Greater Sacramento Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Resource
The Sacramento County, Yolo County and San Joaquin County areas have highly qualified certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons. If you are ready to make the decision to see a plastic surgeon for a free consultation, fill in the information below. Here's What You Should Know Before Choosing Cosmetic Surgery
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.
You may be interested in facial plastic surgery or breast augmentation, if you are in need of consultation on face lifts or imposition it is best to get a face to face consultation.
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. More information on elective procedures can be obtained from your health insurance provider.
Fees and Insurance
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery generally are paid prior to surgery. Costs vary widely and depend on the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anesthetic is administered.
As a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered "elective surgery" and is not covered by most insurance plans. Some operations that have a significant functional aspect - such as breast reduction, if the weight of your breasts causes pain or interferes with normal activities - may be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Check with your local Sacramento area plastic surgeon, who may recommend that your insurance company be contacted before surgery to determine whether coverage is available.
Never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost. After checking for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in ASAPS, you should entrust your face or body to the plastic surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable.
Surgical Facilities
Cosmetic plastic surgery is safely performed in an accredited office-based surgery facility or free-standing ambulatory surgery facility, or it may be performed in the hospital. If your surgery will be performed outside of the hospital, be sure that your doctor has privileges to perform the same procedure in an accredited hospital. By selecting an ASAPS-member surgeon for your cosmetic plastic surgery on Find-a-Surgeon (insert link), you can be assured that he or she qualifies for such privileges.
Risks and Complications
Cosmetic plastic surgery, like all surgery, has risks. Plastic surgeons perform thousands of successful operations each week, but as with any type of surgery, a patient can have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic or be affected by postoperative complications. These problems can occur even when the surgeon has performed the operation with the utmost skill. ASAPS believes that fully informed patient consent is essential to any medical or surgical treatment. Your ASAPS-member plastic surgeon is the best source of this information as it relates to your particular surgery.
Recovering from Your Surgery
For most cosmetic plastic surgical procedures, you will need to restrict your normal activities for a time following surgery. It takes time, as well, for the visible signs of healing to subside. Plan your work and social activities to allow sufficient time for recovery.
Testimonials
"I lost over 150 pounds and changed my life. After settling in at a fit 180 pounds, my girlfriend mentioned that I could have the loose hanging skin removed safely in order to look as good as I felt. I did my research and chose an ASAPS board-certified plastic surgeon. I've maintained my ideal weight and feel great. Looking in the mirror has never been more inspiring." - Jason Pomerance, Elk Grove, CA
"I got injured in a house fire when I was 17 years old. At the time it happened, I was glad to be alive. My family encouraged me to see about reconstructive surgery for my wounded arm. The surgery staff assisted me in getting all the much needed information and made me aware of all the benefits and risks. I feel confident and secure taking my shirt off in public!" - Michael L. Carbone, Stockton, CA.
Our Doctors & Staff
Patients who visit our doctors are able to receive a complimentary consultation with the doctor directly. All of the doctors in our practice have published research on and actually perform plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
No matter which surgeon you choose, always make sure you are seeing doctors who are board certified. Whether you're considering cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you want the skill of an ASPS Member Surgeon—a doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. Their training and experience make them uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
The staff here at our offices are fully committed to making your procedure as comfortable as possible. All of our employees have medical training and are available to answer any questions you might have-- some of us are undergoing the same procedures you are. We can talk to you about it from both a professional and personal point of view.
