FAQs

Plastic Surgery Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked plastic surgery questions patients have about procedures and plastic surgery issues. If you have any other plastic surgery questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you. Call 703-421-6000 today!

Q: Is plastic surgery safe?

A: All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons. Dr. Klainer and his team are dedicated to making your operation go smoothly. He carefully reviews your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that he is able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.

Q: How do I know if plastic surgery is right for me?

A: There several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are. People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem. Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals and your plastic surgery questions during your initial consultation.

Q: Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously?

A: It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better "sculpt" your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, Dr Klainer will decide whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

Q: Does it matter how old I am?

A: Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age, although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children! It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery cannot "fix" every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. Be sure to ask any age-related plastic surgery questions you have with Dr. Klainer. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.

Q: Dr Klainer - there are lots of plastic surgeons. Why choose him?

A: Excellent question - the answer is that Dr Klainer is highly qualified, very experienced, he is a perfectionist at what he does and he never settles for anything less than outstanding results. But every plastic surgeon will say that, so we know that it is not a good enough answer. Chances are that you have been referred to Dr Klainer by a satisfied patient – so ask that patient! Ask them about the whole process from the first free consultation through to our concerned after care. Ask if we were there every step of the way, and most of all, ask if they were happy with the outcome. Then give us a call with your plastic surgery questions and experience a whole different standard of first class results and patient care.

Q: Consulting Dr Klainer - how does it work?

A: Your first consultation with Dr Klainer is always free of charge. At that consultation he will carefully review your medical history with you and discuss your treatment goals and expectations and the options available to you to reach them. He will also explain the proposed treatment, its risks and side effects, the expected recovery time and how realistic your expectations are. You are encouraged to ask him as many plastic surgery questions as you wish because it is in your best interests and Dr Klainer's to have you as mentally, emotionally and physically prepared and informed as possible.

Q: How long will it take to recover from my surgery?

A: Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities very soon. Your scars will fade over time but are permanent. Dr Klainer takes care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all. The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation Dr Klainer can answer your plastic surgery questions, discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.

Q: 'Board Certified' Plastic Surgeon - What does it mean?

A: A recent trend among some doctors in other specialties is to offer patients 'cosmetic' procedures which ultimately is a good sideline for them. But, did you know that they can't call themselves 'plastic surgeons'? That's because only board certified plastic surgeons can do that. Board certified plastic surgeons are held to stringent practices and guidelines designed to protect you. For the very best plastic surgery results you want a real board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced, qualified, specializes in plastic surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Board of Medical Specialties - like Dr. Peter Klainer.

Q: Are breast implants safe?

A: The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades. As a result, more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients. Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution. Rarely, an implant will rupture or leak. With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body. The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being researched. If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant can be easily replaced. Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts or loss of sensation in the breasts, and capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant). Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. Dr. Klainer takes every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of complications.

Q: Does plastic surgery hurt?

A: You will be under anesthesia during your operation so there will be no pain during the operation. In the days (or weeks) following the operation, you may experience some discomfort which can be effectively treated with oral medication.

Q: What kind of anesthesia will be used?

A: The type of the anesthesia varies with each procedure. For some procedures, only local anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation is needed. This method will allow you to be awake, but insensitive to any pain. In more complex procedures, general anesthesia is needed and you will be asleep during the entire procedure. The anesthesia used in your operation will depend on the type and extent of the procedure(s), your age, and the surgeon's preference.

Q: Financing - Does Dr Klainer offer any financing options?

A: We can assist you with arranging your own financing or, if you would feel more comfortable going to a new source, we can introduce you to a number of finance companies who are accustomed to making the necessary arrangements. Contact us at 703-421-6000 to answer your plastic surgery financing questions in detail.

Q: Insurance - Does Dr Klainer take medical insurance?

A: No – Dr Klainer's practice is strictly private only and he does not participate in any medical insurance plans. Should you require assistance filing your own insurance claim relating to treatment provided by Dr Klainer, his practice office will be glad to assist you.

Q: Privacy and Confidentiality - can I count upon it?

A: Absolutely yes! We take your privacy and the confidentiality of your interaction with us very seriously indeed. Not only is it your right, but we believe that you deserve nothing less.

Dr. Peter Klainer is in compliance with HIPAA and is committed to maintaining the privacy of health information and to provide patients with a notice of its legal duties and privacy practices. Dr. Peter Klainer will not use or disclose private health information except as described in this notice. "Private Health Information" is information about you which was created or received by Dr. Peter Klainer and that relates to a past, present or future physical or mental health or condition, or the provision of, or payment for, health care and which could be used to identify the patient.