Who can perform cosmetic surgery?

First of all... don’t shop price! Doctors with few credentials will frequently cut costs to entice more patients. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Prospective patients may not fully realize that all kinds of doctors can perform cosmetic surgery and that not all of them share the same degree of training and experience. More than 50% of cosmetic procedures are performed by non-plastic surgeons. Once a doctor obtains an MD degree he or she can practice any specialty they want without a single day spent in training. In most states they can even advertise themselves as plastic surgeons.   Most of these unqualified doctors offer a limited scope of services and tend to perform liposuction, breast augmentation or facial surgery.  Also the claims and advertisements of these self-proclaimed "board certified cosmetic doctors (some are dental/oral surgeons, family doctors, gynecologists, dermatologists, etc.)" are only adding to the public's confusion.  Yes it is true...in some states even dentists can perform cosmetic surgery... would you want your dentist to perform your facelift? In conclusion any licensed doctor can operate on you if you let him...legally...and, it happens everyday.  Because it is difficult for the consumer to evaluate competence and qualifications of a surgeon the medical profession has created board certification:

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the umbrella organization established to certify specialists in the US.   After years of formal education, specialized training and surgical residencies, surgeons take extremely rigorous written and oral exams.  Once they pass, they can call themselves board certified in that specialty. 

 Dr. Herve` Gentile is triple board certified:  the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  In addition he is on the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia ( MCG ), University of Georgia Systems, as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery.   He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS),  the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FAFPRS) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).  Dr. Herve` Gentile has privileges at the Christus Spohn Hospitals for all the cosmetic procedures that he offers and  there he is also the Chief of Plastic Surgery.

Where do you perform your surgery?

The safest place to perform your surgery is at a certified outpatient surgical center or hospital.  We take pride in the fact that we were the first in South Texas, since 1999,  to offer an accredited in office surgical facility.  A Better You Cosmetic Surgery Center has been certified as a class C for general anesthesia to the highest standards by the AAAASF (the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), which is the highest level of obtainable certification.  This ensures that our facility has been inspected, that Dr. Herve` Gentile has been credentialed to perform all the procedures offered and that an ongoing peer and quality review are present.  Accreditation by the AAAASF distinguishes us and assures you that we provide the highest level of quality care that you expect.

What does the fee that I was quoted from the patient coordinator cover?

This is a fixed and global fee. In other words it includes surgery, anesthesia, OR facility, supplies such as garments, implants (if required) and sometimes accommodations for out of town patients.  The only exception is some laboratory exams and the necessity, in special circumstances, of a private nurse if you cannot be adequately cared for by family members.  Although we strive to make our fees competitive and affordable, you will perceive the higher value when you consider safety, quality, experience, service, communication and our distinct environment that Dr. Herve` Gentile at A BETTER YOU Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center offers you.

What is the most common risk in cosmetic surgery?

The first and less obvious risk is disappointment.  This happens when the patient's expectations exceed the results of surgery.  It could either be related to the disappointment in their physical changes or the new improved appearance doesn't realize the lifestyle changes they had hoped for.  Although cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on your life it is not a guarantee for happiness.

What happens if there is a complication?

In certain circumstances both the patient and the surgeon can do everything right but an unforeseen problem occurs resulting in disappointment for both.  Although this can be handled in various ways, the most common approach is for the patient to pay for anesthesia and the facility, with the plastic surgeon donating his time, services and postoperative care.  Major complications such as major infections, extensive skin loss, fluid overload, etc. are rare in the hands of an experienced surgeon and can largely be avoided by the patient provided he or she is compliant in carefully following the preoperative and postoperative instructions. You should also be aware that insurance companies do not cover aesthetic surgery complications. The insurance company's stand is that if the patient chooses to pay, as an example for a tummy tuck, all cost related to that surgery are the sole patient's responsibility.

What happens if I have a minor imperfection and a touch-up procedure could improve it?

If the patient has shown a significant improvement but still seeks further improvement a touch-up fee will be applied.  Since many refinements can be performed under local anesthesia, the cost can be significantly reduced.

What can I do to influence my result?

Your general health, skin condition and healing ability as well as your compliance in following our pre and postoperative instructions all influence your results.  A healthy diet  in addition to exercising daily can help prepare you for an optimal postoperative recovery.  A good diet is categorized by a healthy choice of nutrients which include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well low fat proteins (fish, chicken, lean beef, eggs, beans, etc.), high nutrient carbohydrates ( most fruits, vegetables and whole grains and heart-healthy fats ( olive oil, almonds, avocados, fish oil, etc.).  A multivitamin with minerals is recommended and you should start taking it several weeks before and for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

If you are overweight or obese it is important for you to understand that you are at higher risk of developing postoperative complications and therefore weight loss should be considered an important part of achieving not only a better cosmetic result but also your goal of an improved and better health.   It is of the utmost importance that you stop smoking and avoid secondary smoking for at least 6 weeks before any procedure and you must be candid and honest about it.  Smoking not only impairs healing but also increases significantly your chances of developing a major complication.  In addition to prescription medications you need to disclose all over the counter and nonprescription drugs, herbs, vitamins and other dietary supplements since many of these can affect healing and cause bleeding.

Some of the nutritional supplements that can cause adverse reactions, poor healing and bleeding during and after surgery are: Bilberry, Cayenne, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Hawthorne, Kava Kava, Licorice Root, Ma Huang, Red Clover, St.John's Wort, Valerian, Vitamin E, Yohimbe.... some of the over the counter drugs are: Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ephedra, etc.   In addition to obesity all female hormones (prescription and natural over the counter) including Birth Control Pill can increase the risk of blood clot formation, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis thereby potentially resulting in pulmonary embolism.  All of these need to be stopped 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery date and for 6 weeks after.   Please contact our office for a complete list.