How To Avoid Plastic Surgery Nightmares: Tips To Get Best Surgeon, Results & Price In Minneapolis

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How to Be a Terrific Patient and Get Everything You Want from a Plastic Surgeon

• Enter the consultation process with a friendly attitude and an open mind

The results you get from your surgery can depend a lot on what kind of patient you are. It is vital to communicate honestly with your doctor about your needs and to be assertive about getting the procedure the way you want it. On the other hand, it is equally important to respect your doctor´s opinion and listen to recommendations. The more specific you are, the better understanding a surgeon will have of your goals, and the better understanding you´ll have of what´s possible and what´s not. For facial or body contouring surgery, I always ask patients to look in a mirror and describe what they want to change. Don´t let your partner make decisions about your procedure. If you bring a relative or friend to the consultation, the best companion is supportive and caring.

• Bring a list of questions and photos you´ve gathered

Please don´t interrupt. I go through a routine in my consultations, and if nervous patients continually interrupt, I might forget essential elements of the discussion. Wait for your doctor to ask if you have any questions, then go over your list. If your potential surgeon doesn´t give you time to ask questions or doesn´t answer your questions, look elsewhere. If you´re having rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, bring in photos that show the results you´d like to see. This will help a surgeon better realize your dream. On the other hand, make sure your dream is realistic. For example, don´t bring in photos of models that are smiling yet have no facial wrinkles. This doesn´t represent reality. Photos of models are usually touched up. If you expect to look like an airbrushed model after surgery, your surgeon will never be able to meet your expectations.

• Be honest when completing your medical history and don´t lie about nicotine use

Certain medical conditions and any prescription drugs you are taking can affect the surgical approach or anesthesia and need to be taken into consideration. Even medications such as aspirin can thin the blood and cause serious complications. I give all of my patients a card describing most of these blood-thinning or potentially life-threatening medications and herbals that should be reported and avoided for two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine use could seriously jeopardize your outcome. I have an information card that explains the dangers of nicotine, second-hand smoke, Nicorette gum and nicotine patches. Every time nicotine enters the body, blood vessels go into spasm, limiting blood flow, which can jeopardize a new surgical area. Nicotine use should be further discussed with your physician. Discontinuing smoking is recommended for all surgeries but is essential in some, like abdominoplasties and facelifts. Do not withhold pertinent information. You could do yourself some serious harm.

• Accept the downside of the procedure

Keep in mind that just because you can do something doesn´t mean that you should do it. Cosmetic surgery is a big step, and you should consider it very carefully. My advice is to accept it if your surgeon rules out the feasibility of surgery and explains that the surgery would not meet your expectations. If you´re still determined, you can always get a second opinion. Just be wary of searching until you finally find a surgeon who will act in his/her own best interests, not yours.

• Obtain a written estimate of the fee

Now we get to the burning question: How much will surgery cost? Insurance doesn´t cover cosmetic surgery. Advance payment is usually required and is common practice nationally. For people who are so bothered by their appearance that it affects their enjoyment of life and their perception of themselves, the cost of plastic surgery is money well spent. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons endorses a financing program for patients. The program gives patients a chance to pay for their care over time and has worked well for many patients. Fees vary depending upon the extent of the procedure and the level of difficulty. The surgeon or surgery coordinator will go over fees. Be sure to obtain fees in writing. I provide a copy of a surgical cost estimate, which gives details and cost of each procedure to be performed. The patient then initials the fee quote and receives a copy. This helps avoid misunderstandings. Costs include the surgeon´s fee and fees for the surgical facility and anesthesia. Other possible costs are the preoperative physical and blood work, pathology reports, postoperative medications, surgical garments, and private-duty nursing. When possible, I do the preoperative physical examination. Private-duty nursing is an additional cost. It´s less expensive to have a family member help you following the procedure.

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Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery

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