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 FAQ 

TOP QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM PATIENTS

Breast Augmentation

Where will my incision be?

Implants can be inserted through one of three incision sites including the inframammary (below the breast), axillary (underarm), and periareolar (nipple) sites. The incision site is based on patient preference.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

How long will I be bruised?

Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following any surgical procedure, and it can vary greatly from patient to patient. Bruising typically lasts around 2 weeks and the majority of swelling will go down during the first month after surgery.

Rhinoplasty

What will I feel like after?

Most patients describe feeling “stuffy” due to nasal swelling post procedure. Patients will need to breathe through their mouths until swelling subsides. Sleeping with extra pillows or keeping the head of the bed elevated may help minimize swelling.

Will I have a cast?

Patients may or may not have a cast depending on the type of rhinoplasty that is performed. If a cast is necessary, it is usually removed about 5 days after surgery.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

How long will I be bruised?

Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following any surgical procedure, and it can vary greatly from patient to patient. Bruising typically lasts around 2 weeks and the majority of swelling will go down during the first month after surgery.

Liposuction

When will I see my results?

Patients will be swollen after the procedure and this will take time to resolve over many months. The majority of swelling will go down in the first couple of months, but full results will not be seen for 6 to 8 months post procedure.

Will I have stitches?

Liposuction incisions are about the size of pencil eraser so no stitches are needed. These areas are left open so that they can drain, but typically close on their own about a week after the procedure.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

Facelift and/or Browlift

What will I look like afterwards?

After surgery there will be bruising and swelling, and this will go down over the course of a couple of weeks. Most patients who do not want others to know that they have had something done usually feel comfortable returning to work 2-3 weeks after the procedure.

Where will my incision be?

The incisions are made discretely in the hairline and near the ear along natural creases.

When can I wear makeup?

Makeup can usually be worn about 1 week after surgery.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

Necklift

What will I look like afterward?

The incisions will be well hidden in the hairline. The bruising and swelling will last about 2 weeks. To help with the healing process, some patients may be asked to wear a cervical collar for 1-2 weeks post procedure.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

Otoplasty

Where will my incisions be?

The incisions are made behind the ear and are hidden in the natural crease where the ear connects to the head. Patients may need to wear a wrap for a few days after surgery to keep the ears lying flat against the head and to protect the incisions.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

How long will I be bruised?

Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following any surgical procedure, and it can vary greatly from patient to patient. Bruising typically lasts around 2 weeks and the majority of swelling will go down during the first month after surgery.

Blepharoplasty

Will I have stitches?

When working on the upper eyelids, the incision will be made in the natural crease and will be closed with a suture. The stitch will be removed about 1 week after the surgery. For the lower eyelids, the need for an incision varies from patient to patient. If no incision is made, the patient will have not have stitches, making for a quick recovery. If an incision is made, it would be immediately below the lash line, and again the stitch would be removed about 1 week after surgery.

When can I return to work?

In most cases patients can return to work about 4 days after surgery.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

How long will I be bruised?

Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following any surgical procedure, and it can vary greatly from patient to patient. Bruising typically lasts around 2 weeks and the majority of swelling will go down during the first month after surgery.

Abdominoplasty

What will my incision look like?

The incision for an abdominoplasty is across the lower abdomen and usually sits below the underwear or swimsuit line. Depending on the degree of skin laxity, sometimes the bellybutton is moved and there may be an incision there, as well. The incision is typically pink initially and this usually fades with time, but the overall appearance of the scar is affected by natural skin pigment and genetics, varying from patient to patient.

Will I have a drain?

After the procedure, most patients will have a drain in place for about 5 days.

When can I return to work?

Those who undergo abdominoplasty will usually need about 2 weeks off of work.

When can I work out again?

Patients can often return to light walking two weeks after surgery, but should not perform rigorous exercise until 1 month after surgery.

How long will I be bruised?

Some bruising and swelling is to be expected following any surgical procedure, and it can vary greatly from patient to patient. Bruising typically lasts around 2 weeks and the majority of swelling will go down during the first month after surgery.

Body-Jet®

What is Body-Jet Liposuction?

Referred to often by plastic surgeons and patients as ‘water lipo’ or ‘H2O lipo,’ this latest technology offers a new gentle technique for body contouring and body sculpting for both women and men.  Body-Jet liposuction offers patients a totally different experience from standard tumescent liposuction or even laser-assisted liposuction.

What areas of the body can be treated with Body-Jet?

Almost any area of the body with excessive fat deposits may be treated.  The most frequently treated areas are the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, arms and beneath the chin. Because Body-Jet Lipo is a quick procedure with minimal downtime, patients often choose to treat multiple problem areas at one time.   Patients can also space out treatments if desired.

When can I return to normal activity?

Recovery is usually easy and quick with Body-Jet Liposuction. In fact, many report being almost pain-free after just a few days and are thrilled with how quickly they are able to return to normal activity, including exercise

How much does it cost?

Body-Jet Liposuction is comparable to the cost of standard liposuction. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Staahl to discuss exact pricing based on your personal situation.  Body-Jet is truly the affordable liposuction alternative. 

Is the procedure permanent?

Fat cells that are removed by Body-Jet do not grow back. Typically, any post procedure weight gain is distributed elsewhere on the body.

Is Body-Jet right for me?

In general, the ideal candidate for Body-Jet Liposuction is in good health and not more than 25 pounds overweight. Those with localized, exercise-resistant fat deposits will obtain the best results. If you are looking for a way to shed fat without a lot of downtime, discuss with Dr. Staahl to determine if Body-Jet might be right for you.  

Kybella

How does Kybella work?

The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

When injected into the fat beneath your chin, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.

How long will the results last?

Because Kybella destroys fat cells, the results are virtually permanent. Destroyed fat cells cannot store or accumulate fat. Barring significant changes in your lifestyle habits, the double chin will not re-appear after the treatment has been successfully completed.

 

Results with this treatment appear gradually, with full benefits showing after approximately 6 months after treatment. Patients find this gradual change to be an added bonus because it looks natural and makes it difficult for others to know you have had 'work done.'

How many treatments will I need?

Dr. Staahl will perform a detailed assessment of the fat deposits in your chin area.  This is a very important step in the process because the size, shape and relative location of the fat deposits varies from patient to patient. Based on his findings, Dr. Staahl will customize your KYBELLA® treatment regimen, including how many treatments you need, based on your desired chin profile. 

What should I expect during a Kybella treatment?

Once treatment begins, Dr. Staahl will make approximately 10-20 small injections in the treatment site during the session. The purpose for many small injections is to deliver the treatment to the site as evenly as possible, so that the gradual shrinking of the double chin looks natural, without becoming misshapen.

 

In-office treatment sessions are typically 15-20 minutes, with no downtime following the injections. 

Kybella treatments administered at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery are very comfortable for our patients. Our doctor and support staff take great care by administering local anesthetics and numbing creams to reduce any potential discomfort.

 

 

On average, our patients require 3-6 monthly treatment sessions to achieve the best results.

 

 

CoolSculpting

Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. The CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure is specifically designed for those who have unwanted fat that resists diet and exercise.

 

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese. It is, however a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

 

Request a one-on-one consultation with us to determine if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

How much does the CoolSculpting procedure cost?

The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of sessions needed, and your ultimate goals.

 

We will help create a customized treatment plan, in person, that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget.

How long is each session? How many sessions will I need?

We will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting session will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit.

 

We may schedule additional sessions in order to meet your goals.

Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), your body processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells.

 

Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.

What does it feel like?

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you will feel pressure and intense cold. This soon dissipates. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their treatment.

Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the flank (love handles), abdomen, and thigh.

 

With over one million CoolSculpting treatments performed worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for non-surgical fat reduction.

When will I see results?

You may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks after your treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after two months.

 

But your body will still flush out fat cells and continues doing so for up to four to six months after treatment.

SmartGraft

What is SmartGraft?

SmartGraft is the most advanced minimally invasive hair restoration device for both men and women. Developed by physicians, medical scientists and engineers, SmartGraft allows physicians to perform hair restoration procedures more efficiently, safely, and in less time, while delivering natural, permanent results.

What is the SmartGraft procedure like?

Using only local anesthetic, physicians use the SmartGraft device to gently extract individual micro hair grafts from the back of your head. These grafts are then implanted into the balding areas to regrow thick, healthy, natural hair.

What kind of results should I expect?

Your new hair grafts will grow in the areas that are bald or thinning, creating a fuller, natural looking head of hair. Since it’s your real hair, it looks completely natural, restoring a more youthful appearance and confidence levels.

Why should I consider SmartGraft?

SmartGraft is superior to other hair restoration devices because:

 

  • It gives you better results in less time, and it’s ideal for both men and women.

  • It incorporates the most critical component of hair restoration — the ability for your physician to implant hair grafts in just the right spots to properly frame your face.

  • It can harvest grafts from other parts of the body, such as chest, back and face, for better results

Is SmartGraft suitable for both men and women?

Yes. Because SmartGraft is a minimally invasive procedure, it is a viable option for both men and women looking to restore their own real hair.

Am I a good candidate for a procedure using SmartGraft?

The majority of hair loss patients are candidates for the SmartGraft procedure, particularly those who would like to wear very short haircuts, want the least amount of activity restriction after their procedure, or have had a prior strip procedure and need a scar camouflage. Consult a physician using the SmartGraft technology to find out more.

ThermiVa

How long are each treatment session?


Each ThermiVa treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

ThermiVa is usually administered in three treatments over the course of three months. Patients report continued improvement following each treatment.

Is it painful?

ThermiVa requires no anesthesia and patients describe the treatment as pain-free and relaxing.

When can I resume normal activities?

There is no downtime; you may resume all of your normal activities immediately after the procedure.

How soon can I have sex after the procedure?

Immediately.

Will vaginal rejuvenation improve my sex life?

Patients have reported improvement in intimate relations and sexual function including:

 

  • Reduced Dryness

  • Improved Symptoms of Orgasmic Dysfunction

  • Reduced Vaginal Laxity

  • Improved Confidence

  • Increased Sensation

How soon will I notice results?

Results vary from person to person, although some patients have reported immediate improvement, you can expect the benefits to be noticeable about 2 weeks after treatment.

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Breast Augmentation
Rhinoplasty
Liposuction
Facelift/Browlift
Neck Lift
Otoplasty
Blepharoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Body-Jet
Kybella
CoolSculpting
SmartGraft
ThermiVa

If you have any questions or concerns not answered in the FAQs above, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 209.577.5700 to schedule a consultation. 

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