those performed near the loose tissues of the eyes, result in some degree of swelling and bruising. The amount varies with the different procedures and the individual patient. Preoperative medications and certain operative techniques are used to keep this to a minimum. The majority of swelling that does occur usually subsides within a few days and any temporary bruising that remains can be covered with make-up.

Surgical procedures can be performed with local anesthesia, deep sedation in conjunction with local anesthetic or general anesthesia. Only minor procedures in the office setting are performed with local anesthesia alone. All major procedures are performed with deep sedation combined with local anesthesia or general anesthetic. We operate in accredited hospital surgery centers and utilize Board Certified Anesthesiologists to provide anesthesia. Your medical history will be well researched to assure that you are a candidate for safe outpatient anesthesia. You may be required to have blood tests, EKG or chest x-ray to assure you are being treated in the safest manner possible. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to spend the night at the hospital or with a nurse. Your safety and well being is our utmost concern.

Despite what you may have heard, all surgical incisions heal by forming a scar which is permanent and cannot be erased. However, precautions are taken to try to make the scars as refined and inconspicuous as possible and to place them in areas where they are more easily camouflaged with make-up and hairstyles. While such scars are permanent, these are rarely noticeable or cause any trouble.

The charges for different surgical procedures vary with each operation and the complexity of the problem. Since cosmetic surgery is strictly elective, the fees are payable in advance.

Insurance will not pay for operations that are strictly for cosmetic purposes. Some surgical procedures, such as eyelid lifts and breast reductions are paid for by insurance if the patient meets certain criteria. This can be the case if the operation will relieve symptoms such as: restricted vision, impaired breathing, and back, shoulder, or breast pain.Our office will be glad to file any insurance claims for you. However, we cannot fill out claims stating the surgery was performed to improve function if it was not. We will do all we can to assist you and will send all supporting information possible but we are not responsible for the final decision of your insurance company.

A medical history will be obtained from you. We will then discuss the problem that particularly concerns you, your reasons for wanting it corrected and your expectations. After a thorough examination of the problem, we will give you our opinion as to what the chances are for accomplishing what you desire and the technique involved. After our discussion it will be up to you to decide whether or not you want the surgery. If you want to think about our discussion or discuss it with your family before making a final decision, you are encouraged to do so. However, you are the one who should make the final decision, not someone else. A second office visit can be scheduled if necessary. Preoperative photographs will be made so that your problem can be studied more thoroughly and will be used for reference during the surgery should you decide to have it. It would be appreciated if you would wear a minimum of make-up and clothing that can easily be removed for exposure of the area to be examined.