Plastic Surgery FAQ's
Your Consultation: Frequently Asked Questions
Plastic Surgeon Rochester NY

You could meet with the world's greatest plastic surgeon… but…unless he or she understands your individual concerns -what you are trying to achieve - none of the rest matters.

Will I still look like "me" after surgery?
Many of our patients report that, upon return to work and routine daily activities after their plastic surgery procedure, friends and acquaintances make the following remarks: "Gee you look great. Did you change your hairstyle?" or "Have you been on vacation?" Retaining your uniqueness is the sign of a successful plastic surgery procedure.

For example, many patients want to get rid of frown lines because they are frequently asked if they are angry. Most patients with realistic expectations want to look refreshed and have their appearance reflect more the age and energy they feel inside. Eliminating wrinkles and sagging skin helps one look rejuvenated while retaining individual features

Is my plastic surgeon qualified?
One of the hallmarks of a qualified plastic surgeon is Board Certification. Learn more about Selecting a Plastic Surgeon to be sure that you are selecting a plastic surgeon who is right for you. At the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, we welcome your review of our Surgeons & Staff including Board Certifications, education and training, contribution to research, extensive medical publications and ongoing continuing medical education.

Is cosmetic surgery safe?
This is one of the most frequent and most important questions we are asked. The risks of facial plastic surgery reported in the medical literature are quite uncommon. Please don't hesitate to discuss any plastic surgery procedures you may be contemplating. We'll be happy to provide a report of any complications associated with cosmetic procedures your considering. Also, please see the qualifications, training and experience of our Surgeons & Staff as well as the Lindsay House Accreditations.

What do I do to prepare for plastic surgery?
Although the preparation for plastic surgery is pretty simple, it is an essential element in a successful outcome. For every cosmetic procedure we offer we provide detailed written instructions including specific details about preparation and aftercare. We have included the most frequently asked questions FAQs from patients who have previously undergone many of the plastic surgery procedures you are contemplating. Most of our patients have one or more consultations followed by a thorough preoperative assessment and teaching session with our experienced board certified plastic surgeons and nurses before undergoing any cosmetic surgical procedures.

Do I go home after my plastic surgery?
Most cosmetic surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Because you will go home after receiving sedation, you will need to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home, to stay with you overnight and to drive you to our office for your first postoperative appointment the next morning. Patients having surgery must stay in the immediate Rochester NY area overnight within 30 minutes of our East Avenue facility.

How long will bruising and swelling last after my plastic surgery procedure?
For most plastic surgery procedures, postoperative bruising and swelling begins to resolve at the end of the first week. Full resolution of bruising or swelling may take two to three weeks. However, you may camouflage bruises fairly easily at seven to ten days with makeup such as a concealer stick.

How much pain will I have after my plastic surgery procedure?
After any plastic surgery procedure, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with pain medication in the event that it is needed. Patients sometimes use prescription medications two to three days after plastic surgery and then switch to Extra Strength Tylenol. More often, patients report very little pain after plastic surgery. At the time of the preoperative consultation, we will review with you exactly what sensation changes to expect as you recuperate.

When can I go back to work after my plastic surgery procedure?
Restrictions from work are generally one to two weeks for minor surgery and two to three weeks for multiple procedures or more extensive plastic surgery. It is important to avoid aerobic activity, bending, lifting and straining during the postoperative period. For more specific answers, ask us for information on the specific plastic surgery procedure you're contemplating.

When can I work out after my plastic surgery procedure?

Aerobic activities should be avoided for three weeks following surgery. Any activity that potentially increases your blood pressure will increase the amount of time it takes for postoperative swelling to resolve. Additionally, contact sports should be avoided for six weeks following nasal (rhinoplasty) surgery.

I'd like to do something to improve my appearance but I'm just not ready for plastic surgery.

There are many alternatives to enhance one's appearance through conservative (nonsurgical) alternatives at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery. If you are not ready for plastic surgery or if you are unable to have surgery due to a pre-existing medical condition, explore theQ the Medical Spa at Lindsay House.

Our patients tell us that one of the many benefits of a Medical Spa procedure is that several of the treatments are temporary. Therefore, patients are able to "test the waters" until they are ready for a more permanent change. Many Medical Spa patients receive treatments on their lunch hour and return to work immediately following their visit at Lindsay House.

How much does plastic surgery cost?
Cosmetic surgery - sometimes considered a luxury for the wealthy - is actually more frequently sought by middle income patients. That being said, here's the short answer to the question.

The best time to evaluate the fees for plastic surgery procedures is after the initial consultation. One of the reasons it is difficult to give financial quotes ahead of time is that a quoted fee may unknowingly mislead a prospective patient. Quoting a fee to you implies that the plastic surgery procedure in question is the correct procedure for you.

More often than not, a patient will call asking for fees for a given plastic surgery procedure only to find at the initial consultation a completely different procedure is discussed. A patient may be under a completely false assumption about the costs of facial plastic surgery without the benefit of knowing if the procedure is an appropriate one for them.

We are happy to discuss our fees for plastic surgery procedures with you at any time. To discuss costs of consultations, medical spa therapy and individual or combination procedures just contact us at (585) 244-1000. At that time, we can also share information on financing plans.

I've thought a lot about this but I'm nervous. What if I get stressed out?
It's ok to be nervous. (Frankly, we would be nervous if you were taking this step lightly!) One of the best ways to deal with nervousness is to educate yourself about cosmetic procedures. Reviewing Before and After Photos, finding out as much as you can about the procedures, the "Surgeon and Staff" and experiences of other patients is a good place to start. An educated patient knows when and if the time is right to proceed.

Where can I learn more about plastic surgery?
We'd be happy to provide more references and resources on plastic surgery. Many of our existing patients agree that what helped them the most was talking to other patients who had undergone similar plastic surgery procedures. For each procedure we offer at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, we have Before and After Photos, Procedure Information and FAQs that provide details of each plastic surgery procedure.

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Most importantly, we appreciate hearing your questions and to know about any special needs you have. If you have a question or concern, most likely others have the same concern. So your questions will help other patients as well. We look forward to hearing from you.