COSMETIC SURGERY

Frequently Asked Questions Surrounding Cosmetic Surgery

A list of common questions about cosmetic surgery is provided below.  Please feel welcome to ask us about any you do not find in our list.

Do I need a referral from my Family Physician?

No, cosmetic surgery that is not covered by our provincial health care plan is something you can initiate on your own.

How can I make an initial appointment?

You can contact GHA Surgical Centre directly by phone and email, through normal business hours, Monday through Saturday, to schedule an initial consultation.  Contact us today!

Is there a fee for the initial consultation?

Yes, our surgeons charge a $100.00 consult fee.  Your procedure, should you decide to go ahead, will be reduced by this amount.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly. There are a number of “gray areas” in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient’s situation. For example, Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) – a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement – may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient’s vision.

How much pain should I expect following plastic surgery?

During a procedure, anesthesia ensures that you’re comfortable and feel no pain. If general anesthesia is used, you’ll even sleep through the entire operation. After surgery, any pain or discomfort you may experience can usually be controlled through medication and will usually subside in a matter of days.

Will plastic surgery leave a scar?

To most surgical cosmetic procedures the answer is yes. Will they be noticeable? Probably not. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures, your scars will fade over time and become barely visible.

Do you need anesthesia for plastic surgery?

Cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures require some form of anesthesia. During your consultation with Dr. Avram or Dr. Lemckert, you can expect a very clear explanation of which anesthesia will be used for your procedure, and why it is being chosen.

When can I go back to work?

Depending on the procedure performed, recovery periods vary.  And your recovery experience may be different from another patient’s experience.  Dr. Avram and Dr. Lemckert will address this concern with you, and will provide you with clear guidelines given the procedure you are undergoing.

Can I breast feed after implants?

Following Breast Augmentation, incidence of complications with breast feeding have been minimal.  If you plan to breast feed in the future, please share this information with Dr. Avram during your consultation with him.

What insurance covers plastic surgery?  Is Financing available?

Government health insurance in Ontario does not cover most cosmetic surgery. Some exceptions exists, including nose reshaping to improve breathing, or an eyelid lift in order to improve your vision.  Please discuss whether your procedure will be covered by our provincial plan with our surgeon.

There are loan companies designed specifically to offer financing for cosmetic surgery.  Please feel welcome to ask us about these companies and their plans. Details on these companies can be reviewed by visiting our “Financing Options” tab

How long will I have to wait if I elect to have a cosmetic surgery procedure?

Depending on the procedure and the availability of operating room time, the waiting time can vary.  Normally, once you have had your consultation and decide to have surgery, your procedure can normally be booked within a few weeks.

Can I have more than one procedure performed at the same time?

It can certainly be advantageous to reduce recovery time by combining procedures.  It may also be financially beneficial to you.  Depending on the procedures you have chosen, it may be possible to do more than one procedure at a time.  Our surgeons will discuss the viability and the cost of having more than one procedure at a time.