Q:  Am I in good physical and mental condition?

A: This is extremely important for both you and your doctor. If you haven't had a recent physical, it would be a good idea to get one. Do not keep pertinent physical and mental information from your plastic surgeon. Honesty is definitely the best policy when speaking with your doctor because it could ultimately affect your end result. Make sure the reasons behind your decision for cosmetic surgery is simply to improve your appearance and boost your self confidence. Do not expect that the surgery will get you the love of your life, the job you always wanted or make you feel better over the loss of a loved one. The reasons should be strictly cosmetic.

Q:  Is the doctor on staff of any local hospitals that recognize their credentials?

A: It is important that the doctor you are seeing is on staff at two or more hospitals with privileges to perform the procedures at the hospital that he might perform at his office.

Q: Fees: Are they negotiable?

A: Fees vary depending upon the procedure contemplated, the area of the country and market place, particularly as it relates to a specific surgeon's practice. Some doctors through good P.R. or time in the community clearly have more patients then they can operate on so therefore they raise their fees because the market place will allow it. "Do not think however, that just because a doctor charges more for a procedure, that he is necessarily the better doctor, it is more an indication of his notoriety then his expertise". At the same time one should be wary of the physician whose fees are significantly lower than the market. He may be doing this because he has just learned the procedure and wishes to gain greater experience or he lacks some of the training or certification mentioned previously and is thereby using lower fees to attract patients.

Q: The anesthesiologist: what you should know and expect.

A: The anesthesiologist's qualifications have been closely scrutinized by the doctor. The doctor has checked into the anesthesiologist qualifications, competency and experience. Obviously, the doctor wants an anesthesiologist that can keep his patients comfortable so they find the surgery an enjoyable experience.

There are basically three types of anesthesia available:

1. Straight local. The doctor injects medication into the area that he plans to operate on and this medication contains something in it to both numb the area and to shrink the blood vessels.
2. Local with sedation. An IV sedation is started prior to surgery and through that IV sedation, medication is given prior to injecting the local. This helps decrease any pain associated with local sedation.
3. General anesthesia. The patient is brought to the operating room and an IV is started and the patient goes to sleep. While asleep a local anesthesia may or may not be used. This last technique with general anesthesia is the most popular because the patient is totally unaware of what is going on and feels absolutely no pain during the procedure.

Q: After the decisions been made, what next?

A: The scheduling of your surgery should be done. When scheduling your surgery, it is best to be the doctor's first or second patient of the day. In the morning the doctor is rested. If his schedule is very full, he may be tired or fatigued later on. Second, if there is any type of complication, it usually occurs within the first eight hours and is much easier to deal with then in the middle of the night. Finally, for most surgical procedures, you are not allowed anything by mouth after midnight and waiting for surgery on an empty stomach can make you both anxious and physically uncomfortable. Just remember, it is natural to be nervous prior to surgery. Try to focus on the end results.

Before scheduling your surgery, make sure the doctor is not planning any vacations around the time of your surgery. You want your doctor available to you certainly within the first seven days following any procedure. Granted, physicians need their vacations but that does not mean you need to plan your surgery at that time. On the same note, do not plan your surgery around important events or vacations, just in case there is a delay in your healing process. The office will schedule your preoperative blood work and EKG depending upon the patients age. This is usually done a week before surgery. This is a standard medical procedure with any type of surgery. You will be given dietary guidelines to follow as well.

Payment requirements will be handled at this time. All monies need to be paid prior to cosmetic surgery.

Q: The day of surgery: what do I need?

A: On the day of surgery, prior to leaving for the hospital or surgical center, make sure that your refrigerator is filled with those things that you will need following surgery. If possible have all medications purchased ahead of time. Ice Packs and bed elevation should be prepared so that when you return home you can go immediately to bed without difficulty. The office will assist you in what type of clothing to wear prior to surgery to make it easier for you. Leave all jewelry and personal belongings at home. If you live further than an hour from the surgical center, there are local recovery centers or hotels near the doctor's office. They frequently will provide transportation to and from the doctor's office. It is much more comfortable than a long car ride from home to see your doctor.

I want to stress that complications are very rare but can occur when you are dealing with mother nature. So prepare for the unforseen, and should it occur, you will be ready following surgery.

  For more information on Breast Enhancement, visit Dr. Corbin's other web site www.thebreastexpert.com.

  For more information on Rhinoplasty or nose surgery, visit Dr. Corbin's other web site www.noseexpert.com.

  For more information on weight loss surgery, visit Dr. Corbin's web site www.cosmeticsurgeryafterweightloss.com.

  For more information on Gynecomastia or chest surgery, visit Dr. Corbin's web site www.gynecomastiaexpert.com.

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