Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions for Patients of Boston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Bartlett

For your convenience, the office of Boston-based plastic
surgeon Dr. Richard A. Bartlett, M.D. provides comprehensive instructions to
help cosmetic surgery patients prepare for their procedures. To learn how to
prepare for an operation, as well as what to expect following surgery, select
from the surgical procedures listed below.

What should I look for when selecting a plastic surgeon?

What can I expect to take place during my consultation with Dr. Bartlett?

Is there a charge for scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bartlett?

How much do surgical procedures like breast augmentation, gynemocastia treatment, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, and a facelift cost?

Does Dr. Bartlett’s practice accept insurance?

How can I pay for my procedure?

Once I decide to move forward with my plastic surgery, how long will it be until it is scheduled?

How do I prepare for my surgery?

What is the recovery process like following my surgery?

When will I see the full results of my surgery?

What should I look for when selecting a plastic surgeon?

When selecting a plastic surgeon, look for a highly trained
professional who is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience
in performing the procedure you wish to have done. Even if your procedure will
be performed in a certified office operating room, your plastic surgeon should
have operating privileges at one or more accredited hospitals. Finally, look
for a plastic surgeon with a reputation for medical integrity, patient safety,
and the necessary artistry to deliver aesthetically pleasing, natural looking
results.

A board-certified plastic surgeon and a Fellow of the
American College of Surgeons, Dr. Richard A. Bartlett has been named one of
“Boston’s Most Trusted Doctors” by Boston magazine
and is considered a leader in his field. Practicing in Boston since 1991, he
performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at local hospitals, as well as at
his AAAASF Certified office operating room. He has operating privileges at Beth
Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts Eye
and Ear Infirmary, and Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and at Children’s
Hospital in Lexington, MA. Find out more about Dr. Bartlett’s qualifications.

What can I expect to take place during my consultation with Dr. Bartlett?

During your confidential plastic surgery consultation in our Boston-area office, Dr. Bartlett will ask you about your personal goals. He will discuss treatment options with you to
help you fully understand the potential benefits, downtime, and outcome of each procedure. He also will talk to you about any potential risks or complications that your procedure may entail so you can make a fully informed decision. Once your treatment plan is determined, he will explain how the procedure will be performed and what you should do to prepare for your cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery. Dr. Bartlett understands that electing to have plastic surgery is an important medical decision. He encourages questions and will take as much time as necessary to answer them to your complete satisfaction.

Is there a charge for scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bartlett?

There is a nominal charge to have a cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. Bartlett; in most cases, this charge is deducted from the surgical fee when you schedule your procedure with Dr. Bartlett. If you are a patient whose visit will be covered by insurance, please remember that you will be responsible for your co-payment the day of your appointment. Should your insurance plan require a referral you will need to obtain one prior to your visit as
referrals cannot be backdated. Dr. Bartlett’s office accepts cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

There are a great variety of services available to patients who want to improve their appearance and prices vary accordingly. Botox is available for $400 – $800, depending on the number of injection sites. A complete facelift with upper and lower eyelid lift can cost over $10,000. Specific costs depend on your particular situation. After your consultation Dr. Bartlett’s staff can give you exact information on costs.

Does Dr. Bartlett’s practice accept insurance?

Yes, Dr. Bartlett’s practice does accept insurance, but the types of procedures covered and terms of coverage will depend on your insurance plan and individual circumstances. Typically, reconstructive surgery (surgery performed due to medical necessity on abnormal structures of the body) is covered by most health insurance policies; however, the scope of procedures covered and associated benefits vary between carriers. Cosmetic surgery (surgery performed to reshape normal structures of the body to enhance appearance) is usually not covered. As a plastic surgery patient you assume responsibility for payment of all costs associated with your surgery. Therefore, it’s important to understand your policy fully. Talk to your benefits coordinator well in advance to determine eligibility and if prequalification is needed. Additionally, your insurance carrier may require a referral from your physician in order for your initial consultation with Dr. Bartlett to be covered. If so, you will need to obtain a referral prior to your visit as referrals cannot be backdated.

How can I pay for my procedure?

Plastic surgery is expensive, especially if safety and quality of care are important to you. However, Dr. Bartlett and his thoughtful staff do their best to respect your budget. His practice offers transparent reporting so all expenses are explained in advance of your procedure with no hidden charges. Payment may be made with any major credit card, personal check, or cash.

Once I decide to move forward with my plastic surgery, how long will it be until it is scheduled?

Most surgery can be scheduled within 4 – 8 weeks of your consultation with Dr. Bartlett. For those patients with skin cancer who have been referred to Dr. Bartlett’s surgical practice, he will make every effort to see you promptly and perform treatment in a timely manner.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

To provide you with the best and safest care possible to ensure optimal results, Dr. Bartlett has prepared comprehensive pre- and post-operative surgical instructions. Instructions for your procedure may be found under Patient Forms.

What is the recovery process like following my surgery?

Every surgical procedure is different, and the recovery period or “down time” for each type of surgery varies accordingly. Over the past 10 years Dr. Bartlett has worked to speed patient recovery by refining plastic surgery techniques, using shorter incisions, and carefully prescribing post-operative medications to minimize pain, swelling, and bruising. With almost all operations Dr. Bartlett’s patients feel well within 2 – 4 days and at that point are no longer taking pain medication other than Tylenol. Facial plastic surgery patients don’t experience much pain, but swelling and bruising may be conspicuous and can last up to 2 weeks, possibly affecting your decision when to return to work. Light exercise is usually permitted at 2 weeks, but for more strenuous activities, some patients are instructed to wait 4 – 6 weeks. For patients who do heavy lifting or have very physically active jobs, you may be able to return to work in 1 – 2 weeks, but be on limited duties for up to 4 – 6 weeks.

When will I see the full results of my surgery?

One of the most important messages Dr. Bartlett tries to convey to patients is that the final result from plastic surgery needs to be evaluated months after the procedure. Patients usually look fine and many see a significant result 1 – 2 weeks after surgery, however, there is continued improvement that takes place for 6 – 12 months

If you have any further questions, please contact our plastic surgery center in Brookline, Mass. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions or help you schedule an informative consultation with cosmetic surgeon Richard A. Bartlett.