At Weber Facial Plastic Surgery, we field frequently asked questions from our Denver area patients daily. We’ve compiled a brief list here that will help you prepare for your Facial Plastic Surgery procedures with Dr. Stephen Weber, double board certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. We will routinely update and expand this list to keep you informed about everything you need to know to prepare for a safe and smooth surgery and recovery. If you have questions, please contact us by phone (303) 792-2224 to schedule an in person consultation with Stephen Weber MD, FACS.
Am I a good candidate for Facial Plastic Surgery?
You are a good candidate if you have a specific problem that can be improved with surgical or non-surgical treatment and you have reasonable expectations regarding the potential improvement with treatment. The procedures that we perform are all elective in nature so it is very important to ensure that you are in good general physician condition. Depending upon your age, gender and physical condition, Dr. Weber might require a pre-surgery clearance with your primary care doctor or specialist. In most cases, no medical evaluation is required for procedures performed in our office.
When is the best time to schedule Facial Plastic Surgery?
There is no time of year that is ideal for surgery or injectable treatments. However, Dr. Weber’s surgery schedule is always busiest between October, November and December when most people have pre-scheduled vacation time that they can utilize for their recovery. The most important factor in scheduling your procedure is scheduling five to seven days of “downtime” during which you give yourself plenty of time to heal and recover from your procedures. Most of our patients can return to work, social activities and even exercise about one week following surgery. We will review with you hairstyle and makeup tips to help camouflage any evidence of your procedure during the first week back at work.
Will I be bruised or swollen?
There is some bruising and swelling following most types of surgery. The extent depends on the type of surgery you have and your skin type. Most bruising resolves within one week of your procedure. Camouflage makeup can be used as soon as your sutures are removed after surgery and this takes place about five days following surgery. Swelling disappears for the most part within two to three weeks. There usually is little or no pain associated with bruising and swelling.
How long will I need to be off work or away from social activities?
For most procedures, you should plan to take one week off. If your work involves intense physical activity or heavy lifting, 10-14 days off is recommended.
When can I resume exercise?
We recommend that patients continue with walking and low impact activity one to two days following surgery. You can return to high impact activity as early as 7-10 days following surgery.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Dr. Weber performs the vast majority of his procedures at an accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center in the day surgery suite. If you would like to spend the first evening in the postop suite at the surgery center where a nurse will care for you this can be arranged at a small additional charge. There is usually no requirement to stay overnight in the hospital unless you have medical conditions that require an overnight observation stay. If your medical condition requires overnight observation following surgery, we will plan to perform your surgery in the hospital setting where you can be more closely observed on the surgery ward following your procedure.
Will I need to “go to sleep?”
Most procedures at the surgery center are performed under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. In office procedures are performed with a combination of oral sedation and local anesthesia and are very well tolerated.
How long until I can schedule my procedure?
Dr. Weber’s surgery schedule is usually booked out 4-6 weeks in the future. In some cases, we can schedule shorter procedures within an earlier timeframe. We will try to accommodate your schedule if an earlier surgery date is requested. In some cases, you will need to allow an extra 1-2 weeks if pre-operative testing or clearance from your doctor is required.
What testing is required prior to surgery?
For most healthy patients without medical issues, no preoperative testing is required. Depending upon your age, however, you might require a physical examination, basic blood work and an electrocardiogram (ECG) if your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.
What is the total cost of my procedure?
In addition to Dr. Weber’s surgeon fee, the surgery center will charge for the use of the operating room and the assistance of their staff. There will also be a charge for the care of your physician Anesthesiologist. All quotes for surgery provided by Weber Facial Plastic Surgery will explain these charges in detail and clearly show you the total cost of your procedure. We have several financing options including CareCredit and Prosper available if you choose to finance the cost of your procedure.