FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
COSMETIC SURGERY
How much does it cost?
Individual costs vary. Some procedures can be done in the office, while others require an operating room and surgical team. Factors such as type of anesthesia, length of surgery, and extent of follow-up care also affect cost. These can only be determined in consultation with the doctor, once he has fully assessed your needs and preferences. We encourage you to call for a personal consultation with Dr. LaPatka.

Will insurance cover my facial plastic surgery?
That depends. It's best to check with your insurer to verify their specific rules. In general, insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty or endoscopic browlift. However, medically necessary surgery — such as for an injury, congenital defect, or physical impairment — may be coverable. For instance, an eyelid tuck (blepharoplasty) might be coverable if the sagging eyelid is obstructing your vision.

What payment methods do you accept?
You are welcome to pay with cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or a debit card (note: anesthesia is billed separately and must be paid by cash or check). We also offer a payment plan; please ask our staff for more details about this option.

Are there other financing options?
Yes. Facial plastic surgery has becomes more affordable than ever before. Our knowledgeable staff can discuss financing with you and help you apply.

Does it hurt?
Appropriate anesthesia is used, ensuring that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia depends upon the length and complexity of the procedure, as well as other factors, such as your medical history. In the majority of surgeries, general (intravenous) sedation is used. Recovery periods do vary, and it's normal to expect some bruising and discomfort to occur while healing from surgery. However everything possible is done to make sure your experience is a good one. Follow-up information and medication are provided to help you recover comfortably and quickly.

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Are there risks?
All medical treatments and surgeries have risks as well as benefits. It's important to fully understand the option you select, which is why the doctor will discuss the details with you personally and answer any questions you may have. Risks may vary depending on the procedure you select and personal factors including age, health, and even skin coloration. After a careful medical evaluation, the doctor can recommend those options which would be the safest and most effective for you. We encourage you to call for a personal consultation with Dr. LaPatka.

Will people know that I've had facial plastic surgery?
Scarring is minimal, if any, and skillfully disguised within natural contours or behind a hairline. You can choose either subtle enhancement or a dramatic change. Certain procedures can even be done over a lunch break, with no recovery time at all. Of course, many people are so pleased with their experience that they can't wait to tell friends and family about it! We value your confidentiality as much as you do. You can enter and leave the clinic through the Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics's discreet private entrance. We'll never release your name or photograph without your consent.

See also individual procedure sections, in which Dr. LaPatka directly addresses common questions about specific treatment options.

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  FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY and AESTHETICS | (805) 681-7844
We rigorously maintain our patients' confidentiality. Patient photos are displayed by permission. All other photos are models displayed for illustrative purposes only, and do not imply endorsement. Patient comments are quoted and attributed by permission.
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