Consultations
- What should I ask Dr. de Ramón during my consultation?
- What is your education and background?
- What is your care philosophy?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Do I need a consultation for non-surgical treatments like Botox or filler?
- A consultation is recommended for all procedures performed at de Ramón Plastic Surgery Institute. All procedures carry some risk and the consultation is an opportunity to obtain a medical history, procedure history and understand a patient’s concerns. After examining you, Dr. de Ramón will make an assessment of what can be offered and also review the risks of the recommended procedure. Dr. de Ramón is a cosmetic expert, and depending on your goals, he can offer options for treatment based on your specific needs.
- Does my insurance cover a consultation for cosmetic surgery?
- Surgery performed to improve the look or appearance of an area of the body is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Therefore, the consultation is not covered by insurance. We have highly trained staff who review insurance policies and coverage each day, so if there is a question about insurance coverage, we have the answers.
Surgery
- Is plastic surgery safe?
- Yes, plastic surgery is safe, but, remember, you are still undergoing a surgical procedure. Therefore, it is important to discuss your health, medications and other issues with Dr. de Ramón. In addition, it is imperative to follow all pre and post-operative instructions and be sure to come to all follow-up appointments. Communication is key!
- Where are cosmetic surgery procedures performed?
- In some cases such as liposuction, CoolSculpting and facial rejuvenation procedures, surgery is performed in our in-office surgical suite under local anesthesia. This allows surgery to occur without undergoing general anesthesia. Other cases like breast augmentation, tummy tucks and breast lifts are performed as an outpatient procedure at West Shore Surgery Center in Mechanicsburg, PA.
- What is recovery after surgery like?
- All patients experience pain in different ways. Dr. de Ramón will provide patients with pain medications for use during the recovery process. Most patients require medication for 3-5 days after surgery. Dr. de Ramón offers the use of Exparel, a long-lasting local injectable anesthetic which bathes the abdomen in medication, for his tummy tuck patients. This allows patients to use less pain medication and experience less discomfort.
- How long will I need to take off of work?
- For less invasive procedures like liposuction, eyelid surgery or male breast reduction, patients usually take off 3-5 days from work. Patients who undergo complex procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck and facelifts may take 7-10 days off work. Of course, return to work is made on an individual basis, and resuming work depends upon the type of job a patient has. We are pleased to complete leave forms for patients who need them.
- When can I get back to exercise and taking care of my family?
- Each procedure has its own recovery time, and Dr. de Ramón will cover that information with you. Some patients find it helpful to have help at home for a week or so after cosmetic surgery, especially if there are children at home. Usually, full recovery from cosmetic surgery can take 4-6 weeks.
- Is there an optimal age for having cosmetic surgery?
- Decisions about cosmetic surgery are made based on input from Dr. de Ramón and a frank discussion with patients. Some procedures like rhinoplasty or breast reduction can be performed on younger patients in their teens. The most important factors in determining the best age for surgery is the patients’ health and the setting of realistic goals and outcomes.
