Pricing and Financing Questions
How much do the consultations cost?
Absolutely nothing, the consultations are free! You will meet your surgeon for an initial consultation, a pre-op consultation and several post-op consultations, all which are free of charge.
Are there any extra costs I should know about?
The price for the procedure will include everything except anesthesia (approximately $400 - $600 depending on the procedure), blood test, laboratory and handling ($150 ) and your surgical garment ($60 - $150). Click here to visit our pricing page.
Is there an extra discount for having more than one procedure?
Yes, if you are having more than one procedure done, you can expect a substantial discount on the standard rates.
I do not have enough cash to pay for my procedure, can you help?
Yes, we offer assistance in obtaining financing from accredited patient financing institutions. For more information, please reference our finance page by clicking here.
Does my medical insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
Most medial insurance plans do not cover elective surgery, but in those cases they do - the New Me Institute is more than happy to accept medical coverage. You should ask your medical insurance provider and schedule an appointment with our surgeons to find out the options for your particular case.
General Questions
Who do I contact if I want more information about your procedures, the practice and the surgeons?
The fastest and easiest way for you to get answers to all your questions is to call toll free (800) DR NEW ME (310) 271.3000 to speak with one of our cosmetic consultants.
Where can I see before- and after photos of procedures performed by your surgeons?
Before and after photos are available on our website by clicking here. You are also welcome to view the pictures during your initial complementary consultation with our experienced surgeons.
Are your surgeons Board Certified?
Our surgeons are highly skilled and experienced surgeons with immaculate training. They are diplomates of either American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Is there any age restriction for people to come in and get a consultation?
No, patients of all ages approach our clinic, and the surgeons that work here also perform reconstructive surgery, which sometimes is needed by young people.
What are your office hours?
The New Me Institute has a 24/7 phone line open to our patients and customers. Our hours for consultation and surgery vary depending on your preferences. The easiest way to schedule an appointment is to call between 10 am and 8pm, Monday to Friday. Late evening consultations can be scheduled to accomodate each patient individually. You can speak with one of our cosmetic consultants at (800) DR NEW ME (310 271 3000).
About the Procedure
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly. There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
Will It Hurt?
During a procedure anesthesia ensures that you're comfortable and feel no pain. If general anesthesia is used, you'll even sleep through the entire operation After surgery any pain of discomfort you may experience can usually be controlled through medication and will usually subside in a matter of days.
Will there be scars?
To most surgical cosmetic procedures the answer is yes. Will they be noticeable- Probably not. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures, your scars will fade over time and become barely visible.
Is it safe?
Millions of cosmetic procedures are performed successfully every year and complications are usually rare and uncommon. But no matter how easy, simple or safe today's cosmetic surgery may seem to be, you must remember that it is still surgery and with any surgery there are certain risks involved.
How long will it last?
The duration of the results is very specific to the procedure performed. In general, procedures that are performed to correct or reshape nature's small defects such as surgery of the nose, breast augmentation/reduction and chin augmentation, the benefits may last a lifetime. For those that focus on rejuvenation such as a face lift, forehead lift chemical peel or eyelid surgery, the results can last 5 - 10 years
Will people be able to tell?
In general, most cosmetic procedures enhance your looks or minimize perceived flaws naturally, and often go unnoticed. You may be asked if you've been exercising, lost weight or have begun a rejuvenating routine. Typically, no one will know unless you tell.
How soon can I return to work?
Again, this differs widely on the procedure that has been performed, but on average, most cosmetic surgery patients are back to work within 3 to 10 days
How many people undergo cosmetic surgery each year?
Nearly 3.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures are performed each year.
At what age do most people have cosmetic surgery?
About one-third of cosmetic surgery patients are between 35 and 50. About 22 percent are 26 to 34, 18 percent are 25 and under and 27 percent are over 51.
How many men have cosmetic surgery?
Almost 700,000 cosmetic procedures are performed on men each year. And the number gets larger each year as men grow increasingly comfortable with the concept of cosmetic surgery for themselves.
What are the most popular procedures for men?
hair transplantation/restoration
chemical pee
liposuction
sclerotherapy (vein treatment)
eyelid surgery
Liposuction Questions
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is the surgical vacuuming of fat from beneath the surface of the skin. It is used to reduce fullness in any area of the body. It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not an effective method of weight loss.
What is the tumescent technique?
The tumescent technique involves injection beneath the skin of large volumes of salt water containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic and small amounts of adrenaline, a naturally occurring hormone which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the fat prior to performing liposuction the plastic surgeon numbs the tissues and shrinks the blood vessels thereby eliminating pain and reducing and minimizing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The tumescent technique permits some patients who were previously treated under general anesthesia to be treated under local anesthesia with sedation.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Generally people who have localized areas of protruding fat achieve the most dramatic results. Patients who are slightly overweight can benefit from liposuction. It is best to be at or near your normal weight. Good skin elasticity permits the skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour. There are no absolute age limits for liposuction.
What areas are most frequently treated?
In women, the single most frequently treated areas are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach. In men, the flank area or "love handles" are treated most frequently.
Can liposuction tighten up a loose neck?
If there is excess fat in the area under the chin and the skin is taut, liposuction alone can produce a more sculpted, angular, and youthful jaw line. If, however, the skin of the neck is loose or hanging, even if there is excess fat, liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. Patients with loose skin usually require a face and neck lift in addition to or instead of liposuction. In general, most patients who benefit from liposuction of the neck are under 40. Most patients over 40 will require some surgical skin tightening.
Liposuction seems very simple and safe. Are there any dangers?
Although liposuction is very safe and effective, it is a surgical procedure and can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. In addition, aesthetic complications such as skin irregularity or waviness can occur if too much fat has been removed. Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their results.
Do you do liposuction of the abdomen?
Yes, sometimes it is recommended to perform a liposuction of the abdomen instead of a tummy tuck.
Breast Augmentation Questions
Is your price quote for the breast augmentation including both breasts?
Most definitely yes, the prices for procedures like breast augmentation, eyelid surgery etc. are always quoted in pairs.
Why are you not offering silicon breast implants?
Despite the popularity and great results with silicon breast implants, the use of silicon is currently under federal investigation, disabling us from using them in our procedures.
Is it possible to perform the breast implant procedure via the armpit or bellybutton?
Yes, our armpit and bellybutton procedures are becoming increasingly popular, since they leave no visible scars.
Can you breast feed after having a breast enlargement?
Yes, the functions of your breast are in no way limited by the implants.
Is it true you have to replace breast implants every 10-15 years?
Some patients need to replace their implants if their breast starts sagging, or if the implant should be leaking. The implants we use have a lifetime guarantee, however, so the implants will be replaced at no cost to the patient.
Can breast augmentation be done without taking any pain medication whatsoever?
Yes, there is no requirement to take pain killers after any procedure, but most patients find it comforting to ease the pain - especially since the muscles after a breast augmentation can be rather sore.
Facelift
What is a facelift?
A facelift or "rhytidectomy" is a surgical procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of the aging process by eliminating excess fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of the neck, and removing sagging skin. It doesn't stop the aging process but merely "sets the clock back".
How long does a facelift last?
No one can say for sure. The clock is turned back, but keeps on running. Ten years later, you will look better than if you never had surgery. Many patients never have a second lift, while others may desire further surgery seven to 15 years later.
Can surgery be done without scars?
The scars from facelift surgery usually fade and are barely perceptible. In some patients, especially younger ones, endoscopic surgery can be used to lift the eyebrows, remove frown lines, elevate the cheek and jowls, and tighten the neck. This endoscopic surgery can be done with tiny scars. However, if there is excessive skin, it must be removed for the best results through standard facelift incisions.
How long will I be out of work?
Most patients are able to return to work in two to three weeks. You should allow four to eight weeks before major social engagements.
How can I hide things during the time until I return to normal?
Your surgeon will discuss post-operative camouflage techniques with you prior to your surgery, but be assured that while almost everyone has some sort of temporary side effect such as bruising and swelling, there are makeup techniques that both men and women can use almost immediately to disguise them. Generally speaking, makeup techniques can be used soon after surgery to cover discolorations, and to hide incision lines after the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed. Camouflage cosmetics include three basic types of products: Concealers to hide incision lines and discolorations; contour shadows to disguise swelling; and color correctors to neutralize color in reddened skin.
Color correctors disguise yellowish discolorations or the pinkness that follows chemical peel and dermabrasion. Lavender neutralizes or removes yellow, and green has a similar effect on red. It will take a little patience and practice to master camouflage techniques, but most post-op patients feel its well worth the effort.
Rhinoplasty
What will my nose look like after surgery?
In general, rhinoplasty is designed to reduce excess cartilage and bone in the nose, removing irregularities and bumps to give a straightened, smooth and, usually, smaller appearance. Adding tissue to enhance certain features of the nose can also occur. The overall trend in modern rhinoplasty is away from over-reduction of tissue which can reduce the ability to breath through the nose and towards individualized treatment of each segment of the nose to give a balanced and refined look without compromising function.
How long does the surgery take and what kind of anesthesia is used?
Usually, Rhinoplasty takes from one to three hours depending on the complexity of the condition of the nose. Most patients have sedation prior to and during the procedure while some patients request a general anesthesia. Nearly all rhinoplasty operations are done as outpatient surgeries.
Is there a lot of bruising afterwards and how long will it last?
This depends again on how complex the procedure is, but in general most patients experience five to seven days of purple discoloration and swelling around the eyes and upper cheeks. The nose itself will be swollen for around ten to fourteen days or longer, but subtle resolution of the swelling at the tip of the nose can take many months after surgery to go away.
I have trouble breathing through my nose and have terrible sinus problems. Will my insurance policy pay for rhinoplasty?
The condition described is usually associated with a deviated septum or a bent internal framework of the nose. Most of the time this results from trauma such as a broken nose but many patients with this condition cannot recall an episode where this might have occurred. The condition described in this question however, could also result from allergies or the two conditions can exist simultaneously.
Careful examination is needed before surgery to separate the two conditions. While individual insurance policies can vary, in general, functional surgery to improve breathing is considered a covered benefit in many group policies. If additional correction of a cosmetic deformity of the nose is done at the same time the cost of this part of the procedure is usually not covered by insurance.
Where are the incisions placed during nose surgery?
In general, most or all of the incisions in rhinoplasty are hidden in the inside of the nostril. While external incisions hidden in the creases where the nose meets the cheek can be used to narrow the nose, incisions on the bridge or tip are not usually used in cosmetic surgery of the nose.
Will my nose grow after surgery?
In general, our noses tend to elongate as we enter the middle years of our life and drooping of the tip of the nose can occur in the later years as elasticity disappears from the body. While undergoing a cosmetic rhinoplasty as a teenager or young adult will not prevent the effects of aging on the nose, the final shape that results from this surgery is expected to last a lifetime and regrowth of bumps and deformities corrected by the operation is a rare occurrence.
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