Frequently Asked Plastic Surgery Questions

What can I expect at my consultation?

Consultations with Dr. Chang are available to discuss your cosmetic concerns. In addition, Nouveau Cosmetic Center offers consultations to evaluate your non-surgical skin and body concerns. At your consultation, your detailed history will be taken and an examination may take place. Options for improvement will be discussed including what to expect, results and downtime if applicable. You will have the opportunity to review our in office portfolios and tour our office. Our cosmetic coordinator, Dana Lynam, will review pricing with you so that you have all the information you need to make a decision to move forward.

Where is surgery done?

Our plastic surgeons are licensed to perform surgery in various hospitals and facilities including Wilmington and Christiana Hospital, Glasgow Surgicenter, DOCS Surgicenter, Limestone Surgicenter and Union Hospital. Cosmetic Surgery is limited to certain locations that participate including Wilmington Hospital and DOCS Surgicenter. Our surgical coordinator, Dana, will be able to provide you with the details of where surgery will be performed.

Are post-op visits included in the cosmetic surgery fee?

All of your visits are included in your surgical fee including any pre or post-operative visits. Depending on your surgery, you will have follows ups up to several weeks after surgery to every several months and all the way up to one year after surgery. Our goal is to make sure your results are very satisfying and you are exceptionally taken care of.

When will I know the exact cost of my cosmetic surgery?

After your personal consultation with the doctor, you will have the opportunity to meet our cosmetic coordinator to review the cost of all fees associated with the surgical plan. The cosmetic coordinator will review payment and financing options available to meet your needs. The cost of cosmetic surgery includes the doctor’s fee, the facility/hospital fee, anesthesia and other supplies including implants if necessary.

What is the process if I decide to go forward with surgery?

If you decide to move forward with surgery, our cosmetic coordinator, Dana, will review your requests for dates to check with the facility or hospital for availability. Availability can be as soon as one week or longer. Dana will then confirm the date and time of surgery and all applicable instructions. Before surgery, you will meet with the doctor again to review your surgery and go over any additional questions.

Will the doctor see me again before surgery?

The doctor will see you again before surgery to review the plan of care as well as address any additional concerns or questions that you have at that time. A history and physical may be performed at that time as well as consent forms signed. Before this visit, write down any questions you have so that the doctor can make sure that all of your concerns are addressed.

What kind of help do I need after surgery?

Depending on the cosmetic surgery, most patients will need help for the first few days of recovery which may include bringing you to your post-op visit. The type of help needed can include childcare, providing food and medication, and necessary activities of the household. Your doctor will inform you of your limitations before surgery so that you can prepare adequately and recover the safest and fastest.

What if I need to speak with the doctor after hours, how do I reach him?

Every surgical patient receives detailed instructions after surgery and a phone number to reach the doctor should you need him after hours.

When do I prepay for my surgery?

At the time you schedule your surgery, our cosmetic coordinator, Dana, will provide you with a detailed list of dates including when pre-payment of surgery is expected. Generally, payment must be paid three weeks in advance. If surgery is scheduled sooner than three weeks, payment is expected within 24 hours. Financing options are available and Dana can personally review this option with you.

What do I need to do before surgery?

When you schedule surgery, a detailed list of instructions needs to be followed and a packet of these instructions will be forwarded to you immediately. When you receive this packet, it is very important that you review it and abide by the instructions including not to take any blood thinners and other imperative instructions. Included in your paperwork will be how to prepare for surgery as well as what to expect after surgery.

What is a medical spa?

A medical spa’s primary purpose is to provide spa services as well as comprehensive medical services to address an individual’s aesthetic and body care needs without surgery. Nouveau Cosmetic Center provides services ranging from facials and waxing to laser and injectables.

What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon?

This can be a confusing topic because there are many different “Boards” that have been created for physicians who practice cosmetic surgery. Just remember that not all “Boards” are created equally. While there are many different organizations which a physician can go through to bill himself or herself as a plastic surgeon, only one – The American Board of Plastic Surgery – requires the rigorous training in the broad fields of general surgery, hand surgery, pediatric surgery, microsurgery, cosmetic surgery, and comprehensive reconstructive surgery for the entire body. There are 24 specialty boards that are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA). The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the ONLY specialty board for plastic surgery recognized by the ABMS and the AMA. The American Board of Plastic Surgery not only tests the knowledge and skills of the candidates through a rigorous multi-step process culminating in written and oral exams, but also demands that the candidates live up to the highest ethical standards. You can check if a surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery by visiting their website: www.abplsurg.org.