A:    The anesthesia that I favor is a combination of heavy pre-operative sedation followed by
        intravenous administration of sedatives during surgery by our nurse anesthetist.  I also favor
        local anesthesia which is chosen by many patients and is completely adequate for many
        procedures.  You are given generous amounts of pre-operative and intra-operative sedation,
        along with local anesthesia.  Our nurse anesthetist will monitor you throughout your surgery.
        We have been using this technique for the past ten years on some twenty patients per week
        with remarkably safe and comfortable results.  Indeed, I chose this method myself for a hernia
        operation.  One sleeps though the procedure, entirely free of pain, discomfort or awareness.
        Our nurse anesthetist will monitor you throughout the surgery, assuring us that both your
        comfort and safety is paramount.  The services of an anesthesiologist are required for
        general anesthesia.  Whether you have local or general anesthesia, there will be no pain during
        the operation.

Q: How long is the clinic or hospital stay?

A:     If your procedure is scheduled at our surgical clinic, you arrive the day of surgery.  It is
        necessary to call the day before your surgery for the exact time of arrival.  Normally, you are
        discharged the morning of the first day after surgery.  Of course, other
        arrangements can be made to accommodate individual needs or schedules.

Q: How long will the surgical results last?

A:    Plastic surgery retards the aging process.  It "slows down" the clock, but it does not stop it.
        It is not a question of a sudden "falling down".  How soon you may want or require another
        procedure is a highly individualized decision.  One can only speak in averages.  This will be
        discussed in detail during your consultation.

Q: What happens in the post-operative period?

A:   You must remember that before you see the improvement you are looking for, you will go
       through a standard post-operative period in which you will look quite battered and bruised,
       followed by another temporary period of  time when you may look "strange" to yourself.
       This, of course, varies with each individual.  At the end of this time, the swelling and bruising
       will be dissipating, but tightness and numbness will persist for the next several months. This is
       secondary to non-visible tissue swelling, which relents gradually.  You should also bear in mind
       that with some patients undergoing surgery, there is a temporary period of slight emotional
       depression immediately following the surgery, during the time when you look your worst.
       This is quite normal and should not alarm you.  It is not pleasant to look bruised and swollen,
       particularly when natural expectations are towards improving your appearance.  Fortunately,
       this period passes rather quickly.

Q: What about the surgical fee and the hospital or clinic expenses?

A:   Operative and related fees will be discussed in detail at the time of your consultation.
       For cosmetic procedures, the full amount is due two weeks in advance of the surgery.
       We try to establish a uniform fee for each procedure, but there will be a slight variation
       depending on the complexity of the individual case. We will make every effort to assist you in
       determining your specific coverage well in advance of your surgery.  It is unusual for insurance
       carriers to reimburse you for any portion of the surgical fee for eyelid and facial surgery.

All of the questions you will have about your particular concerns, including how long will the healing take, what are the complications and what to expect with each surgical procedure, will be answered during your consultation.