How do I make an appointment?

Call our office directly to schedule an appointment. The office staff will be more than happy to assist you.

 

How much does the initial consultation cost?

The consultation is free of charge.

 

How long does the surgery take?

The length of surgery depends on the type of surgery you're having. Minor surgical procedures can take less than 30 minutes; more involved procedures can be longer. When you meet with Dr. Taylor he will be able to provide you with an estimate on how long you will be in the OR. Of course, the pre-surgical check-in process, the induction of anesthesia, and the recovery time also add to the length of the time you spend in our care.

 

What kind of anesthesia will you use?

Depending on the type of procedure, you may receive either local, twilight, or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will be discussed in detail with an anesthesiologist before surgery as part of the routine pre-surgical process. The anesthesiologist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have about your anesthesic options at that time.

 

How long will it take me to recover?

Recovery time varies for each person, but most patients recover from anesthesia within a few hours. They initially feel groggy and sometimes nauseous, but these feelings tend to wear off soon after surgery. As with any surgical procedure, there is usually some pain or discomfort at the site of the incision. As the surgical site heals, the pain will diminish. You will probably initially have a dressing on your incision after surgery. Once the sutures are removed or dissolved (usually within 1 week), most dressings can be removed while the wound continues to heal. During your initial pre-surgical consult, Dr. Taylor can provide you with information about activity restrictions after surgery, how to care for your surgical site, and answer any other questions you may have about your post-surgical recovery.

 

How long will the results of the surgery last?

The answer depends on our age, your general health, the type of procedure, and a number of other environmental factors. The results of reconstructive procedures may remain for a lifetime, while the results of certain cosmetic procedures may last a decade. While there are no guarantees, Dr. Taylor should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long you can expect the benefits of surgery to last.

 

Who is a candidate for plastic surgery?

The best plastic surgery candidate is someone with realistic expectations and an understanding of the limitations set by medicine, technology, and his or her own body. Good candidates have a strong self-image, and a well-developed reason for pursuing a plastic surgery procedure. They are looking for improvement of a physical trait, knowing that while this positive change may enhance their self-image, it will not change people's perception of them.

 

Is there a "right" age to pursue plastic surgery?

There are no rules as to the right age for plastic surgery. In fact, the appropriateness of a certain procedure should be determined more on a case by case basis, looking at the individual's unique body type, emotional maturity and aging process. Of course, there are age tendencies for certain procedures.

 

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?

When the plastic surgery procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not be involved. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes, however, it may be partially or fully covered by insurance.

 

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to enhance or change a healthy, normal, functioning part of the body. Nothing but the patient's desire for physical improvement necessitates cosmetic plastic surgery. Reconstructive surgery, however, is intended to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, disease or tumor, physical trauma, or infection. The goal of reconstructive surgery may be to restore function or to achieve physical normalcy.

 

Where is plastic surgery performed?

Plastic surgical procedures may be performed in our office operating room, an outpatient surgery center or a local hospital, depending on the procedure.

 

How much pain is involved in plastic surgery?

Each plastic surgery procedure carries a different level of discomfort, and requires different methods of anesthetizing. In most situations, the patient's preferences for safety and comfort, as well as personal pain threshold, can help determine what type of anesthesia will be used. Very minor, non-invasive surgeries might involve a topical anesthetic, while minor invasive surgeries may call for local anesthetic or local combined with sedation. In more involved surgery, general anesthesia is usually used.

 

Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?

Sure. Most plastic surgeons work with patient financing groups and will provide you with an application to fill out at the consultation. Many banks provide financing for elective procedures as well. Plastic surgery is something that is more and more often financed, which has helped it become more accessible to everyone.

 

When can I go back to work?

The recovery period depends upon the procedure performed and it varies from patient to patient. For certain procedures, individuals can go back to work within a couple of days and some procedures take a week or longer for individuals to recover.

 

Are the scars visible?

This depends upon the procedure that is performed. For certain procedures, such as breast augmentation, the doctor makes every effort to place the incisions in areas where the resulting scars are not so visible. There are some scars that appear to be non-existent. Then there are some scars that become light and nearly invisible as they heal, however they never fully disappear.

 

How many procedures can I have at the same time?

Multiple procedures are done at the surgeon’s discretion. Having multiple procedures performed at the same time is less expensive than having them performed individually and requires only one recovery period. The benefit of doing multiple areas at one time is that you take advantage of the operating room. You have already paid for the anesthesia and hospital fees. Having the procedures performed separately means you have to pay for these expenses again. However, since safety is of paramount importance, Dr. Taylor will advise you as to what combination of procedures can be done safely with no additional risks.