FAQs

How do I know if plastic surgery is right for me?

If you are considering plastic surgery, there are a few ways to determine if it is right for you. First, be sure to manage your expectations, and inform yourself of the expected results and the recovery process. Candidates for plastic surgery should also be in relatively good health in order to undergo an elective surgery.

Will I have a scar after surgery?

Scarring is an inevitable part of healing and is the result of our body’s natural response to repair a wound. However, a very fine lined scar placed in the correct orientation may be virtually invisible. A plastic surgeon spends years trying to master techniques to place scars in the most desirable location. Our surgeons will make incisions in areas that will not show. Scars will normally fade over time, and we will show you the proper post-op care to make them be not as visible. The final cosmetic appearance of a surgical scar is based on multiple factors such as age, skin type, anatomic location, smoking and most importantly – genetic makeup.

How will smoking affect my surgery?

The specialty of plastic surgery places great emphasis on both surgical techniques and treatments that promote normal wound healing in order to produce a superior surgical outcome. Smoking dramatically influences the goal of uncomplicated wound healing and places you at a higher and unnecessary level of risk for many preventable surgical complications. Be sure to discuss your smoking habits with your surgeon, so he can recommend programs to assist you in ceasing to smoke before, during, and after your surgical experience.

How will I learn about my cost and what financing options are available?

At the end of your initial consultation, your patient care coordinator will provide you with a personalized quote of surgical costs for any recommended procedure(s). Carolina Coastal Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa has several payment options available and will work with you to find one that meets your needs.
The following forms of payment are accepted: Cash, Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, Debit Card, Credit Card, and
Financing – We also work with Care Credit and Cherry. For patients who desire to pay off their surgical procedure over time, monthly payments can be made until the balance is paid in-full.
Our staff can help you determine which payment option is best for you!

Can multiple procedures be performed at the same time?

It is a relatively common practice for patients to undergo multiple procedures during one operation. Having procedures done simultaneously can decrease the expense of the operating room and anesthesia costs as well as the overall recovery time. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being performed, the operating time, and your age/health. Our surgeons will discuss your personal options with you and help you decide whether or not it is appropriate to have multiple surgeries performed at the same time.

What is a compression garment and will I need to wear one?

Typically, you will need a supportive garment to secure the surgical site in the immediate postoperative period to help with swelling and recovery. The specific support bra, binder, or special-order garment will be reviewed with you during your preoperative visits. The compression garments are sold at our office and/or on-line.

What type of breast implant will be used? Are they safe?

We offer both saline and silicone gel implants. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits of both and answer any questions you may have to help you determine what is best for your body, lifestyle, and preferences. Both saline and silicone gel implants are safe and FDA approved. While breast implants have been studied for more than two decades and very rarely have produced side effects, an uncommon condition called breast implant illness has been documented and is treatable when caught early.

You can learn more about the safety of breast implants at:

What is the recovery from plastic surgery like?

Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles, such as abdominoplasty or breast augmentation, can cause moderate discomfort.