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All operations are performed at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery International in Alexandria, Virginia. The center meets the highest standards of care.

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3. WHAT TESTS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE SURGERY?

All patients undergoing general anesthesia will require basic blood tests. Patients older than 40 years of age may need a chest x-ray and EKG at your surgeon's discretion. Occasionally older patients, or those who may have serious underlying medical problems, may be required to have pre-operative clearance. Your surgeon will advise you accordingly during your consultation.

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4. HOW LONG DOES THE OPERATION TAKE?

Not as long as you would think. All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, require no overnight stay and usually take only a few hours. You will have to arrive about an hour before surgery to check in with your surgical team and you'll need to stay at least one hour after the operation to recover from the anesthesia. By then you'll be back on your feet and ready to recover in your own bed or hotel room.

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5. WILL IT HURT?

During the procedure, our anesthesia staff insures that you're comfortable and feel no pain since you'll be asleep through the entire operation. Sometimes smaller operations may allow the use of local or intravenous anesthesia. This will be discussed with you in detail during the initial consultation with your surgeon. After surgery any pain or discomfort you may experience can be controlled through medication prescribed by your surgeon and will usually subside within a matter of days.

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6. HOW SOON CAN I GET BACK TO WORK?

It depends greatly on the procedure, but on average most patients are back to work within 2 to 7 days. Some larger or more complicated operations may require additional time away from work.

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7. WILL EVERYONE KNOW I HAD SURGERY?

Usually not, since good surgery enhances your looks naturally and it often goes unnoticed.

Friends may ask if you've been on vacation, a new diet or exercise regime, but typically they won't know you've had surgery unless you tell them.

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8. HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Procedures that focus on rejuvenation, such as facelift, forehead lift, eyelid surgery and laser skin resurfacing and tightening, can last from 5 to 15 years depending on the type of operation performed. Procedures that reshape or correct an imbalance, such as surgery of the nose, chin enhancement, breast augmentation, breast reduction and liposuction, usually offer permanent benefits that last a lifetime. Phalloplasty lengthening is permanent. A girth enlargement "touch up" may be scheduled after 3 - 5 months if necessary. This is covered in the original fee, however.

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9. HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I CAN EXPECT A FINAL RESULT?

This varies with the type of operation being performed. Generally there will be swelling and bruising for some time after surgery. Swelling will resolve slowly over weeks to several months, although most of it is gone in less than 30 days. Bruising is usually gone within a few weeks. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery.

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10. WILL THERE BE SCARS?

Yes, but they probably won't be noticeable. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures your scars will fade over time and become barely noticeable.

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11. WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?

As with any operation there are certain risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and significant scarring. Although these events are usually infrequent, they sometimes can occur. Specific potential complications vary with each type of operation and these will be discussed with you during your consultation with your surgeon. In very rare instances hospitalization may be required. See our new section on The Risks of Surgery.

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12. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Less than you think. After years of being perceived as something only for the rich and famous, cosmetic surgery is now priced for everyone. People from all income brackets are undergoing surgery. In fact, half of the patients who undergo cosmetic surgery make less than $25,000 a year. Breakthroughs in medicine and outpatient surgery have brought the price of cosmetic surgery down considerably over the years, while the quality has gone up.

During your consultation our staff will be happy to tell you exactly how much your procedure will cost. Please keep in mind not all patients are alike and some will require a slightly different operation than others.

The costs listed on our price list represent a range for the typical operation listed. You will receive a specific price quotation during your consultation visit. Some prices may vary depending on the complexity of the operation. Our staff is always happy to discuss these matters with you in more detail.

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13. CAN I FINANCE IT?

100% financing is readily available and an accepted form of payment for cosmetic surgery. With low monthly payments, financing makes virtually every procedure instantly affordable. We participate with a local bank and a national medical financing company (click here for more info on financing). Our office can give you all the details, either before or at your consultation. Approval usually only takes about twenty minutes. Even patients with "not so perfect" credit can usually be approved, but sometimes a co-signer may be necessary. Your monthly payment will be determined by the amount of your down payment, the interest rate and the term of the loan.

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14. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY OPERATION?

Your operation will include the surgeon's and anesthesiology professional fees, the outpatient surgery center facility charges, implants (if applicable) and all of your post-operative care. Lab tests, and other pre and post-operative tests and medications are not included.

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15. WILL INSURANCE COVER IT?

Usually not, since cosmetic surgery is elective most insurance plans don't cover it. But there are exceptions. Some functional surgical procedures may be covered by health insurance, in part or in full, depending upon your health insurance policy and the procedure you are having performed.

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16. IF A "TOUCH UP" OR ADJUSTMENT OPERATION IS NEEDED, WILL I BE CHARGED?

Your surgeon will do his best to give you the results you desire. Unfortunately, no guarantee or warranty can be given. Occasionally, some patients may require a "touch up" operation. If this should occur there is no charge for our surgeon's professional services, but anesthesiology fees, surgery center facility charges, implants, and any other ancillary expenses are the responsibility of the patient.

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For more information, contact: info@drgiunta.com