Frequently Asked Questions

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 Q: WHAT IS A MINI-LIFT?
A: A mini-lift usually refers to a partial facelift. It is an abbreviated procedure that gives less dramatic results than a traditional facelift and may be shorter lasting.

Q: WHAT IS A THREAD LIFT?
A: A thread lift is a procedure that involves the placement of special sutures in the cheeks to help lift them. The procedure gives minimal results that are generally short lived.

Q: WHERE IS SURGERY PERFORMED?
A: Minor surgical procedures can be done in the office. Other procedures that require sedation or anesthesia are performed in a hospital (usually California Pacific Medical Center).

Q: DO I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER SURGERY?
A: Most procedures do not require a hospital stay. Following a facelift, we generally have the patient spend one night in the hospital.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF A PROCEDURE?
A: The costs of the procedures vary. You may contact us to get an approximate cost, but a specific fee estimate can only be given following an in-office consultation.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF A CONSULTATION
A: Our consultation fee is $75. This amount covers the cost of the visit and is not applied toward future procedures. If an injection or simple procedure is done at the time of the consultation, the consultation fee may be waived.

Q: WHAT IS THE SCULPTRA PATIENT ACCESS PROGRAM?
A: The Sculptra patient access program is sponsored by the company that manufactures the product and is only applicable for patients being treated for HIV related facial fat loss (lipoatrophy). Patients that qualify for this program can lower the cost of the treatments significantly.

Q: WHAT IS THE RADIESSE PATIENT ACCESS PROGRAM?
A: The Radiesse patient access program is sponsored by the company that manufactures the product and is only applicable for patients being treated for HIV related facial fat loss (lipoatrophy). Patients that qualify for this program can lower the cost of the treatments significantly.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR THE SCULPTRA PATIENT ACCESS PROGRAM?
A:In order to qualify, the patient’s annual income needs to be below $ 61,940. Our office can supply the application form needed to apply.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR THE RADIESSE PATIENT ACCESS PROGRAM?
A: In order to qualify, the patient’s annual income needs to be below $80,000. Our office can supply the application form needed to apply.

Q: HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
A: Results following Botox injection generally last about three to six months. Rarely, the effect may last shorter or longer. Some patients find that over time, the results last longer and longer.

Q: WHAT CAUSES DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?
A: Dark circles under the eyes can be due to several causes. Sometimes it is due to shadowing from bags (excess fat) above the dark area. It can also be due to shadowing from a depression in the area. Dark circles may also be due to pigmentation problems or the presence of prominent veins under the skin. There are different procedures that may help to improve these problems.

Q: WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF MY PROCEDURE?
A: Generally, cosmetic procedures are not a covered expense by most health insurance companies. When a procedure is done that is medically necessary, this may be a covered expense for which your health insurance may completely or partially pay. Our office can contact your insurance company to determine if a procedure would be covered or not.

Q: HOW MUCH PAIN IS THERE AFTER SURGERY?
A: Pain tolerance varies considerably from person to person, but in general, most procedures that are done on the face cause little pain afterwards. Many times, Tylenol alone is sufficient, but a prescription pain medication can be used if needed.

Q: AM I TOO YOUNG TO CONSIDER PLASTIC SURGERY?
A: There is no right or wrong adult age to consider having a procedure. Everyone ages differently, and factors such as sun exposure, cigarette smoking and heredity can all have effects. If there is a procedure that can be beneficial to you, you are an appropriate candidate. If there is not a procedure that would help with your particular issue, then we would not perform one.