How should I choose a plastic surgeon?
There are many things to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon. The first and most important are the qualifications and certifications. You want to ensure that your plastic surgeon has completed the requisite training and passed the rigorous examination process implemented by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only certifying board that has the longevity and legitimacy to certify and ratify Plastic Surgeons in the United States. This governing body ensures that your surgeon meets the ethical, educational and technical standards to be recognized as a Board certified Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Nugent is one of a few surgeons in New York City that holds certification by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The second most important thing to consider is whether or not you feel comfortable with the doctor. The physician-patient relationship has always been the cornerstone of good medicine, and that is particularly true when it comes to selecting your plastic surgeon.
What are the “thirds” of the surgical process that you referred to?
Plastic surgery doesn’t begin once you are in the procedure room. The process involves 3 main segments, which all contribute to your satisfaction with your results. The first third starts at your consultation where we work together to determine which procedures are most appropriate for you based on your goals, health and lifestyle. The second third is in the operating room, where every detail of your procedure is handled meticulously and safely. The final third, which is often the most challenging, is the recovery period. I will see multiple times during the first 6 weeks after surgery to ensure that you are healing and recovering optimally. I then space out these appointments between the 6 week and 6 month period, generally seeing you at the 3 month mark then again at 6 months. If all continues to remain well, then I will suggest an annual followup for routine ongoing surveillance. Complete harmony of these three components are essential for high quality long lasting results.
What does the post-operative period entail?
While most patients will be able to be safely discharged home after their procedure, there are certain procedures where I do require overnight observation, specifically, facelifts. If you need to stay after surgery, a fully certified RN will be provided to monitor you throughout your stay. For patients visiting from out-of-town, who desire staying longer, we will help you select the most convenient accommodations to facilitate a smooth and comfortable recovery. Certain procedures like liposuction require post-operative massages, so we will provide you with our recommendations for a masseuse that is familiar with our surgical technique and protocol.
Scars can take up to 4-6 months to show the final appearance, so I will work along with you during that period to ensure that your on a regimen that will provide the most optimal scars possible. This might involve special tapes and topical agents, but we do not recommend using anything without our prior guidance. All of these visits and interventions are included in your initial surgical fee.
What does the consult consist of and is there a fee?
The initial consult is the foundation of a successful outcome. During this 45-60 minute interaction, I will begin the “first third” of your 3 part surgical process. It is important for me to spend the time evaluating what your goals are, determining how we can best get to that point, and whether or not we need to optimize anything before undergoing the chosen procedure. Plastic surgery is not a “one solution fits all” endeavor, so we have to spend sufficient time teasing through the procedures that can be specifically tailored to not only suit you, but that also seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. Since this time is part of the surgical process, there is an associated consult fee, but rest assured that this fee will be deducted from your overall final procedure price, and upon completion of the procedure, there are never any charges for post-procedural office visits as I monitor and assist you on your road to successful outcome.
Where does surgery take place?
One of the benefits of seeing a board certified plastic surgeon, is the ability to have options for where your surgery will take place. Many patients will prefer the convenience of our on-site AAAA-certified surgical suite located on the ground floor of the office. However, there are many other reasons why it might be necessary to perform your surgery in the hospital setting. If that is the case, I have full privileges at multiple hospitals throughout the NYC area, but my hospital based surgeries are most frequently performed at Wyckoff Hospital in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Hospital privileges are highly coveted and do not come easily for surgeons in New York City, so please be sure to always ask your surgeon if they have admitting privileges at a hospital, in the unforeseen event of any eventualities.
What if I want multiple procedures performed, is this possible?
The short answer is Yes! However, it does depend on what these procedures entail. Many body contouring or liposuction procedures can be performed simultaneously. Total time under anesthesia is always a concern, however consolidating procedures in a safe manner can actual be a cost saving tool for many patients. We will work together at your initial consult to determine if your concerns would meet criteria for being addressed under a single anesthetic.
What are the procedure costs?
An individual’s aesthetic goals should always be customized for them, as such, prices can vary depending on what is desired. You can be assured that you will have a quote with the estimated pricing before you leave our office the day of your consult. Aesthetic surgery is never covered by insurance, however, should you individual concern meet criteria for insurance coverage (e.g. breast reconstruction), our office will do our best to facilitate authorization.
Do you only offer surgery, or are non-surgical aesthetic refinements possible?
Every patient will have a different aesthetic journey, and surgery is only one of the tools that we can use to achieve your goals. At your initial consult, we will work with you to determine the exact endpoint that you’re seeking, and will offer treatments that are tailored to get you there. This can include minimally invasive options like Botox or Fillers, to slightly more invasive modalities like Aveli for cellulite removal or Renuvion for radiofrequency tightening of loose skin.