FAQ’s

Yes, our office does have BMI requirements. For your safety, your BMI should be 37 or below. If you are unsure about what your BMI number is, click here to calculate your BMI.

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.

Any cosmetic surgical procedure, such as facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction (including ultrasonic liposuction) is available through Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. In addition, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are available. These include laser skin resurfacing, botox and spider-vein injections as well as other injectable fillers. Our practice also endorses the OBAGI Skin Health Restoration System which helps to correct surface discoloration, blemishes and stimulate cell renewal to bring back the glow and softness of healthy, younger-looking skin.

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 will be some discomfort that can be controlled with oral medication. While discomfort and limitation of activity after surgery are expected, you must be willing to accept that it will only be temporary.

Most operations result in some degree of swelling and bruising. The amount varies with the different procedures and the individual patient.

Most cosmetic surgical procedures can be performed in our accredited operating suites which are fully equipped to ensure safety and sterility. This provides maximum convenience for the patient and avoids high hospital costs. Surgery does require some patient responsibility. Arrangements must be made for a responsible adult to bring you to the office, to drive you home and remain with you for 24 to 48 hours depending on the procedure. Most procedures require that you be seen back in the office the next day. This will also require a driver.

Due to improvements in drugs, technology, anesthesia techniques, and provider education, anesthesia care is safer than it has ever been. In fact, the Institute of Medicine reported in 1999 that anesthesia is nearly 50 times safer today than it was in the early 1980s.

The same standard of anesthesia care for hospitals and ASCs also applies to office settings, regardless of whether the anesthesia professional is a CRNA or an anesthesiologist.

In general, the risk of serious injury or death during anesthesia is about the same as the risk when going for a car ride. Because you are in a car almost every day, you may not consider driving particularly risky. However, you probably rarely undergo an anesthetic so you may find yourself anxious before surgery. Remember that it is extremely unusual for healthy patients to have serious complications from anesthesia. However, a number of health problems may increase the risk of complications such as smoking, lung disease, heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and obesity. If you have any of these health problems, be sure to discuss them with your anesthesia provider.

There is a $120 consultation fee for all patients. 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.

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 makeup and clothing that can easily be removed for exposure of the area to be examined.

You should return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery or need additional information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.

Download our pdf file for a list of questions to bring to your consultation.