FAQ

What you should know before deciding to have surgery

1- Fees and insurance

Fees for aesthetic plastic surgery traditionally are paid prior to surgery. Costs vary widely and depend on the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anesthetic is administered.

As a rule, aesthetic plastic surgery is not covered by most insurance plans. Sometimes, however, there is a fine line between whether the surgery’s prime objective is to improve appearance or to improve function. For example, protruding or large ears may be considered a birth defect and ear surgery deemed necessary to correct it. Similar judgments may be made regarding eye surgery if drooping lids impair vision, or breast reduction if the weight of the breasts causes pain or interferes with normal activity. If this is the case, contact your insurance company before surgery to determine how it views your particular surgery.

2- Surgical facilities and anesthesia

Surgery can be performed in a number of locations, depending on the procedure and what Dr. Rosenthal regards as appropriate. Generally, aesthetic plastic surgery takes place in an ambulatory care setting-such as an outpatient center or Dr. Rosenthal’s office-based surgical facility.

In many cases, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area to be treated, along with a sedative to relax you. For some aesthetic surgical procedures, however, you will be given general anesthesia so that you sleep through the entire operation. Postoperative discomfort is normally controlled with medication.

3- Risks and complications

Although some of the procedures described in this booklet appear to be relatively simple operations, it is essential for you to understand that aesthetic plastic surgery, like all surgery, has attendant risks.