Frequently Asked Questions
Most Recent Questions and Answers
What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is the combination of a breast lift and or breast augmentation with a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck. The mommy makeover is the most common plastic surgery combination performed at Augusta Plastic Surgery. Having children deflates and sags the breasts as well as separates the abdominal muscles and can create stretch marks on the abdomen. All of this can be corrected at one time with one recovery getting you back to your pre-baby shape and feeling better about yourself. Call us at 706-724-5611 for more information. (tag: mommy makeover in Augusta, Ga) (Aug 2011)
Do you perform plastic surgery in Aiken, SC?
We do not currently have an office in Aiken but nearly 15-20% of our patients come from the Aiken area due to the lack of plastic surgeons in Aiken, SC. With our office and surgery center in downtown, Augusta, patients from Aiken can travel fairly quickly to their appointments and the drive home after surgery is short enough to not be an issue. Click here to see driving directions and a map. (Oct 2010)
Are silicone implants safe?
Silicone gel implants have been extensively studied and have not been found to cause any systemic illnesses. If they rupture, they can cause some local reactions but the implant and the leaked material can be removed and replaced with a new implant. Silicone gel implants are being used more than saline implants now. Over in Europe where they were never taken off the market, women get silicone implants over 90% of the time. Why? They are much more natural feeling than the saline implants. (Sept 2010)
Can you do computer imaging for a rhinoplasty?
If you are seriously considering a rhinoplasty (nose job), then we can take the time to show you some before and after images of what the surgery can possibly accomplish for you. The images can show you a front and side view of what you may look like after the surgery. (Sept 2010)
If I get breast implants, can I breast feed after?
You should be able to breast feed if you get pregnant after getting a breast augmentation. The implants are typically placed deep to the chest muscles and the incisions do not cut any of the ducts that provide milk to the nipple. There is no known risk of harming the baby by breast feeding with implants whether or not you get silicone or saline implants. (Sept 2010)
My breasts are different sizes? What can be done?
This is a common questions because believe it or not almost everyone's breasts are different if you look close enough. Typically it is not enough to make a visible difference but when it does this difference can be nearly a cup size sometimes. Fortunately, we can even the breasts to a similar size either during an augmentation by using different size implants or by reducing the larger breast during a breast reduction or breast lift. (Sept 2010)
Will Insurance pay for my breast reduction?
Maybe. The most important factor is if you have documented problems related to your breast size such as back or neck pain, rashes under your breasts, grooving of your shoulders, or numbness. If so, then your insurance will consider approving the procedure. We will take photos and send them to the insurance company. Typically, you need to be a DD or larger for approval.
How much is a breast augmentation and do you provide financing?
The typical total cost for a breast augmentation is around $5000 but this can vary depending on the type of implants that are used. This cost includes all of your visits, the fee for the anesthesiologist to provide complete anesthesia (not sedation), and the fee for the facility. We do require payment up front with either cash, credit card or check or it can be financed through care credit.
How much is a tummy tuck and do you provide financing?
The total cost for a tummy tuck is between $4500 to $7200 depending on if you are having a mini tummy tuck versus a full tummy tuck and the need for liposuction. This includes all of your visits, the fee for the anesthesiologist to provide complete anesthesia (not sedation), the fee for the facility and also the fee for a compression garment. The only additional fees could be some lab work or X-rays. We do require payment up front with either cash, credit card or check or it can be financed through care credit.
How can I get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?
The circles are usually a combination of thin skin, increased pigment and possibly shadowing from excess skin or fat below the eye. The treatments include one or a combination of the following: dermal fillers like Juvederm, microlaser peel, skin lightening with hydroquinone, and sometimes lower eyelid surgery. At your appointment we can determine the best options for you.
Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?
This depends on several factors such as your skin elasticity, fat volume, and your age. Good candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin elasticity who need more contouring of their body than removal of skin. Those patients who have more stretched or overlapping skin usually need the skin removed with a tummy tuck. At Augusta Plastic Surgery, we perform liposuction of the flanks and upper abdomen as part of the tummy tuck procedure as well as muscle tightening to provide an even better result.
How old do I have to be to get silicone gel implants?
Currently silicone implants are only approved for those patients 22 and over when performing a primary breast augmentation. There are exceptions which include those patients under 22 who have breast asymmetry or need breast reconstruction. The good news is that saline implants can still be used for those patients 18 and older. These implants are the most common implants in use in the United States and can be placed through smaller incisions.
What is "Smart Lipo"?
Smart lipo is a term used by a company that markets a laser machine to assist in liposuction. There has been a study that shows there is no visible improvement in using 'smart lipo' compared to using any other types of liposuction. The most important factor is finding a board certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. We would not recommend going to a spa for such an important procedure for both safety reasons and results.
