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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
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Cosmetic
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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