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Q: Some surgeons are referred to as "Plastic
Surgeons" while others use the title "Cosmetic Surgeon"--
is there a difference?
A: The doctor you choose should be Board Certified in Plastic
Surgery. A cosmetic surgeon can be a dermotologist, gynocologist,
dentist-- or any other kind of doctor who has taken some courses
to learn a cosmetic procedure. This can be somewhat extensive
training-- or a weekend crash course. Your best bet is to go with
someone with YEARS of experience in performing aesthetic and reconstructive
procedures (a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will have this type
of experience). Visit our page entitled How
to Evaluate a Plastic Surgeon to learn more
about what to look for.
Q: I want to look good for my upcoming wedding/reunion/trip.
How long will it take for me to recover after my surgery so I
can look good at the event?
A: This is not a good idea. Ask you doctor for a range when it
comes to healing time. Healing time differs from person to person
and from procedure to procedure. You need to schedule your surgery
when you have time to recuperate and have post-operative visits.
Q: Do you do ThermaCool Non-Surgical Facelifts?
A: We do not practice or endorse the ThermaCool skin tightening
procedure, as recent studies have shown the results to be quite
minimal, with one-third of patients exhibiting no change at all.
In a study revealed at the 2004 ASAPS Annual Meeting in Vancouver,
a few patients exhibited dents in the face, which looked like
healed pitting acne. We believe in techniques which are a good
investment in yourself and lack any serious side effects.
Q: Hospital, Surgical Center, Office-- does it
matter where a surgeon performs surgery?
A: Where surgery is performed depends largely on the surgeon.
In terms of safety and results, no surgical facility is inherently
superior to any other. The American Association for the Accreditation
of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (http://www.aaaasf.org/)
gives accreditation to facilities that have established and adopted
standardized protocols and routines (similar to those used in
hospitals). These facilities have been subjected to rigorous inspections
that examine safety equipment and procedures (like backup power
and emergency medications), office layout, staffing, record-keeping
and a variety of other issues. Therefore, you may want to add
"Accreditation" as something to consider when
deciding on a Plastic Surgeon. Click here
to view the Ellenbogen Plastic Surgery Institute's faclities.
Q: What medications should I avoid before surgery?
A: There is a long list of medications AND SUPPLEMENTS that you
will need to avoid for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery
to avoid complications. Bring a list of EVERYTHING you take to
your plastic surgeon early on so he/she can tell you what you
need to cut out and when. A few to avoid for sure: Aspirin, Ibuprofen,
and Vitamin E. Again, check with your doctor for details!
Q: I cannot afford to pay for my
surgery upfront-- is financing available?
A: Yes. We offer financing which helps make healthcare much more
affordable to you, the patient. Please visit our Financing
page by clicking here.
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