FAQ's
* Is patient financing available? * What should I do to prepare for my procedure? * What do I need to know if I am coming from out of town? * Why is it called "plastic surgery"? * Does it really matter which group my surgeon is board certified through? Is patient financing available? Our office employs CareCredit to help you finance the cosmetic surgery and other medical spa procedures that you've always wanted. CareCredit works just like a credit card exclusively for healthcare services. Inquire with the staff at the time of your consultation for the enrollment forms. CareCredit is known as one of the nation's largest and best financing programs. This lender gives you the freedom to choose between a variety of payment plans, with low minimum payment options and no annual fees. CareCredit offers instant approvals and simple steps to achieve your cosmetic surgery goals as soon as possible. CareCredit offers:
Options and offers will most likely vary, depending upon the individual's credit rating. Dr. Davis has been working for years with patients in the Palo Alto area who seek plastic surgery financing. What should I do to prepare for my procedure? Preparing for an upcoming procedure, varies with each person's overall health and each particular procedure. That being said, there are some common effective actions that can be taken by everybody. First, eat a healthy diet, and by that, we mean, hold off on any diet you may be adhering to for the few weeks before your procedure. This puts your body in an anabolic state where you are building tissue and ensures the swiftest proper post-operative healing. This is opposed to a catabolic state your body assumes on a diet, when it is breaking down tissue, and will slow healing. Second, arrange for a support network for after-care, whether this is a spouse, a friend, or a relative, you will generally need someone to help out with car rides, watching you the first day or two after the procedure, and possibly childcare immediately after your procedure. If you need assistance in this area, Dr. Davis's office can schedule a home nurse to care for you in your house or elsewhere, or even pick you up after your procedure and bring you to your follow up appointment the following day. Additionally, make sure the timing is right for you to take some time off of your regular responsibilities or work. If you smoke, Dr. Davis will insist that you hold off anywhere from two to four weeks both before and after your procedure to prevent complications in healing. This varies by procedure, but is tremendously important for a good result. Dr. Davis will also ask that you refrain from taking any medications or herbal supplements that can "thin" your blood. This, includes aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for the two weeks prior to your planned procedure date. If you're not sure if a medication is ok to take or stop taking abruptly, just ask Dr. Davis and he will be happy to let you know. If you take aspirin as directed by your primary care doctor, we will need to confirm that it is ok to take a little break around the time of your procedure. And, this is generally not a significant issue. What do I need to know if I am coming from out of town? Dr. Davis commonly has patient's visit from all over the globe. If you are planning on a procedure but don't live in the area, start by planning to come a day or two earlier than your planned procedure date. If you want to see the sights in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa, or Tahoe, allow time to do this before your procedure. Depending on your procedure and schedule, Dr. Davis may request that you remain in the area for a day or two, up to two weeks. We can provide a list of local accommodations, several which do not require negotiating stairs or a lobby to go through to reach your room. Why is it called "plastic surgery"? At first glance, it sounds like this specialty involves implanting plastic devices, however, the term "plastic surgery" actually comes from the Greek word "plastikos" which means to "mold or shape". Does it really matter which group my surgeon is board certified through? The simple answer: yes, absolutely. Any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification” board. It’s a common tactic that creates a false sense of security for unsuspecting patients, since many medical professionals are now supplementing their income by dabbling in the cosmetic procedures market without specialized training. To make sure your surgeon is truly qualified to perform your procedure, he or she should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which falls under the umbrella of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the certification “gold standard” among reputable plastic surgeons. The ABMS is a 75-year-old, nonprofit organization established to oversee and regulate the certification of medical specialties. To achieve ABMS board certification, all medical specialists undergo rigorous training and examinations to ensure that they provide the highest level of care. For plastic surgeons that includes at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery. They must also operate only in accredited facilities and fulfill continuing medical education and training requirements. Davis Plastic Surgery 1691 El Camino Real, Suite 400 Palo Alto, CA 94306 650.326.6800 |