Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

     Why would a healthy individual ask to be subjected to surgery?  The answer is to attempt to improve the quality of one's life.  How we feel about ourselves and life in general, is reflected by how we look. Today, Americans not only live longer but live far healthier and more active lives than they did just 30 years ago.  We expect more out of life and want to participate in all that it offers.  We no longer accept a tired and aged look when we feel healthy and full of energy.  We no longer are resigned to just “living with” undesirable physical characteristics.  Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is accepted and desired today, because it can complement our lives in the same way that exercise and fashion can.  It helps us to feel better about ourselves. Our business and professional lives can be enhanced by a youthful and cosmetically pleasing appearance.  When all other factors are equal, a pleasing appearance can weigh heavily.  Each year in the United States, millions of people undergo elective surgery for the sole purpose of improving their appearance. Cosmetic surgery is no longer limited to people who are extremely well-to-do. Now individuals from all socio-economic groups are undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.  People view cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as an investment in themselves.


Realistic Expectations 
 
It is important to have realistic expectations regarding cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.  Surgery can improve one's appearance or correct a physical imperfection, but it will never solve personal problems or create an entirely new face or body.  Miraculous transformation is not possible.

     The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve or enhance appearance.  Facial harmony and body shape can often be markedly improved, and features can be refined.  It must be remembered that the surgeon does not start with a piece of clay or a blank slate.  He uses his expertise to fashion and refine those features that are preexisting.

     Surgical procedures also affect individuals in different ways.  Most people should expect some temporary swelling, discoloration and other minor discomforts.  One must recognize that surgery is not an exact science.  The improvements created on the operating table are subject to the imprecision’s of the healing process, the effects of age, health, skin tone, and the individual’s attention to following the post-operative instructions.  Before deciding to have surgery, you must take into account all of these factors and realize your motivations, the process, and the benefits.

Costs

     The fees for cosmetic surgery can be obtained at the consultation. When a procedure is purely for cosmetic reasons, then most often insurance will not cover any of the cost.  Reconstructive surgery is often reimbursed in part or completely.  Procedures that are part cosmetic and part reconstructive will generally have a portion of the cost reimbursed.  We will be happy to help you with claim forms.

     All cosmetic surgery is paid in advance.  A scheduling fee is collected at the time the patient schedules surgery, with the balance due one to two weeks prior to surgery, at the time of the pre-operative physical examination.

     When an insurance company is paying part or all of the fee, full payment is still the responsibility of the patient given that the insurance policy is with the patient and not with the surgery center. We will be glad to assist you with the insurance forms.

What Is Light Seep Anesthesia?

     Light Sleep Anesthesia is the use of medicines to induce a state of relaxation and a light sleep. The patient breathes on his/her own, and the rate of post-operative nausea is very low with this anesthesia.

     After arrival to the clinic, medications are given intravenously which induce a profound state of relaxation.   Most often during Light Sleep Anesthesia, patients are asleep for the duration of the operation, resulting in very little memory of the operation itself.  After this state is achieved, medicines are given to produce numbness in the area(s) being operated on.  This type of anesthesia is most frequently preferred by patients.  Recovery is rapid and easy from Light Sleep Anesthesia, unlike general anesthesia which often produces nausea after the surgery. Light Sleep Anesthesia also carries less risk of complications.

     After an operation in the surgery center, patients are held in the recovery area for anywhere from several minutes to several hours.  Once the patient is fully alert he/she may be driven home. The first night after surgery, someone must be at home with the patient.

The purpose of this, and other written materials available is to inform those considering cosmetic surgery about the procedures that can be done and the types  of results that we strive to achieve.  The discussion of individual problems and clarification of the procedures is intended to take place at the time of the consultation.  Please read the pertinent sections before the consultation so that your time with the physician or surgical nurse will be of more value to you.