Category: News

You have finally decided to have plastic surgery. After much due diligence, you have decided to have your first consultation with a well-known surgeon. Now it’s time to bring a list of significant questions to help you decide if this person is the right one to perform your surgery. Plastic surgery consultation: questions to ask your surgeon.

The Purpose of Asking Questions

You obviously have a lot of questions when you are considering plastic surgery. Asking them serves many purposes including getting the important answers, but there are other reasons. Does the surgeon make you feel comfortable asking them? You want to know how smoothly the surgeon answers them and without hesitation. Does the doctor listen? You have safety questions and want to feel secure. You need to know about the surgeon’s experience, expertise, and qualifications. All these things matter.

Important Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Are You Board Certified?

What can you tell me about your experience?

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery?

How many procedures of this type have you performed? (get a specific answer)

Why should I choose you as my plastic surgeon? (a revealing question)

Am I a good candidate? Or what procedure do you think is best for me?

What are the main risks and complications I could have? (is the doctor forthcoming?)

Where are your hospital privileges?

How long of a recovery period can I expect?

What will be my out-of-pocket costs?

Is there a charge for after care?

What if I’m not satisfied with the results? What happens then?

Can I see a before and after patient gallery? (doctor should be happy to show you)

How often do you perform this type of procedure?

What type of anesthesia will I get?

Will I get written post-op instructions?

How long before I see results?

Things to Consider After Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

You might want to ask yourself some questions after the consultation.

Was I comfortable with the office and staff? Were they professional and courteous?

Did I feel like I was listened to?

Was I comfortable with the doctor?

Were they forthright in their answers?

Did I get all my questions answered completely?

Were they trying to “move me along” or did they give me ample time?

Would I feel comfortable calling the surgeon before my procedure to ask more questions?

Do I feel comfortable moving forward with this practice and doctor?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you feel dissatisfied, schedule another consultation with a different surgeon.

Contact Dr. Loreen Ali to schedule your plastic surgery consultation at our office in Chelmsford. Give us a call at (978) 942-4835 today to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

People have been searching for the fountain of youth for centuries. Of course, we know it really doesn’t exist, but when Botox first came on the scene, it was touted by many as just that. At the same time there were scores of people who frightened many away with horrid stories of what could happen. After decades of successful Botox applications, there are still many who are fearful. If you are one of them, here are a few facts for debunking your worst fears about Botox.

You Still Think Botox Is Not Safe

Facts: Botox is used for both cosmetic AND therapeutic applications. Approval from the FDA does not come easily, yet it has been approved safe and effective for a number of issues. Beside wrinkles, it can help with migraine headaches, bladder problems, excessive sweating, and many other things.

Any drug can be dangerous if not in the hands of a trained professional who knows how to inject and the proper dosage. Before having Botox injections, be sure you are going to a licensed board certified professional. 20 years of safe use is proof that Botox is safe.

It Hurts

Facts: You may experience some brief discomfort when injected, but no one will tell you it hurts so much they stop doing it. An instant pinch is how most describe an injection. The needles are extremely thin and any discomfort only lasts for seconds.

Botox Will Freeze My Face

Fact: This is a common myth that needs debunking. As long as Botox is injected by trained professionals like plastic surgeon Loreen Ali, MD, you will see natural results that will give you a refreshed and healthy look, and without a frozen face.

Botox Is Irreversible

Facts: Not true. Some fear that if they don’t like the results, they are stuck with it for life. Botox results are not permanent and only have temporary effects. Most results will wear off within 3 to 6 months, and if desired, you will need additional injections to maintain the results.

People Will Immediately Know I Had Botox

Facts: There are no instantaneous improvements to your wrinkles and fine lines. It takes several days for the subtle relaxation of those lines to become noticeable. Some changes will be noticed after 3 to 5 days while the full effects show up after 7 to 10 days. By then those around you will think you had an extremely restful night of sleep, or will ask what new cosmetic you are using.

Contact board-certified plastic surgeon Loreen Ali, MD if you have been considering Botox injections. We can give you all the facts!

Sources:

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/medical-botox-injections/8-myths-about-botox-injections

https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/botox-myths/

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who has the fairest eyes of all? A subtle paraphrase from the Wicked Queen’s actual words from Snow White, but you get the point. Our eyes say a lot about us: they telegraph young, old, happy, sad, or even frightened. If you look in the mirror and are no longer happy with your eyes, maybe it’s time to do something about it. What is the best age to get a blepharoplasty?

You Can’t Fight Gravity

As time passes certain things occur that you have no control over. We all know this. One of those things is that the skin around our eyes changes as we get older. The area below our eyes gets baggy and the skin on our upper eyelids becomes slack and falls over our eyes. In both cases, it makes us look tired and, let’s just say it, old, when the skin above and below our eyes diminishes in elasticity.

You can buy the most expensive serums and creams, but they will do little to affect a change. Eyelid surgery by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Loreen Ali can provide the youthful and refreshed look you want.

What Is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin on our upper eyelids and reduces the bagginess under our eyes or our lower eyelids. You can have both performed at the same time or just one.

In certain cases, this surgery can be medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Some patients have so much excess skin on the upper eyelid known as “hooding,” that it can interfere with vision. In this case the procedure may be covered by insurance, or at least partially covered. Ask Dr. Ali about this possibility.

The Best Candidates for Blepharoplasty

In the past, predominantly patients over the age of 50 were interested. Today, patients wanting eyelid surgery are getting younger.  When is the best age? The answer is really when YOU are ready to make a change to your appearance. That is quite different from who may have the surgery.

A good candidate should be someone:

• At least 30 years old
• In optimal health
• No other eye conditions

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

There may be some issues with any of the following conditions, so speak with your surgeon beforehand:

• Glaucoma
• Dry eyes
• Detached retina
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Any thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or Graves Disease

How Long Do Results Last?

It is essential that you have realistic expectations and discuss this with your doctor. Be aware that your eyes will continue to age post-procedure.

• You can expect upper eyelid surgery results to withstand at least 5 to 7 years or for the rest of your life.
• Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done a second time.

Contact New England Plastic Surgery Center at (978) 942-4835 to schedule a consultation in Chelmsford if you are considering a Blepharoplasty.

It’s that time of year again! BOTOX® Cosmetic Day is on November 20th, and we have some incredible deals and giveaways that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a regular BOTOX® Cosmetic user or considering your first treatment, this is the perfect opportunity to look and feel your best—just in time for the holiday season.

BUY: Get an Exclusive Gift Card Offer!

On November 20th only, you can buy one $50 gift card and get one FREE! This deal is available while supplies last, so be sure to act fast. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and a friend or stock up for future treatments.

REFER: Share the Love and Save

Between November 1 and 30, if you refer a friend to Allē, both of you will receive $50 off a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. It’s a win-win! Help your friends discover the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic while saving on your own treatment.

WIN: A Chance to Win Big

Want to up the excitement? Register by November 30, book a consultation, and get treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic for a chance to win $10,000! Imagine all the ways you could pamper yourself with that prize.

More Info on BOTOX® Cosmetic Day

At Mentor, We Are Behind All Women And

Your Confidence Matters

Introducing the 3D AR Mentor Breast Implant Simulator App, designed to help you visualize the aesthetic outcome you desire for your breast implant surgery!

Continue reading “Introducing the 3D AR Mentor Breast Implant Simulator App” →

Is plastic surgery ever covered by insurance? The quick answer is yes. One type of surgery may be covered for one person and yet not for another. The most important factor in an insurance company covering plastic surgery is the reason or the cause for the surgery. Are you having a facelift procedure because you want to look younger? Are you having a panniculectomy because of mobility issues and consistent rashes and infections? Each case is different, so let’s break it down.

Enhancement vs. Medically Necessary

Many plastic surgeries can have health and lifestyle benefits beyond aesthetics. Certain procedures like a facelift improve a person’s appearance, but are not considered medically necessary, and would not be covered by insurance.

However, some procedures that are performed for medical reasons can end up with cosmetic benefits. These may be partially or fully paid for by an insurance company.

Breast reduction is another possible procedure that could be covered by insurance. If the reason for surgery is back pain due to excessively large breasts, chronic rashes, or other physical issues, the insurance company might determine the symptoms interfere with daily life. It could therefore be covered or partially covered.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin from the upper eyelid. It of course improves someone’s appearance which would make it elective. However, if your physician performs a visual field test and determines the upper lid interferes with vision, it may be covered by insurance.

Be aware that every insurance company has different rules and justifiable benefits for insurance coverage. The bottom line is you and your provider must prove your surgery is medically necessary.

• Have photos of your condition.
• Keep details concerning doctor or hospital visits.
• Have tests performed by a doctor and/or a statement from a medical professional suggesting the surgery is medically necessary.

Other Common Plastic Surgeries Deemed Medically Necessary

A number of insurance companies are now paying for weight loss surgery determining chronic obesity is more costly and a risk factor for other conditions.

Breast implant removal can be covered due to rupture of silicone implants or development of a capsular contracture..

Skin removal surgery may be covered because of chronic rashes and infections.

Breast reduction can be covered if there is a history of neck/back pain and/or chronic rash and infections.

Breast augmentation or reconstruction due to mastectomy or breast cancer is now part of the Women’s Health And Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), and is paid for by insurance.

If You Still Have Out-of-Pocket Expenses

If you must pay for part of, or for all of, a procedure, make a plan.

Save money over time, take out a loan, or ask about financing payment plans.

Always choose a board-certified specialist like Loreen Ali, MD in Chelmsford, MA to perform your plastic surgery.

Contact New England Plastic Surgery Center if you have questions about a plastic surgery procedure. We will be happy to help you determine if all or part of the surgery will be covered by your insurance. Give us a call at (978) 942-4835 today to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Sources: Cosmetic Surgery Coverage (medicare.gov)

Find out If Insurance Will Cover Your Plastic Surgery (verywellhealth.com)

FAQ’s about Cosmetic Surgery | Penn Medicine

What Types Of Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Covered By Insurance? (vipplasticsurgery.com)

You know it when you see it. That woman on the street or that once gorgeous movie star who now is unrecognizable from both fillers and plastic surgery. Not everyone has perfect genes like Audrey Hepburn with her simple untouched beauty. If you’re too young to know who she was, look up her photos. We all want to look younger as we age, and fillers became the rage until they were overdone. Now there are some alternative treatments to avoid filler fatigue.

Filler Fatigue and Pillow Face

Aging and lifestyle reduces the collagen and elastin in our skin causing wrinkles and facial volume loss. Fillers have been an alternative to improve your appearance.

Many turned away from face lift surgery due to cost and fear of looking unnatural. Women were promised natural looking results with fillers, and yet the opposite has happened: lips that are too full and pouty, and faces that are puffy. Fillers have betrayed their promise. You can end up with a swollen looking finish rather than a sculptured result.

Part of the problem has been the lack of control over how much filler is used and the timing of re-treatments. Most fillers like hyaluronic acid can last 12-24 months. Most suggest getting a re-treatment at 12 months. There has been over-treatment in hyaluronic acid filler in lips, cheeks, naso-labral folds and anywhere else on the face.

This can result in puffy faces, a decrease in elasticity, and the creation of an unnaturally wide face.

The “fix” is multi-part:

• Fillers need to be administered by someone who has a great deal of experience like board-certified plastic surgeon Loreen Ali, MD
• Fillers need to be used in moderation.
• Prevent excessive use since it can cause an unharmonious appearance.

Rather than patients asking for a certain amount of filler, injectors should be educating the patient on what is safe and the best treatment for them.

What Are Alternative Treatments to Fillers?

Women are now looking for alternatives to fillers which will last a reasonable amount of time and look more natural.

Some suggest microneedling as an alternative and a way to improve collagen. The goal is to get as close to a natural look as possible. The best results may be a combination of injectables, other treatments, and effective skin care products to increase collagen as a way to look great as one ages.

A growing trend is starting with facelifts earlier in life and consider these mini-facelifts a way to maintain a younger appearance.

A brow lift or blepharoplasty are other options. Yes, these are surgeries but quite different from your mother’s facelift. There is usually a shorter recovery time, and they can make a noticeable difference in your look without being too obvious.

A brow lift will still give you the ability to lift your brows and show expression, but without all the horizontal forehead lines. Whereas a blepharoplasty will eliminate the fat deposits and extra skin in the upper lid. That can make a world of difference in your overall appearance.

If you are having filler fatigue, it’s time to try other ways to maintain a youthful look.

Contact New England Plastic Surgery Center at (978) 942-4835 for a consultation in Chelmsford and discover the best treatment options for you. You can alternatively request an appointment through our secure online form.