Plastic & Hand Website FAQs
Q: Do your doctors have particular specialties?
A: As a practice, we feel it's important for our surgeons to be proficient in every area of specialty. All of our board-certified surgeons maintain expertise in the full range of cosmetic procedures and perform these procedures with high frequency.
Q: What is the fee for a consultation?
A: We charge a consultation fee of $105, which is deducted from the cost of your surgery.
Q: How much does a cosmetic procedure cost?
A: Costs vary by procedure, but all include pre- and post-op visits, anesthesia and use of the surgery facility. When making a cost-comparison, it's important to take these factors into account.
Q: Who does the anesthesia for surgeries done in your facility?
A: Our board-certified anesthesiologists are from Spectrum Medical Group, the same physician group that provides anesthesia care at Maine Medical Center.
Q: How far are you booking ahead?
A: Because our surgeons are in high demand, it can take from three to six weeks to schedule your surgery. Having access to board-certified plastic surgeons working in a private, state-of-the-art facility is well worth the wait.
Q: Are blepharoplasty and abdominoplasty covered by insurance?
A: Your condition has to meet certain criteria in order for these procedures to be covered. The patient coordinator at Plastic & Hand can provide more information.
Q: Are procedures that make you happier with your appearance, such as mole and skin tag removal and scar revision, covered by insurance?
A: No, these are generally not covered.
Q: What kind of scar will I have?
A: While surgery of any kind will leave a scar, plastic surgeons are trained to minimize scarring. During your consultation, talk to your surgeon about what to expect.
Q: After my procedure, how much downtime will there be?
A: This depends on the procedure as well as the nature of your work. The more physical exertion your job involves, the more downtime you can expect.
Here are approximate downtimes for the following procedures:
Abdominoplasty – 3 to 4 weeks
Breast Augmentation – 1 to 2 weeks
Blepharoplasty – 1 to 2 weeks, returning to work with camouflage makeup or sunglasses
Facelift – 3 to 4 weeks
Breast Reduction – 3 to 4 weeks
Rhinoplasty – 1 to 2 weeks
Otoplasty – 1 week
Suction Lipectomy – 3 to 4 weeks
Q: Is my surgeon board-certified?
A: Yes. All of our plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Q: How long have the surgeons been in practice?
A: Please refer to the physician bios in the Professionals & Staff section of our website.
Q: How many procedures have the surgeons performed?
A: Together, our surgeons have performed many thousands of cosmetic procedures. For information about a specific surgeon, please ask a practice coordinator.
Q: Is the initial visit to Plastic & Hand a consultation only, or does it include a procedure?
A: Usually, your first visit will be strictly a consultation. However, BOTOX and Juvéderm injections as well as earlobe repair can be performed during that time.
Q: How do I decide which surgeon to see?
A: All of our surgeons are extremely well qualified. Our practice coordinators can help match you to the surgeon with whom you may have the best rapport.
Q: Is there anyone I can talk to who has had a specific procedure?
Many of our practice coordinators have had procedures performed here. They'll be happy to discuss their experiences with you by phone or in person.