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Depending on the
procedure you are considering, plastic surgery can be somewhat
expensive. So many of us look for ways to finance our surgery.
Luckily, some plastic surgeons accept major credit cards, or offer
financing programs that allow you to make monthly payments. In
addition, there are institutions that specialize in financing cosmetic
surgery. To find out more about possible financing for your procedure,
talk to Dr. Rick Smith at Michigan Plastic Surgery. He can probably
suggest some resources. Or, you might want to look for information on
the worldwide web.
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WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE COST?
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The American Board of Plastic
Surgery, defines and certifies a reputable plastic surgeon as someone
who is experienced in many areas due to his or her advanced and
specialized training. Reconstructive surgery , microsurgery, cosmetic
surgery and even surgery of the hand all fall in the category of
plastic surgery. The medical community, often, will call on plastic
surgeons to consult as wound specialists. Once you’ve decided you’d
like to go through with plastic surgery, how will you pay for it? If
the surgery is being done for cosmetic reasons, insurance will most
likely not cover the expense. However, if the surgery is done to
improve the function or restore a more normal appearance due to a
defect from disease, injury or a congenital birth deformity, insurance
may cover the procedure. The only way to really know for sure is to
check with your insurance carrier. And although the decision is
ultimately up to the insurance company, most plastic surgery offices
will work with your carrier on your behalf to seek authorization for
the surgery. Some companies may have specific exclusions on surgeries
that would be considered for benefits from other companies. Depending
on your deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance payments, your
benefits may also be affected. It may be possible be reimbursed by
your insurance company for procedures such as: breast reduction,
breast reconstruction after masectomies, cleft lip and palate repair,
nose surgery due to breathing difficulties, or facial fractures, and
reconstruction after trauma such as car accidents. Some other more
common types of procedures that are often covered by insurance are:
microsurgery and surgery of the hand to correct carpal tunnel
syndrome, joint replacement, trigger finger, or surgery to plant limbs
or fingers are also commonly covered by health insurance. Many of your
questions about insurance may be answered by our office. But it’s wise
to check with your carrier.
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IS COSMETIC SURGERY SAFE?
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Any cosmetic surgery procedure
carries some potential risk, including the possibility of infection,
bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia (ann-es-thee’-zha).
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss risks specific to
the procedure being performed, in addition to the expected results.
You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and
closely following his or her advice, both before and after surgery.
For more information on cosmetic surgery, Call Dr. Rick Smith at
Michigan Plastic Surgery.
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ANESTHESIA AND SURGICAL FACILITIES
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The type of anesthesia and
surgical facilities required will depend largely on the complexity of
your operation. Plastic surgery may be performed in the doctor’s
office, in a hospital, or in a free- standing surgery center. For both
convenience and affordability, many cosmetic procedures are done on an
outpatient basis, at a freestanding or in-office surgical facility.
This is perfectly acceptable, assuming that the facility is properly
equipped and staffed, has access to a nearby hospital, and that the
doctor has privileges to perform the same procedure at an accredited
hospital. One sign of a quality facility is if it’s recognized by the
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery
Facilities. You can check for this accreditation by calling
1-800-635-0635. When performing plastic surgery, three basic types of
anesthesia may be used. For less invasive procedures, it’s typically a
local injection, which numbs only the area to be worked on. Secondly,
there is local injection plus sedation, which allows the patient to
remain awake, yet relaxed. Finally, when large areas of the body are
involved, general anesthesia is commonly used.
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HOW TO CHOOSE A PLASTIC
SURGEON
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Choosing a plastic surgeon
is an important decision. Be sure that you have all the facts to make
an informed choice. It’s up to you to ask questions so that you can
decide which plastic surgeon is right for you. Qualified surgeons will
welcome your questions about their background and be willing to
provide you with any necessary information. Here are a few guidelines
to assist you in selecting a qualified plastic surgeon. Check into the
surgical experience of the surgeon you’re considering. Does he or she
specialize in the procedures you’re interested in? How many procedures
of this kind has the doctor done? Before-and-after photographs can
give you some indication of a surgeon’s ability, although you must
realize that they’re not a guarantee of the exact result you’ll
achieve. Ask your doctor about his or her credentials. If you’re in
doubt about a surgeon’s qualification and experience, it may be wise
to seek consultation with other surgeons.
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AM I A GOOD
CANDIDATE FOR COSMETIC SURGERY?
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So, you’ve decided that you’d
like to have liposuction or a face lift, but now you’re wondering if
you would be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. As a general rule,
if you are in good general health, and have a good understanding of
the operation you are going to have, and you know what you can expect
from it, then you would meet the criteria. Of course you need to have
a problem that needs to be addressed adequately by a specific
operation. It is recommended to consult with a properly trained and
certified plastic surgeon to determine this. He or she will explain
the procedure and inform you of any risk that may be involved.
Remember, that it will take time for you to heal from the surgery.
Most insurance companies will not cover cosmetic surgery, so ask
yourself if you can afford to have the procedure done.
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