Consultation FAQs

What should I expect from a consultation? Your consultation is a time to express your concerns, learn about the ways Dr. Sherris can address your concerns and then determine the best way he can help you achieve the results you desire.

What does board-certified mean?   Dr. Sherris is double-board certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology(which focuses on the Head and Neck). This means that he has completed an approved residency and the required training and examination by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is therefore credentialed to practice facial plastic surgery in affiliated hospitals.

Hospitals will not credential physicians to practice who are not board-certified in a specialty. Many physicians can call themselves surgeons or practice cosmetic surgery without the required training in non-hospital settings such as surgery centers or offices. It’s important to always ask your surgeon about board certification.

Who is a candidate for plastic surgery? The best candidate for facial plastic surgery is someone with a healthy self-image who wants to improve a specific facial trait, yet understands the limitations of medicine, technology and their own body.  Dr. Sherris can address your concerns and help you achieve your goals in a realistic way.

Where is surgery performed? Surgery is typically performed in a hospital although some procedures such as upper eyelids or blepharoplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

How long will it take to recover from surgery? Typically in one to two weeks most patients return to work. For extensive facial surgery two to three weeks is usual.

When can I exercise? For most surgeries two weeks of no aerobic activity is required. During the post-operative period extensive activity can increase swelling, put stress on incisions and increase the risk for a post-operative nose bleed with rhinoplasty.  Also for rhinoplasty patients only, contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks post-surgery.

Do you have financing or payment plans? We offer 12 months interest free financing and more long term plans through Care Credit. To find out more if Care Credit is an option for you visit www.carecredit.com.

I would like to improve my appearance but I am not ready for surgery. What are my options? Surgery isn’t the only option. There are many in office non-surgical facial treatments that can enhance your appearance with no down time. These would include botox or cosmetic fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, RHA, or Sculptra Aesthetic.

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance? When facial cosmetic surgery is being performed for cosmetic reasons an insurance carrier will not be involved. If surgery is being done for reconstructive purposes from an injury, trauma or to address function or breathing a procedure can be covered partially or in full by an insurance carrier. Reconstructive procedures will always be reviewed and pre-authorized by an insurance carrier to determine if they are medically necessary and meet the medical policy.

Types of surgery that may be covered by an insurance carrier include rhinoplasty, upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and endoscopic browlifts.

What can I do before surgery to enhance the surgical outcome and recovery? There are many things a patient can do to enhance their recovery. These include not taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements such as multi-vitamins, fish oil or herbal supplements that can increase bruising.  A low-salt diet and restricted activity also helps to keep post-surgery swelling to a minimum. Dr. Sherris will also provide Arnica Montana which is a homeopathic supplement that helps to reduce bruising.

Is cosmetic surgery painful?  All procedures will have some level of discomfort, however, most facial cosmetic surgery is not particularly painful but feels more achy and swollen. We will provide an appropriate pain reliever for post-surgery. Most patients will typically take a prescription medication for a few days and then switch to an Extra-Strength Tylenol or acetaminophen (generic) medication.