Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I a good candidate for surgery?
A: As long as you are healthy and have reasonable expectations then you are a good candidate for surgery.

Q: What results should I expect after surgery?
A: We will aim to enhance your overall appearance with your surgery. Most patients experience increased self-confidence after their procedure.

Q: Can I do multiple procedures at once?
A: The doctor will evaluate every patient and based on their age, health, and the procedures they request they will determine what procedures can be combined.

Q: When can I return to work after surgery?
A: The healing process differs with each surgery. Most patients' experience bruising which resolves in a few days, and swelling which resolves in a few weeks. Most patients also feel weaker than normal and are instructed to rest for a few days after their surgical procedures. At the time of your consultation, the doctor will go over all the post op and recovery instructions.

Q: What are risks of surgery?
A: The doctor will go over risks of every surgery in detail at the time of your consultation. Risks of surgery in general include but are not limited to pain, bruising, swelling, infection, nerve or vessel damage, need for another procedure, bleeding, and damage to deeper structures.

Q: When to plan my surgery?
A: If you work on weekdays, plan your surgery on a Friday so you can have the weekend to recover.

Q: What should I do to reduce the selling following facial surgery?
A: Crushed ice can be placed in zip lock bag or a plastic bag, and wrapped in a small towel and used while elevating your head. To elevate your head use a few pillows behind your head. Recliners are reliable ways to elevate your head.

Q: What do I need to prepare at home?
A: Prepare single serving meals, and purchase groceries in advance.

Q: Do I need to arrange transportation?
A: You need to have transportation to and from surgery center on day of your surgery. You also might need to arrange for transportation to the office for your post of visits if you are taking pain medication.

Q: Can I stay by myself after surgery?
A: You need to arrange for a family member or a friend to stay with you during your first night at home. Your friend/family member should be able to refresh your ice packs, walk with you, prepare your food, and to be in touch with your doctor. If no one is available to take care of you, please contact our office in advance so we can arrange a caretaker to stay with you.

Q: Should I purchase my antibiotics and pain medications before surgery?
A: Yes, please arrange to pick up your antibiotics and pain medication before your surgery.

Q: What should I expect to look after surgery?
A: Almost all cosmetic surgeries involve swelling and bruising.

Q: Can I drive after surgery?
A: You should not drive while you are taking pain medications because pain medications can delay your response and alter your judgement.

Q: Can I resume exercising after surgery?
A: You need to ask your doctor as to what exercises you are allowed to do after surgery and when to start exercising.

Q: Is plastic surgery right for me?
A: There are a couple of factors when determining whether or not plastic surgery is right for you. The most important factor is your health- being in good health reduces your risk of complications. Second, you need to honestly ask yourself what your motives are. Most patients find that plastic surgery enhances their self-esteem and overall appearance. It is very important for patients to have realistic expectations.

Q: Can I have several plastic surgery procedures simultaneously?
A: It is common for your surgeon to perform multiple procedures to better sculpt your final look. Several small procedures may save you operating room and anesthesia fee costs; however, having too many procedures done at once may have complications as well.

Q: What happens during my surgical consultation?
A: Your surgeon will go over your concerns and medical history and assess whether the desired procedure is suitable for you. This is a good time to address all your concerns. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure along with risks and benefits associated with the procedure. After you choose your desired procedure, you will be asked to sign an informed consent stating you understand what is entailed in the procedures, including the potential risks and complications.

Q: Do you recommend staying away from sun after a laser procedure?
A: Avoidance of sun exposure for 4-8 weeks is recommended following any laser procedure. Your physician will discuss your after care after your laser treatment. 
After facial procedures, we would recommend wearing hats, and sun block to protect your face from excessive sun exposure.

Q: What is stem cell lift? 
A:  A new technique in facial rejuvenation  that offers patients long lasting improvement by introducing millions of cells to correct facial lines, wrinkles, scars and to restore a youthful look.

Q: Are there any moral or religious issues with regards to Adult Adipose-derived Stem Cell procedures?
A: Adult stem cells are not encumbered by any ethical or moral dilemmas. The ethical issues which apply to embryonic stem cells do not apply to adult stem cells.

Q: What's the difference between fat injections and an activated stem cell facelift?
A: Stem cells are locked within the surrounding collagen sheath, hence, limiting their potential to grow. In stem cell face-lift, stem cells are removed from fat cells, and combined with growth factors. This activates the stem cells to increase collagen and elastin production, and to replace damaged cells. In simple fat transfer stem cells might remain dormant (non-dividing).

Q: How is stem cell face-lift different from traditional facelift?
A: In stem cell face-lift the lost facial volume is restored, in addition an extra-cellular matrix provides a scaffolding to ensure a long-lasting result. Traditional facelifts stretch the skin without restoring the lost volume. This may result in an unnatural look and not fully address the signs of aging.

Q: Does stem cell face-lift leave scars?
A: No. Specially designed blunt instruments are used to inject the fat and stem cells to sculpt the face.

Q: Does it make my face look fat?
A: No. You will have some initial swelling, but this usually subsides in 7-10 days.

Q: Is a Stem cell face-lift safe? 
A: Yes, autologous fat (autologous means derived from one's body) does not have the risk of allergic reactions since it utilizes your body's own tissue.

Q: Will I see continual improvement or are the results immediate?
A: Not only will you see immediate results, but you will notice that your skin will experience a continued improvement over the next 12 months. You will delightfully look in the mirror and see your skin become more youthful as days go by.

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Please Call or Email Cheryl with any questions