All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons.  At the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, our team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly.  We careful review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery.  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.

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.

During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you.  This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery.  We will discuss the results that can be achieved, the limitations of the procedures, and any options which may be available.  We will always make a recommendation for the least invasive procedure possible - this will help reduce your risk of complications and minimize your financial exposure. 

At the conclusion of your first visit, we will recommend a second appointment for a more in-depth consultation regarding the procedure(s) you have chosen.  During your second visit we encourage you to bring your significant other or any individual who will be responsible for helping to care for you following surgery.  At that time, we will answer any new questions you may have, implant sizing is performed, photos are obtained, consent forms are reviewed and signed, pre-operative and post-operative instructions are reviewed, a medical clearance and written prescriptions are provided, and a date for surgery will be selected.

At the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, we accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Personal Check
• Cashier's Check
• Mastercard
• Visa

We also accept financing from a variety of financing companies, including Capital One and CareCredit.  A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to schedule your surgery - this is typically collected after the second consultation, however some patients elect to make the deposit immediately after their first consultation in order to secure a specific surgery date.  The balance of the surgeon's fee and facility fee (when applicable) are due 30 days prior to your surgery.  In the event a payment must be made less than 30 days prior to surgery, a credit card or cashier's check is required - personal checks will not be accepted.

For patients who have decided to delay their surgical procedure for many months, a lay-away plan is available.  In this case, patients make small, monthly payments prior to their surgery until the balance is paid in-full.

Dr. Summers does not participate with any third-party insurance companies, so he will not file claims or seek reimbursement for any cosmetic surgery procedure.  However, when applicable, he will provide you with the necessary documentation to help you file a claim so you can obtain reimbursement. 

Scenarios in which insurance providers have reimbursed patient expenses include:

• Breast reconstruction
• Breast reduction (a primary care physician consult will be required)
• Upper eyelid lift (an ophthalmology consult will be required)
• Nose surgery to improve breathing

When an insurance company reimburses out-of-pocket expenses, they typically will only cover a portion of the surgeon's fees.  In some cases they will cover the majority of the facility and anesthesia fees.  Please note that if your insurance is an HMO, it very likely will NOT cover any expenses you incur for cosmetic surgery regardless of "medical necessity".  Also, some insurance companies require "precertification" - each patient is individually responsible for this on a case-by-case basis.

It is a relatively common practice for plastic surgeons 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, Dr. Summers will decide whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

Although your age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation, there is no blanket rule on age limiting the procedure(s) you may have.  People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery.  However, it is important to realize that there are limitations of plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or stop the aging process.  Also, 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 and, at the time of your consult, we will discuss in detail any limitations which may be encountered due to your age or general health.

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and light activity 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 return to your normal activities quickly. 

We take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all.  Visible scars will fade over time but are permanent. 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.