FAQs

What’s the first step if I'm interested in facial plastic surgery?

You’re already doing it. Educate yourself through this website and other related websites. Then:

• Determine what you’d like to change about your appearance
• Check with several facilities or their websites to find an office that is personable, professional, and board-certified in facial plastic surgery
• Schedule an initial consultation to learn about your options and to see if you feel comfortable with the surgeon
• Read Dr. Churchill's newsletter for more information on choosing a surgeon

Will it hurt?

Facial surgery is generally not very painful. It depends on your procedure, but most patients’ discomfort is relieved by extra-strength Tylenol. We do provide a prescription for stronger pain medication as some patients are more sensitive to pain and your comfort is our concern. Virtually all of our patients report that recovery was faster and more comfortable than they expected.

Will I have scars?

Our goal is that usually you won’t be able to see any scars, but it depends on the surgeon’s method and skill and your individual healing characteristics. Dr. Churchill, along with other experienced facial plastic surgeons, can place incisions with such precision in natural creases or hairlines that they are virtually undetectable when healed. For example, in a facelift, look for a surgeon who preserves the natural hairline and hides the incisions in natural creases in and around the ear, rather than in front of it. You can look at many before-and-after photos, as well as actual patients at the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, to feel more comfortable with how undetectable scars are.

Will I be awake for the procedure?

It depends on your surgery. There are 3 types of anesthetic:

Local Anesthesia

This is administered by injecting a numbing agent into the area being treated. It may be used alone for very minor procedures and is usually combined with twilight or general anesthesia to reduce pain after surgery. Its use also cuts the amount of intravenous medications and gas needed under general anesthetic.

Twilight Anesthesia

This is administered through an intravenous sedative. Usually, you’ll receive enough sedation to be unconscious at the beginning of surgery. Then sedation will be lightened so you feel very drowsy and relaxed during the procedures. You will not recall the procedure, depending on how drowsy you wish to be. We use this type of anesthesia for virtually all our surgeries.

General Anesthesia

You will have intravenous sedation, along with a gas anesthetic. You’ll have no memory of the procedure.

New medications reduce or eliminate post-op nausea, so you’ll feel better quicker. This type of anesthesia is used mainly for nasal surgery.

When can I resume normal activities?

Usually sooner than you think. Most patients feel comfortable out in public within 1 or 2 weeks, although the recovery period depends on the procedure and patient. In most cases, you can resume light exercise in 2 weeks and increase the level as tolerated.

How often will I visit the doctor?

You’ll have an initial consultation and then a separate appointment for pre-op blood work. Depending on the surgery, the doctor usually checks your post-op progress after:

• 1 day
• 1 week
• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months – 1year

 Photographs are generally taken at each of these visits to mark your progress.

How much does it cost?

It probably does not cost as much as you think. We know you’d like a dollar estimate, but cost varies by surgeon, procedure, your skin condition, and type of anesthesia. We make every effort to be forthright and clear about the costs. You deserve that. As such, you will obtain a written detailed fee schedule at the initial consultation. We can tell you this: Most patients report they feel the cost is both fair and reasonable for this type of specialized procedure and for the difference it has made in their appearance and confidence.

Is facial plastic surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance doesn’t pay for procedures performed only for cosmetic reasons. However, your coverage may pick up part of the tab for procedures to correct:

• Drooping eyelids or eyebrows that hinder vision
• Nasal airway obstructions
• Congenital facial defects
• Post-trauma reconstruction
• Scar revision

Check with your insurer after the initial consultation. Also, find out if your coverage requires a second opinion or pre-certification and whether it covers overnight stays. The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is happy to write letters to the insurer, if needed.