Our patients are important to us not just as cases but as individuals and human beings. Everyone is unique and has different personal needs and care requirements. We are dedicated to treating each person uniquely and personally to make his or her sojourn through the facial plastic surgery experience easy, comfortable and hopefully enjoyable. The following questions are ones we most often encounter. Hopefully the answers will be helpful and educational.
What will happen at my consultation?
When you arrive at our center, you will be asked to complete a brief information form. Then digital photographs will be taken for use during the consultation. You will meet Dr. Truswell in his office. Your needs and concerns will be discussed. You will see before and after photographs of many patients who have undergone the same procedures that you are interested in. Then Dr. Truswell will use the computer imager to demonstrate how your appearance may be changed with the proposed surgery. You will have as much time as you need to talk with Dr. Truswell and ask any and all questions. If you elect to proceed, Lynn Truswell, the practice’s administrator, will discuss fees and times with you.
How do I know Dr. Truswell is the right surgeon for me?
In choosing a surgeon you need to know his experience and the results of his work. Pre and postoperative pictures should have been shown. Find out about board certification. Does the surgeon do only facial plastic surgery or does he perform other non-plastic surgical operations. If so, why? How much of his formal training was in Facial Plastic Surgery? Do you like him and his staff enough to trust them with the care and surgery of your face? Can you speak with patients who have had similar operations?
How should I prepare for my visit?
Read and listen to all the information you can about plastic surgery. Thoroughly review all the literature we have sent to you prior to your consultation. Dr. Truswell will discuss the expected results, possible risks, any limitations and possible adjunctive procedures for the improvements you desire. Alternatives to surgery will also be demonstrated.
How can I tell what my surgery result will be?
Computer imaging will give you a general idea how you appearance could be altered to fulfill your expectations. This is not a guarantee of results, but an educational tool to help you decide if such an alteration is right for you. The best indication of results is the review of the pre and postoperative photographs of Dr. Truswell’s patients. If you wish, we will put you in contact with a patient who has previously undergone the same procedure you are contemplating.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You may be given pre operative medication; if so someone must drive you to the office, drive you home and stay with you for the first post operative night. It is important to arrive on time and to follow all the pre operative instructions you have been given. If you are having managed anesthesia care, an IV will be inserted, monitoring equipment will be connected and the anesthesiologist will administer medication that will take you “miles away”. Generally you will have no memory of the intraoperative events and you will have a general sense of well being at the end of the procedure. Dressings will be applied and you will be taken to the post surgery recovery unit. Here monitoring will continue and you will receive something to eat and drink. When fully alert you will be able to go home. If you are from out of the local area, we will recommend that you stay at a local inn. Our staff will make the necessary arrangements for your accommodations.
What will my post operative course be like? How much will it hurt? When can I go back to work?
One of our nurses will call you during the evening after you arrive at home. You will also be provided with her beeper and home phone number if you have any concerns. You will be seen in the office on the day after surgery. Most dressings will be removed or changed (except nasal splints). Postoperative instructions will be reviewed. Facelift patients will have their hair washed and blow-dried and they may wear make up that day.
In most cases there is very little discomfort. The majority of patients use Tylenol rather than the prescribed narcotic. We frequently are told: “If I knew it would have been this easy I would have done it years ago”.
In most instances patients return to normal activities in seven to ten days. Laser patients require ten to fourteen days before they resume their routines.
What are the costs?
Our fees are competitive in Western and Southern New England and fall on the lower half of the national bell curve.https://app.prosperhealthcare.com/030433