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How To Determine the Correct Plastic Surgery For You

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doctor-checks-boardWhile many patients enter our office with a thorough understanding of the specific plastic surgery procedure that they would like to undergo, this can often be a more fluid process than many people realize. Today, plastic surgery patients have more procedure options than ever before. And while this is certainly a positive development, it can also lead to some degree of confusion or indecision for some patients. This is why I thought it would be helpful to provide a few simple steps to help each patient choose the right plastic surgery procedure for them.

Determine Your Specific Aesthetic Goals

When attending your plastic surgery appointment at our office, it’s important to be as specific and detailed as possible during this pre-surgery consultation process. For instance, you may say, “I want my mid-section to look better.” Then we will access the mid-section area together to determine if it is an issue caused by excess skin, fat or a muscle pooch. Knowing this will help determine the most precise and helpful surgical path.

Fully Understand All Of Your Options

It’s not just that there are more cosmetic surgery procedures available than ever before. It’s also a fact that many procedures can be performed using different techniques depending on the specific needs and preferences of each patient. For instance, I may perform tummy tuck surgery using one of several different methods depending on the amount of loose skin and/or muscle damage that the patient is experiencing. No plastic surgery is a one-size-fits-all proposition and patients will have a series of decisions to make regarding their procedure.

Keep An Open Mind

One thing that is very common in my experience is having a patient come into their initial consultation appointment absolutely set on undergoing one specific cosmetic procedure or surgical method. And this can be a good thing, as it means they have likely put in the time to do some research and understand their options. However, with so many great techniques available, the procedure they initially wanted may not always be the most beneficial for their needs. This is why I always advise my patients to hear and fully consider all of their options before making any final decisions.

Communicating with my patients and helping them make assured and fully thought out decisions regarding their plastic surgery procedures is a big reason why I’ve been named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for over 20 years, an honor that I do not take lightly. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, videos, news, and more from the world of plastic surgery.

Ask Dr. Elliott: What to Know About Plastic Surgery Financing

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While not necessarily the number one concern, cost is understandably a major point of discussion for many prospective plastic surgery patients. Especially now with the uncertain state of the economy. It’s a fact that cosmetic procedures are almost always considered “elective” in nature, which means that plastic surgery costs will almost certainly not be covered by health insurance providers. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things patients can do to minimize their financial burden. Today I wanted to answer some common questions about plastic surgery financing and how it can help patients who are concerned about paying for their procedure.

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Question #1: How does plastic surgery financing work?

At my office, we offer financing options through CareCredit®. CareCredit® is essentially a credit card that works exclusively for medical expenses, including plastic surgery. Once a patient is approved to use CareCredit®, they will be able to take advantage of 0% interest loans, as long as their payments are made during the pre-agreed payment period. This way, patients can spread their payments out over multiple weeks, months, or even years depending on which payment plan fits best within their needs and not be penalized for it.

Question #2: What procedures can be financed using CareCredit®?

As long as the patient has been pre-approved to finance their procedure, my full selection of cosmetic surgery procedures and non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be paid for using financing. This includes body contouring procedures like breast augmentation, mommy makeover, and liposuction, facial procedures like a facelift and rhinoplasty, and cosmetic injectable treatments like Botox®.

Question #3: How can I know if I am eligible to use CareCredit®?

Like any other credit card, patients will need to apply for CareCredit® financing before their procedure to confirm that they will be approved to use this service. The first step for any patient interested will be to go to the CareCredit® website and apply to see if they prequalify for approval.

I know how important costs can be, which is why I always do my best to work with my patients and reassure them about any concerns they may have going into their procedure, including those pertaining to finances. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.