7. How does a physician become a plastic surgeon?

Training to become a plastic surgeon is difficult.  To become Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a physician must complete a specialized post-graduate training course of five to seven years. Background training usually includes a thorough grounding in general surgery; however, a background in ENT or orthopedics may be acceptable.  The final two or three years of training must be in an approved plastic surgery training program.  Prior to official certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the physician must pass a standardized set of both written and oral examinations.  While numerous physicians use the terms “Plastic Surgeon or Cosmetic Surgeon,” only those certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are true plastic surgeons. 

15. What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body. The goal of such a procedure is to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Most often it is not covered by health insurance, as it is an elective procedure.

Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct abnormal structures of the body caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infections, tumors, or disease. It is most often done to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a more normal appearance. Unlike cosmetic surgery, it is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage levels will, of course, vary.

16. How can I best prepare for surgery?

As you meet with our staff prior to surgery, we will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on :

Eating and drinking Smoking Taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications Washing the area of your body to be operated on

Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. In addition, we will also be available by telephone to answer any questions or concerns that might arise. Please do not hesitate to call us.

17. How safe is plastic surgery?

Although hundreds of thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complication, no surgical procedure is completely risk free. Frankly, there is risk associated with any surgical procedure. However, as a patient you can play an important role in reducing that risk by following the suggestions below.

Choose a Board Certified plastic surgeon, one who is accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). That surgeon is – at minimum – also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Whenever possible, select a surgeon who is also a member or candidate of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Make sure that the facility you choose conforms to strict safety standards, such as those standards required for Medicare Certification. Studies show that plastic surgery procedures performed in accredited surgical facilities by Board Certified surgeons have excellent safety statistics. Inform your doctor of any drugs you are taking and provide your full medical history so that he/she can properly evaluate your medical condition and prepare for any potential complications, especially those related to blood clotting. Make sure you receive proper anesthesia care by verifying that the facility will use skilled, licensed personnel who will individually monitor you before, during, and after the procedure.

[In relation to these guidelines, Dr. Turpin and Dr. Zeineh are proud to be certified by the ABPS and are members of many professional societies. They have board certified anesthesiologists on staff, and they perform surgery at accredited surgical facilities, ensuring you receive the safest care possible – the quality expert care you deserve.]

18. Where will my surgery be performed?

In almost all cases, your procedure will be performed in our private and accredited surgical facility next to our office. Your surgery will be done in peaceful seclusion at this state-of-the-art facility. Rest assured that you will receive the finest care available. Most of our reconstructive operations are performed at St. Joseph Hospital.

19. Will my insurance cover the expense of plastic surgery?

Most insurance policies do not cover the cost of purely cosmetic surgery. However, if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, either to correct a health-related problem or marked deformity following injury, the procedure may be covered. In any case, it is best to check with your insurer and/or health care provider and obtain preauthorization for your surgery.

20. Can I finance the surgery?

Financing is now a readily available form of payment. Low monthly payments virtually make every procedure instantly affordable.

21. How can I pay for my surgery?
Because surgery itself is taxing enough, we want to make your payment method as stress free as possible. That is why we offer a variety of ways to pay.

Preauthorized insurance coverage Financing Cash, check or credit card

In the case of insurance coverage, we will simply contact your insurance carrier(s) for preauthorization. From there, we will work with your insurer(s) to arrange payment and bill you directly for the balance, if any.

In the case of financing, we offer several options to help you spread your payments over a number of installments with a small finance fee. If you would like more information on financing options, please contact our office (714) 997-4300.

Finally, you may always pay by cash, personal check, or a major credit card – whichever is most convenient.