Frequently Asked Questions2021-07-20T23:18:59-04:00

Let’s chat a bit.

When you are thinking about scheduling a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, it comes with lots of questions. So, to help get your questions answered right here and right now, we’ve compiled this list based on what most of our patients have asked us over the years.

Let’s chat a bit.

When you are thinking about scheduling a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, it comes with lots of questions. So, to help get your questions answered right here and right now, we’ve compiled this list based on what most of our patients have asked us over the years.

Be an insider! Sign up to receive texts for exclusive offers, promotions, and special events.

ANSWERS FOR NEARLY EVERYTHING

Frequently Asked Questions

It is natural to have many questions about cosmetic surgery whether you are considering a procedure or simply interested in the surgical details. Dr. Farzad R. Nahai and his team of experts at The Center for Plastic Surgery have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures. It is important to note that each patient is different and will be given specific, detailed personal advice and instructions during a consultation.

General

Dr. Nahai is board-certified in plastic surgery. That means that he has completed a full residency training program specifically in plastic surgery that is recognized by the national board of medical specialties,www.abms.org. However, the training alone is not enough, the certification process includes verification by means of a written and oral board exam specifically testing competency in plastic surgery. Maintenance of certification also requires that Dr. Nahai fulfill a minimum yearly continuing medical education (CME) requirement and re-test in plastic surgery on a scheduled basis. Board certification in plastic surgery ensures that Dr. Nahai is specifically trained in, tested and up-to-date on the current practice of plastic surgery and is recognized by the board of medical specialties.

The center offers a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures for the face, breast, and body; Botox, Dysport, and injectable fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane; and a full range of non-surgical facial treatments, including laser resurfacing for the face and body. The Center for Plastic Surgery also carries medical-grade skin care products specifically formulated for every skin type.

Dr. Nahai takes ultimate responsibility for your care, performs all procedures from beginning to end, and is always available. He also relies on the assistance of Mary Popp, RN, in addition to a patient coordinator, aesthetician, and medical assistant. Dr. Nahai has personally trained everyone on his team.

Consultation

Dr. Nahai will meet with you to learn about your goals and desires. He will then examine you, make an assessment, and then provide you with the best options to achieve your goals. You will be provided with a thorough understanding of the procedure and any care that must be taken leading up to and after your surgery. Before and after photos of patients who have had similar procedures will also be reviewed with you in detail. Thereafter you will meet with the surgical scheduler who will review fees and possible surgery dates. Questions are welcomed by Dr. Nahai.

Yes, Dr. Nahai charges $125 for a cosmetic consultation. You will be fully examined, evaluated, and an assessment will be made with an individualized solution that makes sense for you. In some cases, digital imaging is also used to help visualize a potential result and plan a procedure.

Yes, our Master Injector, Juliena Gigon, PA-C, charges $125 for an injectable consultation. You will be fully examined, evaluated, and an assessment will be made with an individualized solution that makes sense for you.

Consultations with aesthetician Ray Hall are always complimentary.

Plastic surgery can be divided into two categories: cosmetic and reconstructive. Insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures since they are not medically necessary, e.g, facelift, tummy tuck, liposuction. Procedures that fall under the reconstructive category are typically covered by insurance e.g, breast reduction, hernia repair, and breast reconstruction. Some circumstances arise where a procedure may be partially cosmetic and partially covered by insurance, examples are eyelid surgery with work done to improve the field of vision or rhinoplasty with work done to improve breathing, e.g., correcting a deviated septum.

Anything not done for functional reasons or done for appearance alone would be considered cosmetic and would not be covered by your insurance. You will pay for the service.

No, there is no charge for follow-up visits after a cosmetic procedure. Those are all included.

Yes. We recommend that our patients begin taking Arnica and Bromelian three days before surgery. Also, multivitamins such as A and C have been shown to help with healing.

We ask that you review all of your medications with us prior to surgery. As a general rule, any pill you are taking that is NOT prescribed by your physician should be stopped at least one week prior to surgery. Common medications to avoid include high dose vitamins, arthritis medications, and NSAIDs such as aspirin, and ibuprofen. These drugs should be avoided 1 week before surgery. If you are on a blood thinner, please notify us.

Tylenol, Acetaminophen, is a safe alternative that will not thin your blood.

Yes. Smoking increases the risk of delayed wound healing, infections, and skin necrosis or dead skin. All patients are instructed to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after surgery.

Constipation is a common problem after surgery. If you are prone to constipation, we suggest starting a healthy bowel regimennt one week before surgery. Increasing food high in fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables and taking stool softeners such as Metamucil should be helpful.

Day of Surgery

You will be notified by the outpatient center as to what time to arrive. Dr. Nahai will spend time with you the day of surgery to review your plan, answer any last minute questions, and do the preoperative markings. Once everything is set, you will receive a mild sedative before going to the operating room and the next thing you know you will be waking up in the recovery area.

Following a general anesthetic or mild sedation you will need someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself. We strongly recommend avoiding using a cab service with someone driving you home that you and we do not know. If you need a service to drive you home, Dr. Nahai has a limousine service he uses that is trustworthy and has experience driving patients.

After Surgery

Yes, the outpatient centers that Dr. Nahai uses all have overnight rooms with 24-hour nursing coverage. This is a great option for after longer procedures as you can rest in a comfortable and caring atmosphere with the ability to treat you with medication through your IV if needed.

You can exercise as much as you would like leading up to your surgery however, you will be asked to refrain from working out for a period of time after your procedure (usually two weeks). The amount of downtime can vary and is dependent on the type of procedure that has been done.

We would like you to take it easy but do not be afraid of getting up and out of bed. We would like you to move all parts of your body to some degree at least every two hours during the day. This will help keep your blood flowing, in turn, prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. For certain procedures, surgical socks are provided to patients to help prevent swelling and clots. If you have received them, we ask you to continue to wear them until your first post-op visit.

We ask that you refrain from doing anything that causes severe pain, causes you to become short of breath, increases your heart rate, increases your blood pressure, or that you would consider strenuous. This also includes sexual activity. As rule of thumb, we ask that you do not lift anything heavier than a laptop computer. Also, we ask that you leave housework for others while recovering.

We strive for our patients to have as little pain for the least amount of time after surgery. We do this by providing you with pain medication as well as anti-anxiety medications which can also be very helpful. In addition, we may recommend the use of ice packs, frozen peas, or other cooling methods to assist in reducing pain and swelling. Icing is especially beneficial during the first 48 hours after surgery. We usually recommend icing for 10-15 minutes followed by a 5-10 minute break throughout the day. Do not apply heat to any areas where surgery has been done.

During your preoperative visit you will receive a prescription that contains a combination of medications for severe pain, moderate pain, antibiotics, eye drops/ointment (for eyelid surgery only), steroids (for most procedures of the face) used to reduce swelling, muscle relaxants and possibly anti-anxiety medications. Most medications can be renewed over the phone. Certain narcotic pain medications and anti-anxiety medications require a paper prescription that can be picked up at the office. Think ahead, if you anticipate needing more narcotic pain medications or anti-anxiety medications, ask for a prescription when you are in the office.

For many procedures dressings are placed over your incisions to prevent soiling your clothes and protect the incision. In general, most dressings can be removed two days after surgery. Some special situations exist where you will be given specific instructions not to remove your dressings. Dressings that become soiled should be removed as they can harbor bacterial growth. Most incisions do not need a dressing after 48 hours; however, if you still have some minor drainage of fluid, continue cycling fresh dressings.

  • Changes in skin sensation such as decreased or increased sensation
  • Minor oozing from the incision especially after liposuction
  • Swelling which usually peaks on the second day after surgery
  • Bruising
  • Sore throat from the breathing tube
  • Nausea especially the first day

If for any reason you are not sure about what to do or what is going on with your body, do not hesitate to call the office at 404.835.4191. There will always be someone knowledgeable available to answer your question. No question is too small, and no question is unreasonable. There is an answering service for after hours.

Several circumstances exist where you should call the office without any delay:

  • Rapidly increasing pain and swelling anywhere on your body
  • Bleeding that will not stop despite gentle pressure for 15 minutes
  • A fever higher than 101 degrees within 10 days of your surgery
  • The incision opens
  • Difficulty breathing or the inability to catch your breath
  • Severe chest pain
  • Redness and severe pain at the surgery site

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

ANSWERS FOR NEARLY EVERYTHING

Frequently Asked Questions

It is natural to have many questions about cosmetic surgery whether you are considering a procedure or simply interested in the surgical details. Dr. Farzad R. Nahai and his team of experts at The Center for Plastic Surgery have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures. It is important to note that each patient is different and will be given specific, detailed personal advice and instructions during a consultation.

General

Dr. Nahai is board-certified in plastic surgery. That means that he has completed a full residency training program specifically in plastic surgery that is recognized by the national board of medical specialties,www.abms.org. However, the training alone is not enough, the certification process includes verification by means of a written and oral board exam specifically testing competency in plastic surgery. Maintenance of certification also requires that Dr. Nahai fulfill a minimum yearly continuing medical education (CME) requirement and re-test in plastic surgery on a scheduled basis. Board certification in plastic surgery ensures that Dr. Nahai is specifically trained in, tested and up-to-date on the current practice of plastic surgery and is recognized by the board of medical specialties.

The center offers a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures for the face, breast, and body; Botox, Dysport, and injectable fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane; and a full range of non-surgical facial treatments, including laser resurfacing for the face and body. The Center for Plastic Surgery also carries medical-grade skin care products specifically formulated for every skin type.

Dr. Nahai takes ultimate responsibility for your care, performs all procedures from beginning to end, and is always available. He also relies on the assistance of Mary Popp, RN, in addition to a patient coordinator, aesthetician, and medical assistant. Dr. Nahai has personally trained everyone on his team.

Consultation

Dr. Nahai will meet with you to learn about your goals and desires. He will then examine you, make an assessment, and then provide you with the best options to achieve your goals. You will be provided with a thorough understanding of the procedure and any care that must be taken leading up to and after your surgery. Before and after photos of patients who have had similar procedures will also be reviewed with you in detail. Thereafter you will meet with the surgical scheduler who will review fees and possible surgery dates. Questions are welcomed by Dr. Nahai.

Yes, Dr. Nahai charges $125 for a cosmetic consultation. You will be fully examined, evaluated, and an assessment will be made with an individualized solution that makes sense for you. In some cases, digital imaging is also used to help visualize a potential result and plan a procedure.

Yes, our Master Injector, Juliena Gigon, PA-C, charges $125 for an injectable consultation. You will be fully examined, evaluated, and an assessment will be made with an individualized solution that makes sense for you.

Consultations with aesthetician Ray Hall are always complimentary.

Plastic surgery can be divided into two categories: cosmetic and reconstructive. Insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures since they are not medically necessary, e.g, facelift, tummy tuck, liposuction. Procedures that fall under the reconstructive category are typically covered by insurance e.g, breast reduction, hernia repair, and breast reconstruction. Some circumstances arise where a procedure may be partially cosmetic and partially covered by insurance, examples are eyelid surgery with work done to improve the field of vision or rhinoplasty with work done to improve breathing, e.g., correcting a deviated septum.

Anything not done for functional reasons or done for appearance alone would be considered cosmetic and would not be covered by your insurance. You will pay for the service.

No, there is no charge for follow-up visits after a cosmetic procedure. Those are all included.

Yes. We recommend that our patients begin taking Arnica and Bromelian three days before surgery. Also, multivitamins such as A and C have been shown to help with healing.

We ask that you review all of your medications with us prior to surgery. As a general rule, any pill you are taking that is NOT prescribed by your physician should be stopped at least one week prior to surgery. Common medications to avoid include high dose vitamins, arthritis medications, and NSAIDs such as aspirin, and ibuprofen. These drugs should be avoided 1 week before surgery. If you are on a blood thinner, please notify us.

Tylenol, Acetaminophen, is a safe alternative that will not thin your blood.

Yes. Smoking increases the risk of delayed wound healing, infections, and skin necrosis or dead skin. All patients are instructed to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after surgery.

Constipation is a common problem after surgery. If you are prone to constipation, we suggest starting a healthy bowel regimennt one week before surgery. Increasing food high in fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables and taking stool softeners such as Metamucil should be helpful.

Day of Surgery

You will be notified by the outpatient center as to what time to arrive. Dr. Nahai will spend time with you the day of surgery to review your plan, answer any last minute questions, and do the preoperative markings. Once everything is set, you will receive a mild sedative before going to the operating room and the next thing you know you will be waking up in the recovery area.

Following a general anesthetic or mild sedation you will need someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself. We strongly recommend avoiding using a cab service with someone driving you home that you and we do not know. If you need a service to drive you home, Dr. Nahai has a limousine service he uses that is trustworthy and has experience driving patients.

After Surgery

Yes, the outpatient centers that Dr. Nahai uses all have overnight rooms with 24-hour nursing coverage. This is a great option for after longer procedures as you can rest in a comfortable and caring atmosphere with the ability to treat you with medication through your IV if needed.

You can exercise as much as you would like leading up to your surgery however, you will be asked to refrain from working out for a period of time after your procedure (usually two weeks). The amount of downtime can vary and is dependent on the type of procedure that has been done.

We would like you to take it easy but do not be afraid of getting up and out of bed. We would like you to move all parts of your body to some degree at least every two hours during the day. This will help keep your blood flowing, in turn, prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. For certain procedures, surgical socks are provided to patients to help prevent swelling and clots. If you have received them, we ask you to continue to wear them until your first post-op visit.

We ask that you refrain from doing anything that causes severe pain, causes you to become short of breath, increases your heart rate, increases your blood pressure, or that you would consider strenuous. This also includes sexual activity. As rule of thumb, we ask that you do not lift anything heavier than a laptop computer. Also, we ask that you leave housework for others while recovering.

We strive for our patients to have as little pain for the least amount of time after surgery. We do this by providing you with pain medication as well as anti-anxiety medications which can also be very helpful. In addition, we may recommend the use of ice packs, frozen peas, or other cooling methods to assist in reducing pain and swelling. Icing is especially beneficial during the first 48 hours after surgery. We usually recommend icing for 10-15 minutes followed by a 5-10 minute break throughout the day. Do not apply heat to any areas where surgery has been done.

During your preoperative visit you will receive a prescription that contains a combination of medications for severe pain, moderate pain, antibiotics, eye drops/ointment (for eyelid surgery only), steroids (for most procedures of the face) used to reduce swelling, muscle relaxants and possibly anti-anxiety medications. Most medications can be renewed over the phone. Certain narcotic pain medications and anti-anxiety medications require a paper prescription that can be picked up at the office. Think ahead, if you anticipate needing more narcotic pain medications or anti-anxiety medications, ask for a prescription when you are in the office.

For many procedures dressings are placed over your incisions to prevent soiling your clothes and protect the incision. In general, most dressings can be removed two days after surgery. Some special situations exist where you will be given specific instructions not to remove your dressings. Dressings that become soiled should be removed as they can harbor bacterial growth. Most incisions do not need a dressing after 48 hours; however, if you still have some minor drainage of fluid, continue cycling fresh dressings.

  • Changes in skin sensation such as decreased or increased sensation
  • Minor oozing from the incision especially after liposuction
  • Swelling which usually peaks on the second day after surgery
  • Bruising
  • Sore throat from the breathing tube
  • Nausea especially the first day

If for any reason you are not sure about what to do or what is going on with your body, do not hesitate to call the office at 404.835.4191. There will always be someone knowledgeable available to answer your question. No question is too small, and no question is unreasonable. There is an answering service for after hours.

Several circumstances exist where you should call the office without any delay:

  • Rapidly increasing pain and swelling anywhere on your body
  • Bleeding that will not stop despite gentle pressure for 15 minutes
  • A fever higher than 101 degrees within 10 days of your surgery
  • The incision opens
  • Difficulty breathing or the inability to catch your breath
  • Severe chest pain
  • Redness and severe pain at the surgery site

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Nahai. I was very apprehensive, and he was calm and supportive through the whole process. I am 67 and had my eyelids done, full face, and neck lift. I wanted to look [rested and natural.” Both were achieved. I absolutely love the new me. I highly recommend Dr. Nahai.”
Charlene M.
“Dr. Nahai is a great surgeon. He did a great job of repairing a Mohs surgery scar on my lower lip.It was life-changing! Thanks, Dr. Nahai.”
Dan B.

“Dr. Nahai has been my plastic surgeon for five years. He is absolutely amazing. Talented, qualified, thoughtful, capable! He has a great office staff as well.”

Barbara R.
“My wife and I have been going to Dr. Nahai for about 10 years now. He is one of the nicest, most professional doctors we have. He’s always prompt, friendly, and professional. We’re always happy with our treatments. He is a great doctor, and we will continue to see him as long as he practices. Thank you, Dr Nahai!”
Kurt D.

“Dr. Nahai has been great to work with over the years. He is always knowledgeable and willing to listen to your exact requests. I would highly recommend Dr. Nahai and his staff to anyone who is in need of a plastic surgeon.”

Sarah H.
“I couldn’t be happier with the procedure from Dr. Nahai. Having the chin lift was the best thing I could have done. I had the typical turkey neck, but no more. Everyone in Dr. Nahai’s office is great. I would highly recommend for any procedure.”
Marsha R.
“Happy to have experienced a bit of an uplift to my smile and a return to the lips I remember from my 30s. Nice, natural look, but a welcomed change.”
Melinda L.

“Came very highly recommended by friends and also fellow nurses who have worked with him. I was very pleased with the consultation, and I’m very excited to have him do my surgery.”

Jigana P.
“Dr. Nahai is the best. I have gone to him for many years, since needing a facial scar revision in the mid-2000s, for a multitude of cosmetic issues. I highly recommend his skill, talent, creativity, and warm personality. I always leave the office feeling that my questions have been answered and concerns taken care of. And looking great, of course!”
Tracy D.
“Dr. Nahai is an incredibly talented physician. He takes time to listen to you and answer all questions. His goal is your complete satisfaction, and he takes pride in achieving that. He and his staff are efficient, kind, and professional. His follow-up care is also outstanding. I highly recommend him!”
Marsha H.

STUFF WE THINK ABOUT

Our Latest Blogs

Go to Top