Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Renaissance Plastic Surgery website, and thank you for considering Renaissance professionals for your care. Our goal is quite simple: to provide you the finest, most comprehensive care in a safe, relaxed, stress-free and supportive atmosphere.

When you make your first visit to our offices, you will immediately see that we take pride in providing our patients with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Our goal is to make your experience here as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

In addition to all cosmetic procedures, we also provide a comprehensive skin care system utilizing the Skin Medica program in combination with microdermabrasion and various chemical peels. By not relying solely on one skin care approach, we can maximize results in the fastest manner possible. A program can be tailored to your specific skin care needs and administered by a dedicated skin care specialist under the doctor's supervision. Physician administered Botox & dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm are available to complete the full spectrum of our services.
                                                            

Insurance and Fees
At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, we realize that plastic surgery is not just for the rich and famous. While we do not attempt to distinguish ourselves based on price, we do understand that high quality surgical care and affordability are important to our patients. Costs associated with cosmetic surgery are based on the following factors:

  • Surgeon's fee
  • Facility fee
  • Anesthesia fee
  • Surgical implants (if utilized)
  • Other costs associated with surgery (prescriptions, garments, etc.)

Note: For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks and/or Master Card/Visa.  Some limited patient finance plans are available through Med Loan Finance-www.medloanfinance.com or Care Credit. www.carecredit.com

 

We accept assignments for Medicare, and we also participate in numerous insurance plans. We will be happy to file your primary and secondary insurance at no cost to you. We simply ask that at the time of your appointment you provide us with your policy information, including the address where claims are to be mailed, along with a copy of your insurance card.

If surgery is recommended, we will contact your insurance carrier to obtain preauthorization. However, the patient is responsible for informing us of the necessity for second opinions, preferred provider referrals, precertification, etc.

You may also want to check with your insurance company regarding any deductibles and copays which you will be responsible for. While we are able to provide you with basic insurance information, there are many insurance plans whose coverage details we are unfamiliar with.

Account statements are mailed once each month. You will be responsible for any balance not covered by insurance. We ask that our patients make every effort to keep their accounts current. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact our office. Surgical fees for cosmetic procedures and insurance coverage procedures are available upon request.

Most cosmetic procedures can be done in the privacy of a fully accredited surgical suite at one of the area surgery centers or any of the area hospitals. This allows us to provide you with the highest quality of care at the most reasonable cost. Fees for cosmetic surgery are due in our office three weeks prior to the scheduled surgery date.


General FAQ

Q. How long has Dr. Bastug been in practice and is he Board certified?
A. Dr. Bastug has been a plastic surgeon since 1995. Prior to moving to Waterloo in January 1998, he was in private practice in Georgia. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeryand is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Iowa Plastic Surgery Society, Midwestern Plastic Surgery Society, Iowa Medical Society, and the Black Hawk County Medical Society.

Q. What is the cost of a cosmetic consultation?
A. The consultation fee is a one-time charge of $50.This is due at the time of scheduling your consultation. 

Q. How soon after my consultation can I have surgery?
A. This typically depends on the time of year, but in general, surgery can be provided within 4-8 weeks. We will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule.

Q. Can I get a quote from you?
A. Yes. Fee quotes for cosmetic surgery are made in writing and are usually valid for up to six months. The quote includes surgeon fee, all operating room charges, prosthesis (if procedure requires), anesthesia charges, medications, surgical garments (if required), as well as postoperative check-ups for six months after surgery. Full payment for cosmetic surgery is due three weeks prior to your scheduled surgery date.

Q. When is payment for surgery due and do you have a payment plan?
A. Payment is typically due three weeks in advance of surgery. Once you have a surgery plan in place and have completed your physician consultation you can make payments to your account until the full amount is paid then schedule surgery or we do accept limited financing through the company Med Loan Finance or Care Credit. We also accept cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa.

Q. Do you take my insurance?
A. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. For your specific plan it is best to call the office or your insurance company for details.

Q. Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bastug?
A. Not necessarily, but this depends on your individual insurance plan (if applicable). You may contact your insurance company for this information.

Q. Do you have financing available for cosmetic surgeries?
A. Our office does not offer financing. However, a company called Med Loan Finance at www.MedLoanFinance.com  is a loan processing company that we work with.  There are several ways to apply for cosmetic surgery financing. You may call: 1-800-504-4053,apply on line at www.medloanfinance.com or fax your application to Med Loan Finance at 1-800-555-8122.  We accept "limited" patient financing plans through Care Credit  www.carecredit.com . C
osmetic fees are due in the office two to three weeks prior to a cosmetic surgical procedure.

Q. Where are your services performed?
A. Insurance covered procedures are done at any of the area hospitals:

Covenant Medical Center
Allen Memorial Hospital
Allen Ambulatory Surgery Center
Sartori Memorial Hospital.

Cosmetic procedures are done in a fully accredited surgery suite at one of the area surgery centers. Some cosmetic procedures can be done at Covenant Medical Center, Allen Surgery Center, Allen Memorial Hospital or Sartori Memorial Hospital.

Q. Why do I have a separate pre-op appointment in addition to the initial consultation?
A. The Initial Cosmetic Consultation visit is designed to discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Bastug. This visit describes the surgical procedures, post-operative expectations as well as the potential risks. The Pre-Operative Appointment allows you to have all your questions answered as well as obtaining the pre- and post-operative instructions, pre-op photographs, prescriptions, medical history, physical examination and other practical matters relating to your surgery.

Q. What kind of "down time" will I need for cosmetic surgery recovery?
A. This depends on the type of surgery and your occupation. It could be less than one week up to three weeks or longer, again this depends on your occupation.

Q. When can I resume a normal exercise program?
A. Usually about 4-6 weeks from the date of surgery. Again this varies based on you and the procedures you choose.  It is important to follow Dr. Bastug's instructions for returning to exercise programs.

Q. Can I still breastfeed if I have breast implants?
A. If you were able to nurse prior to surgery chances are that you will be able to breastfeed with little or no difficulty.

Q. How long do implants last?
A. Generally, an implant's life varies on lifestyle and activity. Most are warranted by the manufacturer and will be replaced if you encounter serious difficulty.

Q. What are your office hours?
A. Effective September 1st 2008 our office will be going to a four day work week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays, 8 AM - 4:30 PM. By appointment only. Our office will be closed on Wednesdays.

Q. Can you provide a glossary of common procedures? Sometimes I have a hard time understanding medical terms.
A. Sure! Here is a partial list:

  • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) 
    This is a surgical procedure carried out to remove the excess wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and to tighten abdominal muscles.
      
  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
    Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat, usually along with excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping skin of the upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes- features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.
      
  • Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
    Enlargement of the breast size utilizing prosthesis.This procedure is generally done in a fully accredited surgical suite at any of the area surgery centers or area hospitals.
      
  • Chemical Peels 
    New techniques and technologies in chemical peeling offer safe and effective ways to improve the texture of the skin.
      
  • Chin Implants and Cheek Implants
    Many patients seek surgery to improve the appearance of the chin and/or cheeks. This is accomplished by inserting a small synthetic implant over the natural bone.

      
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing and Dermabrasion
    Laser Skin Resurfacing and Dermabrasion are surgical techniques by which skin can be made to appear smoother. In Laser Skin Resurfacing, a beam of laser energy is used to vaporize the upper layers of skin with accurate precision. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive method where the surface layer of skin is removed with a motorized brush.

      
  • Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)
    A forehead lift usually requires a local anesthetic with sedation or a general anesthetic. The forehead skin is lifted up and positioned in a natural, more youthful position. This procedure can also minimize forehead and frown lines. Forehead lifts can be performed either endoscopically or using the open technique.
     
  • Liposuction
    This is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by cosmetic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise.
      
  • Ear Surgery
    Ear surgery (technically called Otoplasty) is a common surgical procedure performed to correct prominent ears.
      
  • Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose)
    Rhinoplasty (the technical term) is a procedure that changes the size and shape of the nose, either by increasing or decreasing the bridge, changing the angle, narrowing the nostrils or reshaping the tip.
      
  • Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
    A Facelift (technically called Rhytidectomy) is a procedure that lifts the lower face and neck in one operation. This surgery is requested by both men and women of various ages.
       
  • Sclerotherapy (Spider Vein Injections)
    Spider veins, varicosities, broken capillaries or sunburst vessels do not actually serve a purpose, so can be removed without posing a health problem.
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