Frequently Asked Questions

• How much time would I need to take off from work if I have cosmetic surgery?
• How do I pay for cosmetic surgery?
• How many postoperative visits will I need, and will there be a charge?
• What if I have a problem?
• I have heard and read that Board certification is very important in selecting a plastic surgeon. What is it and why is it important?
• I would like to have the surgery done in an office facility, both for privacy and cost consideration. How would I evaluate the risk of doing this?
• If I am unready to commit to the downtime for cosmetic facial surgery, but I want some improvement, are there good alternatives?

Q: How much time would I need to take off from work if I have cosmetic surgery?
A: The answer to that important question depends both on the nature of your work and the procedure(s) that you have done. For facial surgery (eyelids, facelift, forehead lift, rhinoplasty), bruising and swelling are normal consequences of the surgery. Swelling may last from 3 to 7 days and bruising may last from 10 to 14 days. In some people who are “easy bruisers” it may last longer. For laser resurfacing, the down time is the longest, usually 2 to 3 weeks. If your job requires you to meet the public or you really don’t feel comfortable with questions that might come up about your appearance, then taking the appropriate amount of time off will be a social necessity. If you can work in private or have minimal concerns about the healing phase appearance, then you could return to work within a few days. If your job involves heavy physical work, further time off may be required. Instructions will be unique for each individual.For procedures of body contouring (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, tummy tuck), the surgical sight is hidden and the healing phase is not obvious to others around you. You can usually return to work as soon as you feel like it. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may require more time off, especially if the muscle is repaired.
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Q: How do I pay for cosmetic surgery?
A: Since cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance, it is standard practice to request that the professional fees be paid prior to surgery. Financing is available through a company that specializes in making funds available for cosmetic surgery patients. You would then apply to them as an individual and set up the terms of the repayment according to your wishes.
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Q: How many postoperative visits will I need, and will there be a charge?
A: The first week after surgery usually involves two visits. The first visit will be to remove the dressing and inspect the surgical site. On the second visit, stitches are usually removed and your postoperative progress is assessed. Visits after a few weeks and then after several months are done to assess healing and long term results. If you would have to travel a great distance for these visits, then this schedule could be altered individually. There is no charge for postoperative visits for cosmetic surgery.
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Q: What if I have a problem?
A: Dr. Humphreys always takes calls from his own patients. Any serious problem that arises acutely should be evaluated. Description over the phone is, many times, inadequate and examination will be needed. A work-in appointment can usually be arranged. If there is an emergency, Dr. Humphreys can be reached 24 hours a day by the answering service. If he is out of town, 24 hour coverage is available at the Plastic Surgery Center by its experienced nursing staff for questions during office hours (8:00am-5:00pm), and/or by his M.D. colleagues, both Board certified plastic surgeons.
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Q: I have heard and read that Board certification is very important in selecting a plastic surgeon. What is it and why is it important?
A: Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is assurance that the physician has completed an accredited residency training program with graduated responsibility and a broad range of clinical experience. Furthermore, it indicates that achievement of high academic standards has been met for knowledge of plastic surgery in such a physician. There are many variously trained practitioners in the marketplace who have not met such standards, and who do “plastic” or “cosmetic” surgery. Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware!).To check on whether a doctor is certified in plastic surgery, you can contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Specialties.
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Q: I would like to have the surgery done in an office facility, both for privacy and cost consideration. How would I evaluate the risk of doing this?
A: An office surgical center can be a safe and cost effective alternative to the traditional general hospital setting. Accreditation of the facility by the AAAASF (American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) is assurance that hospital-like standards have been achieved with respect to safety, equipment, and other policies. Since neither state nor federal laws regulate physician office practices, a number of substandard “office OR’s” exist and are offered to the public. Ask if the facility is certified by the AAAASF and ask to see the certificate. Ask if the facility is staffed by registered nurses (RNs) who have hospital operating room experience and post anesthesia recovery room experience.
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Q: If I am unready to commit to the downtime for cosmetic facial surgery, but I want some improvement, are there good alternatives?
A: Yes! The newer techniques of skin care that are offered in many plastic surgeon’s offices can be an excellent way to rejuvenate and freshen your look with no downtime from your job or other responsibilities. At the Plastic Surgery Center in Asheville, we offer full-time, experienced skin care specialists who perform microdermabrasion (the “Parisian Peel”), glycolic and lactic acid peels and who can recommend products by BioMedic, Dermatologica, and other skin care lines.
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