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Will My Insurance Cover a Blepharoplasty?

Will My Insurance Cover a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty in San Diego, CAThe blepharoplasty procedure can be used for both cosmetic and medical reasons. As a cosmetic procedure, it can refresh the eyes and rejuvenate the appearance to give you a more youthful look. As a more functional surgery, it can correct drooping eyelids that impair vision or cause other symptoms. However, health insurance will cover a blepharoplasty procedure in only one of these scenarios. Below, we’ll explore whether your blepharoplasty will be covered by health insurance.

Cosmetic vs. Necessary Surgery

The factor that determines if your blepharoplasty will be covered by insurance is whether it is pursued for a cosmetic reason, like rejuvenating the appearance, or for a more medically-necessary treatment, like restoring your vision or treating a disease. Generally, cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance providers. This means that if you pursue a blepharoplasty to enhance the appearance (for cosmetic reasons), you can expect to be responsible for the full cost of treatment with no eligible insurance coverage.

On the other hand, blepharoplasty procedures that are deemed necessary by an ophthalmologist. In these cases, an ophthalmologist will have to examine the eyelids and determine that their drooping is contributing to impaired vision. Upon this diagnosis, you can pursue a blepharoplasty and expect to receive coverage for the treatment from your healthcare provider. The added benefit is that if you are receiving a blepharoplasty for necessary reasons, you also get to enjoy the cosmetic benefits that come with the procedure.

No Insurance Coverage? No Problem.

The potential cost of a cosmetic surgery is often a deterrent for patients initially interested in a procedure. Fortunately, there are some other options for you if you are interested in a blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons. First, the cost of a blepharoplasty is generally much less than other cosmetic surgeries. After meeting with Dr. Pollack for your consultation, you may discover that the cost of a blepharoplasty is surprisingly affordable.

Additionally, you can always explore financing options to pay for your treatment. With our available financing options, you can divide the full cost of your treatment into affordable monthly instalments. This gives you the ability to pay for your treatment over time, avoiding any large financial burdens by choosing a payment strategy that fits your budget.

Determine Your Coverage for a Blepharoplasty

If you are considering a blepharoplasty, contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment. We can help you determine if your eyelid surgery procedure qualifies for health insurance coverage so that you can understand the full out-of-pocket costs of the procedure.

What is a Good Age for an Eyelid Lift?

What is a Good Age for an Eyelid Lift?

Blepharoplasty in San Diego, CAThe eyelid lift procedure can dramatically youthen the face by giving the eyes a refreshed appearance. This eyelid surgery, also called a blepharoplasty, addresses the lower and upper eyelids to correct drooping, sagging skin and puffiness. These are the primary signs of aging that affect the eyes, making an eyelid lift an effective cosmetic solution. If you’re beginning to notice these types of changes in the eyes, you may be wondering at what age it is appropriate to consider an eyelid lift. Below, we’ll tell you when an eyelid lift might be right for you!

Any Age!

The good news is that blepharoplasty can be an appropriate surgery for patients of any age. In fact, age alone is no indicator of whether an eyelid lift is needed. Patients of all ages can be affected by changes in the appearance of the eyes, whether from the natural aging process or by way of genetics. The truth is, if you suffer from anything that affects the eyelids, the blepharoplasty procedure can be a great solution regardless of your age. When it comes down to it, the determinant factor in choosing whether to pursue an eyelid lift should be your personal cosmetic goals and whether you think you can benefit from the treatment.

Who Is (and Isn’t) a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

Most patients who are interested in the benefits of an eyelid lift are a good candidate for the procedure. While most surgeons recommend waiting to pursue surgery until after the age of 18, a blepharoplasty can theoretically be performed on patients of any age, as long as they are in good health. You may be a good candidate for an eyelid lift if you are in good health and experiencing any of the following difficulties:

  • Drooping eyelids
  • Impaired vision (from eyelids)
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Tired or angry appearance

 

However, it is important to note that there are some conditions that may make you a poor candidate for eyelid surgery. Some conditions can be aggravated by eyelid surgery, exposing the patient to risks both during and after surgery. You may not be eligible for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Dry eyes
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease

Is an Eyelid Lift Right for Me?

Ultimately, an eyelid lift may be right for you if you are in good health and you are hoping to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. After a blepharoplasty, patients can expect a refreshed appearance in the eyes that gives them a more alert and youthful look. At Pollack Plastic Surgery, we offer this and other cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollack and learn more about the eyelid lift procedure.

How Long is the Recovery for a Mommy Makeover?

How Long is the Recovery for a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover in San Diego, CAMommy makeovers are the ideal choice for correcting issues that have developed during pregnancy, childbirth and the natural aging process. The reason mommy makeovers are so effective is that they combine multiple cosmetic surgery techniques into a single procedure, targeting multiple areas of the body at once. This approach produces life-changing results, but it is important to be aware that it also comes with a few caveats. Perhaps most important is the recovery period following the mommy makeover, which can last from anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.

Explaining The Mommy Makeover Recovery

The recovery period following a mommy makeover is complex, which is why it’s difficult to give an exact estimate on an individual’s timeline. Most of the body’s recovery process occurs within the first two weeks. This two-week period makes up the traditional “recovery” period, during which time you should be getting as much rest as possible by taking time off from work and other activities. After this two-week period, you may still experience some side effects from your mommy makeover surgery. These side effects can include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Changes in sensitivity

 

The side effects above may persist for as long as two months following your procedure, although many will resolve much earlier. It is this duration of the recovery process that can be difficult to specify, as it will vary by patient.

What Influences My Recovery Period?

There are several components of the mommy makeover and your personal health that can have an impact on the recovery process following your surgery.

When it comes to the mommy makeover procedure, your recovery will be influenced by the types of cosmetic surgery techniques that are involved in your procedure. Most mommy makeover procedures involve some combination of a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast enhancement, but more can be added when desired. For procedures that incorporate more techniques and address multiple areas of the body, a longer recovery period may be expected.

Your personal health and recovery efforts are also vitally important to your recovery time. First and foremost, you need to adhere to the recovery guidelines provided. These are provided to you during the treatment process, and will include:

  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
  • No swimming or hot baths
  • Resting as recommended and sleeping in the advised positions
  • Taking medications as prescribed
  • Avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities

 

Following these guidelines ensures that your body heals as quickly as possible, while also preventing injury, complications and other undesirable risks. Additionally, we recommend eating a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water to give your body the nutrients it needs during the recovery process.

Are You Considering a Mommy Makeover?

To learn more about the mommy makeover procedure, contact us today at Pollack Plastic Surgery. With Dr. Pollack, you can discuss your goals, build a personalized treatment plan and achieve the best possible outcome. We’ll also be happy to discuss the recovery period of your mommy makeover, so you can best prepare for your treatment.

Can Breast Augmentation Improve Sagging Breasts?

Can Breast Augmentation Improve Sagging Breasts?

Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CABreast augmentation is one of the first choices for patients looking to enhance the breasts. However, it is important to note that the breast augmentation procedure can’t improve sagging breasts. In fact, in some cases, breast augmentation may actually worsen breast sagging! Below, we’ll explain why breast augmentation doesn’t work for sagging breasts, and what the best solution might be.

Why Breast Augmentation Won’t Work

Many patients assume that by adding volume to the breasts via breast augmentation that the breast implants will fill out the volume in the breasts and eliminate any sagging. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. This is because breast sagging is primarily a result of stretching skin and a loss of skin elasticity – not so much a loss of breast volume. When breast implants are placed in the breast, it may slightly disguise the appearance of sagging breasts, but it will not correct the issues with skin elasticity that cause breast sagging in the first place. In fact, the extra weight of breast implants may actually cause the breasts to sag more as gravity pulls the skin downward.

An Exception: Minor Breast Sagging

For patients with a very minor amount of sagging in the breasts, breast implants may be sufficient in correcting the sagging and restoring a youthful look to the breasts. The key indicator here is the position of the nipple in relation to the breast crease. If, when the breast is resting naturally, the nipple is positioned parallel or above the breast crease, you are experiencing minor breast sagging (ptosis) and it can be corrected with breast implants. If your nipple is positioned below the breast crease, the sagging is too severe to be corrected with breast implants.

An Effective Solution: Breast Lift Surgery

Fortunately, there is an effective solution for patients with any level of breast sagging. The breast lift procedure corrects breast sagging by trimming and tightening excess skin on the breasts, lifting them to a more youthful position and giving them a firmer, shapelier look. This enables patients to correct the issues that are responsible for sagging breasts, without the risk of worsening skin laxity. Additionally, patients who receive a breast lift also enjoy the benefits of perkier breasts, which may give the appearance of a fuller bust without requiring implants.

 

If you desire enhanced breast size in addition to these benefits, you can also combine your breast lift procedure with a traditional breast augmentation for comprehensive breast enhancement. In these cases, a breast lift can be combined in unison with a breast augmentation to deliver your desired results in a single procedure. If you are considering a breast lift, breast augmentation or a combination of the two, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Pollack and get started with treatment.

 

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CAMany patients are drawn to the breast augmentation procedure because of the appeal of life-long breast enhancements. However, the belief that these procedures can produce life-long results may be incorrect. Although breast implants are designed to last a lifetime, the truth is, many of them are replaced at some point. In reality, breast implants are replaced after about 15 years. Don’t worry, this isn’t a firm rule because of the breast implants themselves – it’s more a preference of the patient who has them. Below, we’ll break down what you need to know about how long breast implants last.

10 to 20+ Years

There’s a false belief that breast implants last only 10 years, which is an estimate made with outdated information and a breast implant manufacturing process that is no longer accurate. Today, breast implants are carefully engineered to last decades, even in the event of a rupture. This means that today’s breast implants are much safer than they used to be, and patients don’t necessarily need to worry about replacing their implants during their lifetime.

… Until They Get Removed or Replaced

That being said, many patients choose to replace or remove their implants at some point in their life. This can happen for a number of reasons. For starters, patients may choose to remove their breast implants if they’re no longer happy with the size of their implants. These patients may choose to go back to their natural breast size, or they may choose to replace them with new implants that are better aligned with their cosmetic goals. In either case, the implants are simply removed as a matter of personal preference, but not due to any sort of expiration of the implants themselves.

 

In some cases, though, there may be an issue with the breast implant that requires them to be removed and/or replaced. For example, if there is some sort of complication with the implant, such as a rupture, hardening or a shift in positioning, the implant will need to be removed for both cosmetic and health reasons. In these cases, the patient then has the option to permanently remove the implants or replace them with new ones.

Breast Implant Removal/Replacement

For patients who require breast implant removal or replacement, the procedure is not unlike the initial breast augmentation surgery. An incision will be made in the breasts in order to access and remove the implants, and in many cases, the incision location that was used for your initial surgery can be used again to prevent any additional scarring. Keep in mind that breast implant replacement will require a slightly longer surgery, and may lengthen the recovery process following your treatment.

 

If you are seeking breast implant removal or replacement, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollack.

 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Botox?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Botox?

Botox® Botox in San Diego, CAhas become one of the most recognizable and iconic treatments in the cosmetic industry, giving many the perception that it is somewhat of a “cure-all” treatment for aging concerns. As convenient as that would be, unfortunately, that is not the case. There are advantages and disadvantages of Botox® that should be considered by anyone interested in the treatment. Below, we’ll break them down for you.

Advantages of Botox®

Speed & Efficiency

One of the largest benefits of Botox® is that it takes just minutes to perform, and only a few days to produce results. In a world where we are often seeking “quick-fix” solutions, Botox® provides just that. This enables patients to rejuvenate their appearance in a matter of minutes, with the flexibility to do so on their lunch break or in-between errands. These benefits also make the cost of Botox® quite economical compared to other anti-aging treatments, so it’s often an affordable solution.

Minimally-Invasive (& Safe)

As an injectable treatment, Botox® offers a much less intimidating treatment experience than other cosmetic procedures that might require surgery or other invasive techniques. This means that patients don’t have to worry about severe side effects or long recovery periods, and the risk of any serious complications is incredibly low.

A Variety of Uses

Another benefit to Botox® is that it can be used for a variety of treatments. Although it is primarily known as an anti-aging treatment for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines, it doesn’t end there. Botox® can also be used for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines and TMJ.

Temporary Results

For anyone new to injectable treatments, altering your appearance may be a little scary. Fortunately, the results from Botox® last between 3 to 6 months. Although Dr. Pollack is an expert when it comes to injectable treatments, these brief results often give patients the reassurance that if they are unhappy with the outcome from treatment, the results will not be permanent by any means.

Disadvantages of Botox®

Temporary Results

As you can imagine, temporary results are both an advantage and a disadvantage! Most patients love their Botox® results, and unfortunately, they will only last between 3 and 6 months. This is a clear disadvantage compared to more invasive treatments or even other injectable treatments, which may last months or years longer.

Side Effects

Although minor, the side effects from Botox® cannot be ignored. After Botox® injections, patients may experience bruising, swelling, redness and discomfort in the treatment area. In most cases, these symptoms do not prevent patients from returning to their usual activities and lifestyle. However, it can be an inconvenience, and it’s something that should be considered. In rare cases, overuse of Botox® can prevent the use of certain facial muscles and result in what many people refer to as a “frozen” look.

Developing a Tolerance

Lastly, the body builds up a tolerance to Botox® over time. This means that after repeated treatments, it will take more and more Botox® to produce the same results as your initial treatment. For patients who plan on using Botox® treatments for several years, this is definitely a factor worth considering.

 

Are you considering Botox® treatments? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollack and get started with treatment! We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible results with Botox® treatments.

 

How Soon After Pregnancy Can I Get a Breast Augmentation?

How Soon After Pregnancy Can I Get a Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CABreast surgery is a popular option for women who have completed pregnancy, as it is one of the most beneficial times to receive these procedures. The benefits of these treatments are so great that patients are often quite eager to get started once they complete their pregnancy. If you are considering a breast augmentation after pregnancy, consider the following questions to determine if it’s the right time for you to get started!

Are You Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to both newborn and mother. For all parties involved, this process is so important that you don’t want a breast surgery to interfere. We recommend that patients wait between three and six months after they finish breastfeeding to pursue a breast augmentation. This is because the breasts are regularly lactating during the breastfeeding period, and even for a few months after breastfeeding is completed. Waiting three to six months allows the lactation activity to settle before surgery.

If you’re not breastfeeding, you will still want to wait at least three months after your pregnancy. There are two reasons for this. First, just like breastfeeding mothers, your breasts will undergo a natural lactating process. If you do not breastfeed, this process will stop and allow the breasts to return to normal within a few months. The second reason is that childbirth is incredibly taxing – taking three months after childbirth will allow your body to recover to a point where it is safe to receive a surgery.

Are You At Your Ideal Weight?

It is common for women to experience significant changes in weight immediately before and after their pregnancy. If your weight is still changing, you don’t want to schedule a breast augmentation just yet. This is because a large part of the breast augmentation process is selecting a breast size that best complements your proportions. If you are not at your ideal weight, and you continue to lose weight after receiving breast implants, you may no longer be satisfied with the breast implants you’ve chosen. Getting as close as possible to your ideal weight will ensure that your results are as predictable and rewarding as possible.

By answering these questions, you should be able to tell pretty quickly if it is an appropriate time for you to be considering a breast augmentation. If you’d like to learn more about the procedure or begin planning your treatment, contact us today at Pollack Plastic Surgery.

Do I Need to Lose Weight Before a Mommy Makeover?

Do I Need to Lose Weight Before a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover in San Diego, CASince the mommy makeover is commonly performed after pregnancy, many patients’ first concern is whether they need to lose weight before having the mommy makeover procedure. In general, patients are encouraged to be at or very close to their ideal weight before going into their mommy makeover procedure. Below, we’ll explain why this is the case, and give you some tips on preparing for your treatment.

Body Weight & Your Mommy Makeover

The mommy makeover is known to be a customizable procedure, often having some combination of liposuction, breast surgery and tummy tuck techniques. While liposuction does have the ability to remove a few pounds of fat, it’s actually better to lose this fat prior to your procedure, and for two reasons.

First, if a treatment requires extensive liposuction, it often means a more grueling recovery period. Your body will have to adapt to losing a larger proportion of fat, which can make for a difficult recovery process. Second, these treatments are designed to remove excess skin and restore youthfulness and firmness to the procedure. If you wait to lose weight until after your procedure, the once-tightened skin may then become a little looser. So for the smoothest recovery and longest-lasting results, try to lose weight before your treatment.

How to Achieve Your Ideal Body Weight

Although baby weight can be stubborn, getting to your ideal weight can be as easy as making a few simple lifestyle changes. For example, adding a brief 10-minute walk to your day on a regular basis can be enough to help you lose weight at a consistent, healthy rate. Looking for healthier food alternatives or exercising a little more often can both be achievable habits that help you get rid of unwanted fat. Try these tips out before scheduling your mommy makeover! You can get rid of some fat during the procedure, but the closer you can get to your ideal weight beforehand, the better your results and treatment experience.

Are you considering a mommy makeover? If so, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollack of Pollack Plastic Surgery. We offer this and other body contouring procedures to help patients look and feel their best.

Will My Insurance Pay for a Mommy Makeover?

Will My Insurance Pay for a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover in San Diego, CAWhile the gift of a child is one of the most beautiful things a mother can experience, the effects of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood on a woman cannot be ignored. Luckily, the mommy makeover procedure can address many of the effects that a woman experiences through these processes. In fact, many patients find that they look and feel younger than ever thanks to mommy makeover procedures. So while the benefits of treatment seem obvious, the first question on everyone’s mind is “will my insurance cover it?”

Insurance & Your Mommy Makeover

As a cosmetic procedure, the mommy makeover treatment is almost never covered by insurance providers. There are a few exceptions, and these are only made when there is a legitimate health-related need to have the procedure performed. Since mommy makeovers are nearly fully cosmetic, patients may have to look for other solutions when it comes to budgeting for this procedure.

Financing Your Mommy Makeover

Luckily, there are more financing options than ever when it comes to the mommy makeover and other cosmetic surgeries. Healthcare lending companies like CareCredit® provide patients with an affordable option when it comes to paying for cosmetic surgery. These services allow patients to pay for their treatment in affordable monthly installments, as opposed to a large, one-time out-of-pocket payment. Many of these lenders also offer competitive interest rates, making these options even more affordable.

Other Payment Options

In addition to traditional financing, you may consider using a credit card or taking out a loan to pay for your mommy makeover. Although the interest rates on these methods can be a little higher than those from healthcare lenders, it may be a more accessible option for some patients. In some cases, you might be able to borrow money from a close friend or family member. This may even allow you to take advantage of interest-free borrowing, which can be a significant cost advantage over traditional lenders.

 

If you are considering a mommy makeover, or if you’d like to determine the cost of your mommy makeover treatment, contact us today at Pollack Plastic Surgery.

How Do I Know if I Need a Breast Reduction?

How Do I Know if I Need a Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction in San Diego, CABreast reductions can be incredibly rewarding for a woman’s health, confidence and overall well-being. That said, there are many things that are not fully understood about the breast reduction procedure. Below, we’ll take a look at when you might consider a breast reduction, as well as the criteria that make you a good candidate for treatment.

Will I Benefit from a Breast Reduction?

Most women should have a pretty good idea whether the effects of a breast reduction will benefit them. Generally, if you experience any discomfort, self-consciousness or difficulties due to the size of your breasts, you can probably benefit from a breast reduction. More specifically, women who often experience back, shoulder or neck pain and soreness can improve their comfort and posture with this procedure. If you are self-conscious about the size of your breasts, or find it difficult to perform certain activities or wear certain clothes, you may also benefit from the results of a breast reduction.

Am I A Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

It’s important to note that even if you identify with the experiences above, you still must meet certain criteria to be a good fit for a surgical procedure. While the descriptions above are a good indicator that you should be considering a breast reduction, you must also consider your candidacy for surgery. For patients in bad health, surgery might be too much of a risk.

To be a good candidate for a breast reduction, you must be in good overall health. There are some health conditions that put you at a higher risk of complications during surgery, and patients with these conditions may need to explore alternative treatment options. If you are an active smoker, that will typically disqualify you from treatment, although there are some cases where surgery is still possible. Finally, you need to have realistic expectations about your procedure. Breast reduction surgery can be rewarding, but it’s important to be aware that there will be some scarring, downtime and risks involved in the procedure.

If you’re considering a breast reduction procedure, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Pollack. During your consultation, you can discuss your treatment goals with Dr. Pollack so that he can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. At this time, he can inform you of all of the details of treatment so that you fully understand each step involved.

Contact Us

Pollack Plastic Surgery

3720 Fourth Avenue
San Diego CA 92103

Tel: (619)639-7999