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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Fees and Payment?

We do charge a small fee upon initial consultation and this will be applied to any future cosmetic surgery. Follow-up consultations are at no charge. Typical fees for procedures vary based on patient complexity. They will be determined at the time of consultation once the patient and surgeon have agreed on the procedure best suited for the patient. Cosmetic surgery quotes are given over the phone but are only a rough estimate of general cost. All cosmetic surgery fees are due and payable at the time a service is rendered. We do accept Visa and MasterCard.

Deciding on Surgery?

Dr. Piro will conduct a detailed consultation and exam prior to rendering an opinion regarding surgery. During your consultation, you should discuss candidly your expectations about looking, feeling and functioning better after surgery. Dr. Piro will then discuss what variables may bear on your decision to have surgery. He will explain in detail the specific aspects of your treatment, such as what techniques will be used, the roles of anesthesia and what you can realistically expect as a result. Usually two visits may be needed, allowing the patient to weigh the pros and cons, as well as to get to know the surgeon.

1. What is a mommy makeover?

Essentially, a Mom’s Makeover is any combination of breast and body procedures that a lady may want to get to address changes in their body after pregnancy.

One patient may benefit from breast augmentation and liposuction. Another patient may benefit better from a breast lift or reduction, abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Many patients, at the abdomen, who do not have excess abdominal skin, but have weakness of the abdominal muscles with a bulge, may benefit from an endoscopic, minimal incision tummy tuck. The most important thing is that we need to look at each patient as an individual and address that person's individual needs.

2. How long does it take to recover from:….

Facelift:
This answer is variable: some patients return to work with makeup 2 weeks after surgery, while others may want to stay off for a month. It depends on the level of comfort that patient has with their coworkers and the amount of physical exertion their work demands.

Blepharoplasty?
Upper Blepharoplasty: 1–2 weeks
Lower Blepharoplasty: 1 and 1/2 to 3 weeks

Rhinoplasty?
Depends, with just a Tip Rhinoplasty, it’s 1 week. With a full rhinoplasty, it’s usually 2 full weeks

Breast Augmentation?
Any time between 5 days and 2 weeks, depending on the patient’s comfort and work demands.

Abdominoplasty?
Again, very individual: between 2–3 weeks

Liposuction of the abdomen:
5 days to 2 weeks.

Breast reconstruction?
It depends on the type of breast reconstruction that is necessary, With a DIEP Flap, anywhere between 3–6 weeks. Implants are generally less demanding,from a recovery point of view.

3. What’s included in the cost of cosmetic surgery?

The surgery itself, anesthesia fees, OR fees and an overnight stay if recommended by Dr. Piro. All post operative appointment/visits are covered as well. Any post-op questions will be answered and Dr. Piro will be available to you for anything pertaining to your surgery,

4. What can I expect during the consultation?

A detailed evaluation of all concerns. The surgeon will spend 45 minutes to an hour answering your questions and describing the options in detail. Dr. Piro will show you before and after photos of similar procedures. For Rhinoplasty consultations, Dr. Piro will show you a computer generated image of your nose, and proposed changes. Once your consultation with the surgeon is complete, you will meet with our patient counselor, CiCi, who will help provide you with a detailed quote and answer any additional questions you may have. We also have several long-standing patients who have undergone the same procedures you are interested in, that are willing to anonymously speak with you regarding the surgery and post-op experience. This all follows HIPPA guidelines.

5. Why do I have to pay a consultation fee?

Dr. Piro’s office is very busy, and he is often booked 6–8 weeks in advance for surgeries. He spends 45 minutes to an hour with you during the consultation. We ask for the $100 consultation fee so that patients value our time. The amount paid will be applied to procedures.

6. What is the difference between a mini-abdominoplasty and a full?

A full abdominoplasty often entails liposuction of the hips and flanks, as well as tightening of the rectus muscles and a new belly button. Mini abdominoplasty is a catch-all term at our office. In essence, it is usually an endoscopic muscle plication with or without liposuction as an adjunct. Or it can also be a minimal excision of loose skin in addition to the endoscopic muscle plication.

List Of Patient Rights

IN ACCORDANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY CODES, THE ASC AND MEDICAL STAFF HAVE ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING LIST OF PATIENT RIGHTS:

1. Exercise these rights without regard to sex or culture, economic, educational, or religious background or the source of payment for his or her care.

2. Considerate and respectful care.

3. Knowledge of the name of the physician about his or her illness, his or her course of treatment and his or her prospects for recovery in easy to understand terminology.

4. Receive information from his or her physician about his or her illness, his or her course of treatment and his or her prospects for recovery in easy to understand terminology.

5. Receive as much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as he/she may need in order to give informed consent or to refuse this course of treatment, Except in emergencies, this information shall include a description of the procedure or treatment, the medically significant risks involved and knowledge of the name of the person who will carry out the procedure or treatment.

6. Participate actively in decisions regarding his/her medical care. To the extent permitted by law, including the right to refuse treatment.

7. Full considerate of privacy concerning his/her medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. The patient has the right to know the reason for the presence of any individual.

8. Confidential treatment of all communications and records pertaining to his/her care and his or her stay in the ASC. His/her written permission shall be obtained before his/her medical records can be made available to anyone not directly concerned with his/her care.

9. Reasonable responses to reasonable requests he/she may make for services. This includes family members and significant others in the decision and consent process.

10. He or she may leave the ASC even against the advice of his/her physicians.

11. Reasonable continuity of care and to know in advance the time and location of appointment as well as the physicians providing the care.

12. Be advised if ASC/personal physician proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to participate in any such research projects.

13. Be informed by his /her physician or a delegate of his/ her physician of his/her continuing health care requirements following his/her discharge from the surgery center.

14. For complaints about your medical care, you may call or contact your Health Facilities Division of the Department of Health Services.

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