FAQs about Cosmetic Surgery in New Jersey
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
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. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly. We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with cosmetic surgery at our New Jersey practice. It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications. Please see the Peace of Mind tab on the Home page for more information regarding insurance coverage should a complication arise.
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. Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in reconstructive surgery procedures. 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 experienced team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. We 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 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, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Q: What happens during a consultation?
A: The consultation is designed to allow both you and Dr. Sorokin to better get to know each other. When you arrive to the office you will first fill out medical history paperwork. Next, you will meet with Dr. Sorokin to discuss what procedure(s) interest you. He will explain in great detail the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, surgical techiques, benefits, and potential risks of the procedures. In addition you will review photographs of similar patients who have undergone similar procedures. Next, you will be taken to the examination room where Dr. Sorokin will perform a physical exam. All exams are done in the presence of an assistant. All steps are taken to make this a comfortable, relaxed experience. Medical photographs may then be taken (done in every plastic surgeon's office) to document the preoperative state. Preoperative photographs are extremely important in helping Dr. Sorokin plan the surgical procedure. Finally, after redressing, an office member will review prices and scheduling options.
Consultations typically last approximately an hour. A nominal $50 fee is typically charged for a cosmetic consultation.
Patients are encouraged to come back for a second consultation if questions arise.
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. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.
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 within no time. Your scars will fade over time but are permanent. We take 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 we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Q: I'm interested in liposuction. Is the procedure right for me?
A: Many women and men can benefit from liposuction. Dr. Sorokin evaluates every patient individually to recommend how the procedure can help you. In addition to traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and ultrasonic liposuction, Dr. Sorokin is the first liposuction surgeon in south New Jersey to offer SmartLipo™ laser liposuction. Almost anyone can benefit from one or more of these body contouring options. Visit our special New Jersey & Philadelphia liposuction site for more information on what makes a good candidate for liposuction and to find out if this cosmetic procedure is right for you.
Q: I have a mole that I would like removed. Will my insurance pay for this?
A: This answers depends on whether or not the skin lesion is cancerous or has cancerous traits. Many age spots, and moles that have been present for years are benign (not cancer) and will not be paid for by insurance. Furthermore every insurance company varies on whether or not they cover these lesions. Medicare does not cover benign lesion excision.
Any lesion considered cosmetic by the physician needs to paid for prior to the procedure as any other cosmetic procedure. A suspicious lesion may be submitted to insurance for reimbursement but this will be a medical, not a financial, decision. Any and all skin lesions excised will be sent to a pathologist for microscopic examination.
Keep in mind that Dr. Sorokin does not participate in most insurance plans and that the cost of skin lesion excision usually will not be covered by insurance.
Q: Will my health/medical insurance cover my cosmetic surgery?
A: Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. For example, insurance providers will sometimes pay for breast implants to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; and nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better. These procedures require precertification with medical documentation and photographs.
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by medical insurance. Submitting cosmetic procedures to insurance for payment is insurance fraud and will not be done in any circumstance by Dr. Sorokin.
We accept payment via cash, check, credit cards, and multiple finance programs. See the Financing page for more details.
Q: Why is there a 6% tax on my cosmetic procedure?
A: In 2005 New Jersey passed a law requiring all cosmetic procedures to be taxed at the sales tax rate of 6%. New Jersey is the only state currently imposing this tax. Dr. Sorokin opposes this tax and believes that it is unfair and discriminatory to cosmetic patients. Still, the office has a legal responsibility to collect the tax and forward it to the State of New Jersey. All plastic surgeons in New Jersey must collect this tax. As a group, plastic surgeons have protested this tax to our state representatives and suggest that our patients consider doing the same if they find this tax objectionable.
Q: I was seen in the Emergency Room and my insurance company has not paid. What should I do?
A: Nearly all insurance companies cover their members for services in an emergency situation. Whether or not the provider is in or out-of-network, we believe the insurance company should be responsible to pay the bill. While this is not a problem for most insurance carriers, certain insurance companies (notably Blue Shield as the biggest offender) systematically do not pay the claim as it should be paid. The insurance company knows that they are responsible to pay the bill but often banks upon the notion that physicians will simply accept whatever is paid and at whatever rate they arbitrarily pay. Due to the low reimbursement rates by many insurance companies it is not possible for Dr. Sorokin to participate in most commercial insurance plans. It is the patient's responsibility to contact their insurance company and to appeal as necessary. Blue Shield and several other major carriers will often not accept appeals directly from our office as we are out of network. We are happy to assist in any way possible, but ultimately it is the patient's responsibility to get the bill paid. Call 856.872.4158 ext #3 to ask the billing department for more assistance.
Q: Does Dr. Sorokin participate in my insurance plan?
A: Dr. Sorokin is non participating with all commercial insurance plans. Emergency room and inpatient hospital care is provided on an Emergency basis. Elective outpatient care is the choice of the patient, who may choose any physician in the elective settings. Please check with your insurance plan administrator to check about copays and deductables for your particular plan. Dr. Sorokin charges the same to all plans and expects payment in full for services rendered to patients covered by commercial insurance. It is the responsibility of the patient to discuss with their insurance plan their financial responsibilites as individual plans will vary. Most plans will cover all costs in the emergency and inpatient setting if the patient submits an appeal stating that it was an emergency or inpatient setting. Dr. Sorokin's staff is available to assist in this process. Please check with your insurance company for in-network physicians for elective referrals.
Q: I received a check from my insurance company for services by Dr. Sorokin. What should I do?
A: Several insurance companies (notably Blue Shield, Amerihealh, and Tricare) mail payments to their members instead of to our office for services that we have provided. These checks are sent with Explanation of Benefit Forms that clearly state they are for services provided by Dr Sorokin, Delaware Valley Plastic Surgery PA. On receipt these checks should be endorsed "Payable to Dr. Sorokin" and mailed or delivered to the office with a copy of the Explanation of Benefits. Please call 856.872.4158 ext #3 with any questions or for assistance.
