Bloomfield Facial Plastic Surgery - FAQs

WHAT KIND OF PROCEDURES CAN YOU DO IN THE OFFICE?
In the office we can perform BOTOX injections to treat dynamic lines of the forehead and around the eyes. We can perform Collagen and Restylane injections to augment the lines around the mouth and lips and also the cheeks. We also do superficial chemical peels in the office.

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?
A chemical peel is the application of a low concentration of a fruit or synthetic acid on the skin for a short period. This causes the superficial layer of the skin to sluff or peel very minimally. This allows the deeper healthier layers to come to the surface, helping fine lines and wrinkles to soften. It also allows the collagen in the skin re-grow, giving the skin a healthier and more youthful look. This process is usually done in a series of six peels done two weeks apart.

WHAT KINDS OF SURGICAL PROCEDURES DO YOU PERFORM?
We perform facelifts, nose jobs, cosmetic eyelid procedures, forehead and brow lifting, lip augmentation, neck liposuction, and neck tightening. We also perform chin and cheek augmentation procedures, which may complement some of the above procedures.

CAN I HAVE A COSMETIC PROCEDURE PERFORMED WITH MY NON-COSMETIC TREATMENT?
In most cases, the answer is yes. This is very case specific. If you are having a reconstructive rhinoplasty (nose job), it is fine to have your eyelids done at the same time. If you are having facial reconstruction after a cancer defect, it may be advisable to wait until all areas are stable prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE WILL COVER MY SURGERY?
Most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be covered if there is an approximate 30% reduction in vision from the eyelids when looking upward. An ophthalmologist determines this through a visual field examination. After performing visual field testing, the eye doctor sends the reports to us, and we send a letter to your insurance company with photos. Some rhinoplasty (nose jobs) can be covered by insurance. This depends on the insurance company, the nasal deformity, cause of deformity, and functional problems that may have resulted. All of these can be determined during your consultation, followed by a letter to your insurance company. Otoplasty (pulling the ears back for prominent ears) is purely dependent on the insurance. If it is a covered benefit, the insurance company will pay for the entire procedure.

WHAT ARE MY OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS IF MY PROCEDURE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE?
This is variable for every procedure. Each surgical procedure has a professional fee, facility fee, and anesthesia fee, if required. Most places have special pricing for self-pay patients, which is much less than insurance pricing. Discounts are given on all levels for people having multiple procedures. Although the out-of-pocket expense is greater for upper and lower eyelids, rhinoplasty, and facial laser resurfacing, it is markedly cheaper to do them on the same day than to do them one at a time. Our pricing coordinator takes care of all pricing. She will give you a quote, and we usually do the procedure(s) at the facility with the best pricing. Understand that we do procedures only at accredited facilities, so you receive the best in surgical, facility, and anesthesia care anywhere you have it done.

IF I HAVE SURGERY, WHEN CAN I GO OUT IN PUBLIC?
The answer is different for everybody and usually depends on a person’s comfort level. As a general rule, one week is usually enough for any surgical operative procedure. We ask that you not plan any moderate event like going to a wedding for approximately two weeks if you are going to be in the spotlight. If you are the guest of honor, we would suggest that you don’t plan any major events for approximately one month. After most procedures, you can apply makeup after one week and hide any bruising. Men, although resistant, can find some concealing makeup to hide bruising, but they are more likely to enter the public with a little bruising than women are. For any procedure or treatment performed in the office, you can usually go back to work the same day if you are not concerned about minor bruising or swelling. We would also recommend one to three days off for lip injections, as swelling may ensue.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?
This is variable for most procedures, but a general rule is one week. If you have to lift anything greater than 50 pounds, I recommend two weeks off, because heavy lifting can lead to bleeding. With most in-office procedures, one can return to work the same day or the next day. For lip augmentation with collagen, one to three days may be necessary.

DO I REALLY NEED TO STOP SMOKING AND WHY?
It is highly advised that you stop smoking for two weeks before and after surgery. In many procedures, smoking can affect healing negatively. Smoking affects the tissues by stopping oxygen from binding and nicotine causes small blood vessels to constrict (become smaller) reducing blood supply. Breakdown of skin flaps can lead to severe and permanent scaring. If you are motivated to look your best, you need to give yourself the best chance to do well.