Frequently Asked Questions

We hear these questions over and over about surgical procedures. These answers to frequently asked questions may just answer some of your concerns.  Finding our information before your surgical consultation will help arm you with questions you want to ask Dr. Wells. There are answers here to frequently asked questions about skin care treatments as well.  They can help you determine which treatments are right for you.

SURGERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Can I have multiple surgeries done at the same time?

A:  It depends on the surgeries and situations but generally:

-You can do eyes and face at the same time.

-I can perform stomach and breast at the same time.

-You can have breast and arms at the same time.

-You cannot do legs with stomach due to circulation issues.

-Body lifts are also standalone surgeries.

Q:  What are recovery times for different plastic surgeries – specifically how long will I have to be off work?

A: It depends on what you have done and varies by patient. Generally you will be off work a week with a breast augmentation or breast lift. Plan on a couple of weeks to recuperate after a tummy tuck. Most restrictions end after three weeks for most procedures.

Q:  Are Dr. Wells’ surgeries in-patient or outpatient?

A:  Tummy tucks, Lower Body Lifts and Facelifts are in-patient. Other surgeries are usually outpatient surgeries. We perform some surgeries at our in-office surgical suite including upper eye lifts and submittal liposuction.

Q:  How do Dr. Wells’ breast augmentation prices compare to other plastic surgeons?

A:  Our prices are competitive with others in our market.  Our breast augmentation patients even receive $550 in complimentary Botox.  When you have gel implants a friend of yours will also receive $550 in Buddy Botox. Dr. Wells can perform breast augmentations in our in-house surgical suite which will save hospital costs.

Q:  What is the best implant size that I should get and should I lean toward larger or smaller implants?

A:  Dr. Wells makes his recommendation on implant size based on your physical size and the look you want to achieve. It is a good idea to bring in photographs of the size you are thinking about.  Keep in mind that almost all of our patients say after surgery that they could have even gone a bit bigger. Almost no one wishes they were smaller!  For athletic patients it has become popular to choose a B cup to compliment their lean physique and sporting lifestyle.

Q:  I just want a breast augmentation without a breast lift. Why do I need a lift too?

A:  If you get the recommendation that you need a breast lift along with your augmentation it is because this will by far deliver the best outcome for you. We often get patients in for a breast lift after an augmentation by another doctor. We also get breast lifts with implant exchange when another doctor has done an augmentation alone when a lift was also necessary. Just using a bigger implant will not correct the sagging problem. Only a breast lift can fix this.

Q:  Is there a way to finance breast implants and what is lowest monthly cost?

A:  Yes all our surgeries can be financed through CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit.  Our surgical coordinator Sheila Hancock can help you start the financing process with Care Credit to make this very easy for you. Care Credit offers monthly payments for your convenience. We see that patients have begun to prefer Alphaeon Credit because they approve more clients.

Q:  Why can’t I just have liposuction without a tummy tuck?

A:  Loose skin is the main reason for the need for a tummy tuck. Lipo alone will just make this worse. Liposuction doesn’t tighten the muscle so most of the bulging that bothers patients is actually from loose muscle. This is especially the case after childbirth. Tightening the skin and understructures is the only way to correct this. Liposuction combined with a tummy tuck gives you the body sculpting you are looking for.

Q:  Will insurance pay for a lower body lift after significant weight loss?

A:  No. We no longer participate in insurance coverage for any procedure.

Q:  Is the nipple removed during a breast lift?

A:  Many people think that the nipple is removed during surgery, but it is not. The nipple remains on the pedicle, and the skin around the areola is removed and tightened.

Q:  Is there a chance that I will lose nipple sensation or not be able to breast feed?

A:  There is only a 10 to 15% chance that you will lose sensation in your nipples when you have a breast augmentation or lift. The same percentage applies to losing the ability to breastfeed. This sometimes depends on the size of the implant used.

Q:  What is the cost to get implants?

A:  It varies with the patient’s needs but Saline implants start at $5700.  Gel implants start at $6950. We also gift all our breast augmentation patients with $550 in COMPLIMENTARY Botox as a bonus to give you more for your investment.  Patients who get gel implants also receive $550 in complimentary Buddy Botox for a friend who is new to Botox treatments.

Q:  What type of scar does Dr. Wells do with his breast augmentation?

A:  It depends on the needs of the patient. Typically they are circumareolar (around the areola) or in the fold under the breast.

Q:  Are Silicone Gel implants safe?

A:  Absolutely. Gel implants are actually the most researched medical device on the market today. Results show that gel implants are safe and effective. As a matter of fact they are by far the most popular and effective implant used in plastic surgery offices across the globe.

SKIN CARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BOTOX FAQ’S

Q:  If I have one treatment of Botox and don’t have any more will I look worse than I did before?

A:  No you actually will probably look better.

Q:  How many syringes of Botox will I need?

A:  Botox is provided in units.  One unit is a single dose of Botox.

Q:  How much will it cost to get my 11’s or Crows Feet done?

A:  It varies for each patient depending on your muscle strength and how strong you want your result to be. On average treatment of 11’s cost about $280 and crow’s feet cost about $185.

Q:  What is the difference in Botox and Filler?

A:  Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that “freezes” the muscle. This relaxes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers like Juvederm add volume by adding filler to areas that have lost volume.  Sculptra provides a framework in your skin that causes the skin to rebuild its own collagen. It plumps up hollows and furrowed areas of your face.

Q:  What is your Botox cost per unit?

A:  Our Botox unit price is $12 a unit, an extremely attractive price that we can offer because of the large volume of Botox treatments we perform. Dysport prices are comparable to our Botox prices.

Q:  What can I do to keep me from having a Brow Lift in the short term?

A:  We can do what is known as a Chemical Brow Lift with Botox.  This is done non-surgically in our office and is significantly less expensive.

Q:  What is the best place to start with Botox?

A: Get started by treating your 11’s which are the two vertical lines between your eyebrows. This will give you a refreshed and less concerned look for about $280. This simple treatment will show you the ease and subtle lift of a Botox treatment.

LATISSE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Will Latisse change my eye color?

A:  No. Since it was launched for external use for eyelash growth, not one change in the color of light colored irises has been reported. This impression came from its original use when it was injected directly in the eye for Glaucoma patients.   Dark flecks in the iris were reported by some glaucoma patients receiving this treatment.

Q:  When will I see optimum results with Latisse?

A:  You will begin seeing results in 4 weeks. In 16 weeks 78% of users see significant difference in lash length, color and fullness.

Q:  How long will one box of Latisse last?

A:  Six to eight weeks if you are using it as suggested for optimum results.

Q:  Do I need a prescription to purchase Latisse?

A:  Latisse is a prescription drug and Dr. Wells prescribes Latisse after a consultation to determine if Latisse is right for you.

FACIAL DERMAL FILLER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How long does a dermal filler treatment usually take?

A:  The injection process for a dermal filler generally takes about 15-30 minutes.  This depends on the number of areas you are having treated. You will also need to allow time to consult with us prior to the treatment.  Sculptra treatments can take twice as long.

Q:  What is a Juvederm or Voluma treatment like?

A:  Juvederm as well as other fillers are injected into problem areas using a very fine needle.  This to fills in moderate to severe facial wrinkles.  Juvederm instantly restores volume to folds such as smile lines, parenthesis (nasolabial folds) and marionette lines around the chin. Fillers temporarily add volume to the skin and may give the appearance of a smoother surface by delivering immediate results.

Q:  Is Voluma really the best filler to restore the ‘Apples’ of my cheeks like the TV commercials claim?

A:  Voluma may be the product of choice and is excellent for bringing back the youthful fullness and curves of your face.  A consultation with Susan Wells, RN, MS, CANS will insure that the right filler is chosen for your specific needs for the best result.

Q:  Are Juvederm results permanent?

A:  No fillers are permanent. Juvederm results last about a year and repeat injections are usually needed to maintain your desired level of correction.

Q:  What is Wells Sculptra Center of Excellence?

A:  Wells performs more Sculptra injections than other practices in this region, and offer advanced Sculptra injecting techniques in areas like the upper arm, thigh, knee & chest, which are not available from some other Sculptra providers.

Q:  How long do Sculptra results last?

A:  Sculptra’s results last up to two years with very high levels of patient satisfaction. Patients comment that correction is subtle yet significant.  Sculptra’s long lasting benefits make its cost very doable.

Q:  How does Sculptra work with my skin to create volume?

A:  Sculptra is not just a dermal filler, but is also a collagen stimulator that diminishes facial wrinkles by restoring the underlying structure of the skin and stimulating the patients own collagen growth over that structure to restore volume, thus enabling the procedure to last over two years.

Q:  Where in the face is Sculptra injected?

A:  It is used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. It works well to correct the deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds) that are also called smile lines, the lines framing your mouth that are called marionette lines, chin wrinkles and other deep facial wrinkles.

Q:  What makes Sculptra different from other dermal fillers?

A:  Sculptra is a less obvious, more gradual solution because collagen is actually growing and improving the skin subtly over time – instead of an immediate but shorter lasting result.

Q:  How many Sculptra treatments will I need to correct deep lines?

A:  Usually you will have 3 to 4 sessions over a few months.  These are spaced a month to month and a half apart.

Q:  Will I see immediate results with Sculptra?

A:  Actually a few days after treatment it is normal to temporarily look as you did before treatment. In a few weeks as collagen growth begins to take hold you will experience your initial improvement. Improvement will continue to gradually, subtly improve over a period of months.  You almost appearing to age in reverse!

REJUAPEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What results can I expect from Rejuvapen?                                                                                      

A:  Skin becomes firmer as it regains its elasticity.  Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. Pores are smaller and circulation is stimulated. The overall condition and appearance of the skin improves.

Q:  What skin problems does Rejuvapen primarily address?

A:  Rejuvapen addresses fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation and skin texture.  This is done by stimulating the skin’s natural ability to produce new collagen formation, creating healthier skin.

Q:  What areas are typical for Rejuvapen treatments?

A:  The forehead, around the eyes, cheeks, around the mouth, neck and chest are treated most often.  Rejuvapen can also be used on problem areas like surgical scarring.

Q:  How long does a treatment with Rejuvapen take?

A:  Procedure time ranges from 30-60 minutes per area.

Q:  Is it painful and is pain medication involved?

A:  All it requires is a topical numbing agent applied 15 minutes before your Rejuvapen procedure. Individualized settings allows for treatments to be adjusted to any skin type and sensitivity level.

Q:  What is the recovery time after a Rejuvapen treatment?

A:  There is very little down time. Patients will be pink – it will look like a sunburn and feel like a mild windburn – for about 24 hours. You can resume normal activity immediately after the procedure, including driving yourself home.

Q:  How many procedures does it take to see results?

A: You will actually see visible results after the first treatment.  It is recommended to have 3-4 treatments for optimal results.

IPL – INTENSE PULSED LIGHT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)?

A:  IPL is an innovative technology that delivers light therapy that targets the signs of aging and sun damage to provide a more refreshed, rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Patients treated with IPL over time were reported to look ten years younger!

Q:  What type of skin conditions can be treated with IPL?

A:  IPL Treatments for skin rejuvenation:

-Removes age spots

-Lessens freckles

-Reduces redness

-Removes or reduces small vessels (spider veins)

-Controls active acne

Q:  What areas of the body can be treated?

A:  All areas of the body can be treated.

Q:  Are IPL Treatments uncomfortable?

A:  No, however in more sensitive areas being treated, patients may experience some discomfort. In these cases we will use a topical anesthetic to make you more comfortable. You will discuss this during your consultation.

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  Because every patient is different a customized skin care plan will be developed for you.  Your skin care specialist will recommend regular restorative maintenance treatments for long-term improvement of your skin to maintain a youthful appearance.

Q:  Is there downtime associated with IPL?

A:  There is virtually no downtime. In fact you can apply makeup immediately after a treatment and return to work that day.

Q:  What after care is needed?

A:  You may be sensitive to sunlight and should apply sunscreen as directed by your skin care specialist. It is advised to stay out of the sun immediately following your IPL Treatment.

LASER HAIR REDUCTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What type of unwanted hair reduction do you do?

A:  We use Sciton Laser technology that targets hair follicles. Because it is absorbed by the melanin in each hair, it gives the optimal balance between safety for all skin types and effective hair removal.  Very light hair does not respond to laser hair reduction.

Q:  How does Sciton Laser Hair Reduction work?

A:  Sciton Laser Hair Reduction selectively targets hair follicles and heats them with laser energy. This system treats many hairs at once making treatment of large areas less time consuming. Sciton Laser Hair Reduction uses a computer guided scanning system. This ensures your skin is rapidly and evenly being treated for safe, effective and gentle treatment

Q:  Can sun tanned skin have laser hair reduction?

A: Sciton Laser Hair Reduction can safety treat tanned skin which makes it a perfect choice for active patients. Inform us if you have had prolonged exposure to the sun within the last three weeks and of tanning products you are using. Your treatment can be adjusted for the best result.

Q:  Can all skin types be treated?

A:  Yes all skin types from light to dark can safely be treated.

Q:  What should I expect after treatment?

A:  Some redness and slight swelling may occur in the treatment area This should go away in just a few hours. Keep out of the sun after your treatment and use at least SPF 15 sunscreen when going outdoors for a period of time as indicated by your skin care specialist.

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  Because every patient is different the number of treatments can vary based on the level of improvement you wish to achieve. A personalized plan will be made for you to achieve the best results.

Q:  Is laser hair reduction really permanent?

A:  You may require some spot treatments in the future for complete hair reduction. The vast majority of your unwanted hair will not return. The resulting hair removal has been life changing for many of our patients both men and women alike.

Q:  On what areas of the body can laser hair reduction be done?

A:  Virtually any area of the body can have hair reduction treatments. Each area is individually priced. Multiple areas can be done at one time depending on the length of your appointment and the severity of the treatment area.

-Face: Upper Lip, Chin, Sideburns, Cheeks, Lower face, Beard

-Bikini

-Underarms

-Full Arms, Forearms, Upper arms

-Chest, Back, Neck

-Toes, Fingers

-Nipples, Areola

-Full Legs, Lower Legs, Upper Legs

FRAXEL LASER TREATMENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  How does Fraxel work?

A:  Fraxel uses fractional technology to target damaged skin with microscopic lasers that penetrate deep into the skin. It treats only a fraction of tissue at a time – not touching surrounding tissue – to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. Old and damaged cells are replaced with healthy glowing skin.

Q:  How long will it take for results to appear?

A:  Results are both immediate and progressive. Soon after treatment your skin will feel smoother, softer, look brighter and show a more even tone. Over 3-6 months more improvement will come as deeper layers of skin continue to create new collagen.

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  You will need multiple treatments and that number depends on your desired result. The specific number will be part of a tailored treatment plan based on lifestyle and skin care goals.

Q:  What should I expect after treatment?

A:  You may experience redness or swelling, which will go away as soon as the next day up to several days after treatment. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two. The skin will behave as if it were sunburned. It will flake and exfoliate normally leaving fresh glowing skin.

Q:  Is Fraxel safe?

A:  Fraxel is safe and is backed by extensive research. Discuss any skin issues or concerns you have with us prior to treatment.

CHEMICAL PEEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What is a chemical peel?

A:  A Chemical Peel is a treatment where a medical grade solution is used to help remove dead skin and improve smoothness and texture of the skin.

Q:  What skin concerns does a chemical peel target?

A:  Chemical peels can target mild to severe skin imperfections and help improve the visible appearance of:

-Photo-damaged skin

-Fine Lines

-Wrinkles

-Pigment irregularities

-Acne Scarring

Q:  What types of chemical peels do you offer?

A:  We offer SkinMedica Vitalize Peels and Rejuvenize Peels, which we feel offer the best results for our clients with medium level to severe imperfections in the skin.

-Vitalize Peel: Suitable for all skin types with mild to moderate skin imperfections. Produces noticeable results with minimal downtime.

-Rejuvenize Peel: Deeper than the Vitalize Peel it is for patients with more severe skin imperfections. Produces compelling results with moderate irritation after the treatment.

Q:  What can I expect after my peel and is there a post peel regimen?

A:  Immediately after the peel and for 24 hours your skin may be tight and a little more red than usual. Avoid strenuous exercise that day.

Q:  How many chemical peels will I need?

A:  With each chemical peel you will continue to improve the condition of your skin by turning over new skin to the surface.  Old damaged skin is then soughed off.  There is no limit to the number of peels a person can receive as long as improvement continues.

Q:  What amount of time should pass before getting my next peel?

A:  Vitalize Peel can be repeated every 3-4 weeks. Rejuvenize Peel every 4-6 weeks.  The effect is cumulative with time and can be enhanced with SkinMedica daily regimen products.