Common Questions Before a Consultation

These are the questions patients ask most often before ever sitting down for a consultation, about candidacy, cost, credentials, and what a realistic outcome looks like. Individual procedure pages cover treatment-specific details; this page focuses on the broader questions that come first.

Am I a good candidate for a facial procedure?

That depends entirely on individual anatomy and goals, which is exactly why a consultation matters more than any general checklist. Dr. Konstantin evaluates each patient individually, including surgical and non-surgical options, rather than assuming candidacy based on age or a quick glance.

Is there a best age for a cosmetic procedure?

Not really. Patients at this practice range from their twenties to their eighties, and what matters is whether a specific concern and a specific goal genuinely align, not a number on a calendar.

How do I know if a doctor is qualified to perform facial procedures?

Board certification is the clearest signal. Dr. Konstantin is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, credentials worth verifying directly on those boards' own websites for any surgeon being considered.

Will my insurance cover a cosmetic procedure?

Generally, no, since these are elective procedures. Some exceptions exist for treatments that are medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic, which is worth raising directly during a consultation if it might apply.

Will my results look natural, or obviously done?

That comes down to approach, not just skill. A one-size-fits-all technique tends to produce the overdone look patients want to avoid. Dr. Konstantin's approach is built around each patient's individual features, specifically, which is what natural-looking results genuinely depend on.

What if I'm not ready for surgery yet?

Plenty of options exist short of surgery. Botox, dermal fillers, and skin resurfacing treatments can meaningfully improve texture, volume, and expression lines, often serving as a reasonable starting point before a bigger decision is made.

How can I get a realistic sense of what results to expect?

Before-and-after photos are the most honest way to set expectations, especially ones showing a similar starting point to your own. The gallery on this site includes a range of real patient results across different procedures and treatments.

What happens during the first consultation?

Dr. Konstantin reviews facial anatomy, listens to specific goals, and discusses which procedures or treatments genuinely fit, whether that's one option or several. Photos are often taken and reviewed together, so expectations are set honestly before anything is scheduled.

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Facial Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the surgery itself take?

It depends heavily on the specific procedure and whether it's combined with others. A single procedure like blepharoplasty might take under an hour, while a facelift combined with additional work can run several hours.

What's the difference between a quick procedure and one needing real recovery?

Generally, it comes down to how deep the treatment goes. Procedures involving muscle and tissue repositioning, like a facelift, need genuine healing time, while smaller, more targeted procedures often allow a much faster return to normal life.

When can I resume exercise after facial plastic surgery?

Most patients wait several weeks before returning to strenuous activity, though the exact timeline depends on the specific procedure. Light walking is usually encouraged early on, while anything raising blood pressure significantly waits until healing progresses further.

Will I need someone with me the day of surgery?

Yes, arranging a ride home and some help for the first day or two is standard practice, especially after anesthesia or sedation. This gets discussed clearly well before the actual day of the procedure.

How soon can I wear makeup after surgery?

It varies by procedure, but many patients can lightly conceal residual bruising with makeup within about a week to ten days, once incisions have closed and healing has progressed enough.

Does smoking affect healing or results?

Yes, significantly. Smoking restricts blood flow to healing tissue, which can slow recovery and compromise results. Patients who smoke are strongly encouraged to stop well before surgery and avoid it throughout recovery.

What's the advantage of an in-office surgical center over a hospital?

An AAAASF-accredited surgical center meets the same safety standards as a hospital operating room, without the added cost, scheduling complexity, or unfamiliar environment that comes with a hospital visit for an elective procedure.

Can a procedure be revised later if I'm not satisfied?

In most cases, yes, though revision surgery is approached carefully and typically only after allowing enough time for the original results to fully settle. This gets discussed honestly if it ever becomes relevant.

How soon after a consultation can surgery be scheduled?

It varies based on the specific procedure and the practice's schedule, but many patients are able to schedule within a few weeks of their consultation, once a surgical plan has been finalized together.

Should I get a second opinion before committing to surgery?

That's always a reasonable choice, and Dr. Konstantin never discourages it. A second consultation elsewhere can only reinforce confidence in a recommendation or surface a genuinely different perspective worth considering before deciding.

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Non-Surgical Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age minimum for non-surgical treatments?

Most treatments are approved for adults, generally eighteen and older, though the appropriate starting point depends on the specific concern and treatment. This gets evaluated individually rather than applying one fixed rule.

Can most non-surgical treatments be done during a lunch break?

Many can, yes. Injectables and IPL treatments typically take thirty minutes to an hour with little to no downtime, making them realistic to fit around a workday for most patients.

What should I avoid before a non-surgical appointment?

Blood thinners, alcohol, and certain supplements can increase bruising risk and are generally best avoided for a day or two beforehand. Specific pre-treatment guidance is provided ahead of the appointment.

Are non-surgical treatments safe to repeat long-term, year after year?

Yes, generally. Botox and dermal fillers have decades of safety data supporting long-term, repeated use for appropriate candidates. Ongoing use is discussed as part of an overall maintenance plan, not a one-time decision.

Can I return to work immediately after most treatments?

Usually, yes. Injectables in particular involve minimal downtime, and most patients return to normal activities right away. Laser and light treatments vary a bit more depending on the specific option chosen.

Will non-surgical treatments interact with medications I'm currently taking?

Some medications, particularly blood thinners, can increase the risk with injectables. A full medical history is reviewed before any treatment to flag anything relevant to safety or appropriate timing beforehand.

Is it normal to feel nervous before a first injectable appointment?

Completely normal, and common even among patients who've had procedures elsewhere before. Questions are welcomed throughout, and nothing proceeds until a patient feels genuinely informed and comfortable with the plan.

Can treatments be adjusted for sensitive skin?

Yes. Sensitivity, allergies, and skin type are discussed during consultation, and technique or product choice can be adjusted accordingly, including using more conservative dosing or a different formulation entirely if needed.

Do I need a consultation before booking a non-surgical treatment?

Yes, at least an initial one. Even a routine Botox appointment starts with a proper evaluation of facial anatomy and goals, not a walk-in treatment with no real assessment beforehand at all.

What if I've had a disappointing experience with injectables elsewhere before?

That's worth mentioning directly during consultation. Understanding what didn't work previously, whether it was the product, the technique, or the outcome, helps inform a better plan going forward this time.

Still Have Questions?

These cover the questions that come up most consistently, but every situation is a little different. A consultation is the most direct way to get a clear answer specific to an individual concern, rather than a general one.

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A consultation is the clearest way to get honest, specific answers about what's genuinely possible for one particular, individual face.

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