Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to common questions you may have. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to call our office or contact us here for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Am I a plastic surgery candidate?
Most physically and emotionally healthy adults are good candidates for plastic surgery. Your chances of a successful outcome are best if you have overall good self-esteem and a well-defined reason for wanting cosmetic plastic surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Fan will assess your concerns, general health, and medical history and perform a focused physical examination. Taking all this information into consideration, Dr. Fan will discuss with you the cosmetic procedures for which you are a good candidate and which have a high likelihood of addressing your concerns.
What can I expect during my consultation?
The initial consultation is an opportunity to meet Dr. Fan and to discuss the areas of your appearance that you would like to improve. When you call to schedule your consultation, we will send you an informational packet telling you about Dr. Fan, our office, and the plastic surgery procedure in which you may be interested.
When you arrive for your consultation, you will be greeted by our office staff. We will first ask you to register and to complete a questionnaire about your medical history. Dr. Fan will then visit with you about your concerns. It is a good idea to write down what concerns and questions you may have and to bring them with you. During your consultation, Dr. Fan will perform a thorough examination and will recommend the best approach to help you achieve your goals. He will share with you which procedure he recommends, why he recommends it, and what your other options are. He will thoroughly review the planned procedure, what to expect as you recover, and your anticipated results.
After meeting with Dr. Fan, you will meet with Melody, our patient coordinator. She will discuss the timing of your surgery, finances, and assist you with making any necessary arrangements before or after surgery that you may require. This meeting is also an opportunity to ask any additional questions you may have.
Please expect the consultation to last about one hour. Of course, if you need more time, it will gladly be made available. Please contact us for any additional scheduling information.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of plastic surgery?
In most cases, insurance companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and rest of America will not cover plastic surgery that is performed for cosmetic purposes. If you need reconstructive or otherwise medically necessary plastic surgery, your insurance policy may partially or fully cover the procedure. Please check with your insurance provider for accurate coverage information.
Will my plastic surgery procedure hurt?
The amount of discomfort associated with plastic surgery varies with each procedure. Many non-surgical procedures such as Botox and injectable fillers may be performed using only a topical anesthetic, and some plastic surgery procedures such as eyelid surgery may be performed under local anesthesia. More involved plastic surgery, such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, is performed using general anesthesia.
No matter what procedure is performed, we will do everything we can to minimize your discomfort. Before surgery, we will discuss with you what to expect after surgery and how to perform any needed aftercare. We will also prescribe medicines to help minimize any discomfort. After surgery, we will help you with your care every step of the way as you recover.
Are breast implants safe?
Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation plastic surgery each year and experience no major complications. However, it is important that you familiarize yourself with both the risks and benefits of the procedure. As an important aspect of your consultation, Dr. Fan will focus on implant safety and possible complications of breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to raise any questions or concerns you may have about the safety of the procedure.
You may have more questions about plastic surgery. To have your questions answered, we welcome you to contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fan.