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Are you fellowship-trained and why is that important?A fellowship is additional training in a specialty field beyond a physician’s residency training. All of our surgeons are fellowship-trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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What is the difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery?Cosmetic surgery is the reshaping of normal structures of the body to improve a person’s appearance or self-esteem. It is usually considered elective surgery and is not covered by health insurance. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve and often restore functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance, although coverage for specific procedures may vary.
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What is the best cosmetic surgery procedure for me? When you meet with the plastic surgeon, it will help if you have a good idea of your concerns and the area(s) you wish to improve. When you discuss your specific concerns with the surgeon, he can inform you about the surgical options.
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What is the process for having cosmetic surgery?The process begins with a consultation with one of our surgeons. During this visit, you will learn about the various surgery options, the costs, and other information related to the surgery. It’s important to inform the surgeon about your concerns and the specific area(s) that you would like to improve. During this visit, a “before” photo will be taken for comparison with the results following surgery. If you decide to have the surgery, the next step is an educational session with a nurse in the Plastic Surgery Center, where you will learn more about the particular procedure. Your surgery date will then be scheduled.
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Where will you perform my procedure? Some procedures may require an overnight hospital stay. All inpatient surgical procedures are performed at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. All outpatient procedures are performed in the outpatient surgery center located in the Sargeant Health Center at 840 N. 87th St., near Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. Some selected procedures will occur in the office operating room in the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Plastic Surgery Center, 8700 Watertown Plank Road.
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Will I need to be hospitalized?Some procedures may require an overnight stay at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, while other procedures can be performed as day surgery.
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Will my procedure need to be repeated? Some cosmetic surgery procedures need to be repeated, depending on the type of procedure performed. Eyelid surgery, for example, rarely needs to be repeated, while a face and neck lift may need to be repeated in five to 10 years.
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How will I feel and look after surgery?All surgery involves some swelling, bruising, mild pain and discomfort. There may also be some temporary numbness. All of these improve during your recovery period.
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How long is the recovery period, and when can I return to work? The surgeon will discuss the recovery period with you. Depending on your procedure, it may take from three to four days or from two to three weeks before you are able to resume your normal activities.
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Do you have hospital privileges to perform cosmetic surgery? All of our surgeons have privileges to perform cosmetic surgery at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin.
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How much will my procedure cost?For the initial consultation for cosmetic surgery, a one-time fee of $122 is charged. If you have the procedure done with the surgeon, that fee is applied to the surgeon’s fee. Further visits with the surgeon before or after surgery are included in the total cost at no additional charge. After you and your surgeon have determined which type of procedure you will have, you will receive information about the total cost involved. The total cost will include the surgeon’s fee, an anesthesia fee, and a facility (hospital/outpatient surgery center) fee. Advance payment is required for all services.
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What are the risks involved with my procedure? The surgeon will inform you about your different options for treatment, the type of anesthesia (local or general) to be used, specific information about the procedure, post-operative care and recovery, and potential complications associated with the procedure. Because cosmetic surgery usually involves operating on soft tissue only, it is a very safe type of surgery. As with any surgery, however, complications may occur. Your surgeon will discuss the risks of your procedure with you. If you do have complications after surgery, the surgeon will consult with other physicians as needed in providing you the highest quality care. All of the resources of the academic medical center of Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin are available to you if complications should arise.
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How are costs for complications handled?Although rare, it may be necessary to return to surgery if complications should arise from your procedure. The fees involved — anesthesia fee, facility fee and a possible surgeon’s fee — are not covered by health insurance if they are related to cosmetic surgery. You will be responsible for these costs.
Author: Marla Fraunfelder | Medical Reviewer: | David Larson, MD | | Medical College of Wisconsin Plastic Surgeon |
Last Review Date: June 20, 2008 Online Editor(s): Christopher Sadler |
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