Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does plastic surgery cost?

A: Surgeries are customized to your anatomy and your goals. There is no set menu of prices for procedures because not all facelifts (for example) are the same. The best way to find out is to come in for a free consultation.

Q: Will I look natural after my procedure?

A: Dr. Goldberg takes very special care in making sure you do not look “plastic” after the procedure. He respects the individuality of his patients and makes sure that this is preserved through the process.

Q: Will Dr. Goldberg be performing my procedure?

A: Unlike academic teaching hospitals, Dr. Goldberg works in a private setting. There are no residents or interns involved in your care. On larger cases there may often be an assistant, but that will be another board certified surgeon under the complete direction of Dr. Goldberg.

Dr. Goldberg takes pride in maintaining an old fashioned doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Goldberg is the only one who will see you in the hospital and the office for follow up care. Dr. Goldberg will also personally respond to all questions or concerns before or after surgery.

Q: Where will my surgery be done?

A: Dr. Goldberg can offer surgery in either a hospital or ambulatory facility. He will guide you to the right decision for you regarding cost, convenience, and above all safety.

Q: Why should I choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for my cosmetic procedure?

A: Only a Board Certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Goldberg can offer you the full range of options rather than target you towards the few procedures that others may be trained to do.

Only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has the full surgical training to handle any and all issues that may arise throughout your surgery and recovery.

Board Certification requires completion of a nationally accredited training program, a survey of a surgeons practice and cases, as well as a rigorous oral and written examination to assess knowledge, and judgment in all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Q: How do I choose between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

A: Liposuction is good for someone who has good skin elasticity that will shrink once fat is removed. Often older women, women after pregnancy or significant weight loss have lost the elasticity of their skin and are better served by a tummy tuck. The specifics of each procedure can be found in the procedure section of the website.

Q: Should I choose silicone or saline breast implants?

A: The decision is very personal. There is no one right answer for everyone. There are plusses and minuses to each type of breast implant product which Dr. Goldberg can discuss with you honestly so that you can make the decision that is best for you.

Q: Should breast implants go over or under the muscle?

A: This is a decision best left to the surgeon. There are differences in the way that the tissues will respond to the implants in different positions.

It also depends on the type of implant that you choose, and what the breast looks like before surgery. Again, there is no right answer for everyone

Q: What is a Mommy Makeover?

A: This is a customized plan of body contouring for the breasts and abdomen to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy. This is usually a combination of a tummy tuck to tighten the stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin, and liposuction.

Breast rejuvenation can be by either a breast lift, breast reduction (for larger breasts), and possibly breast implants for women who may have lost volume after pregnancy.

Q: What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is the specialty of medicine dedicated to restoring and reshaping the human body. It encompasses reconstructive surgery, which is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by birth defects, developmental problems, injuries, infection, tumors, or disease; and cosmetic surgery, which is performed to reshape or restore normal structures of the body to improve appearance and self-esteem.

Q: Is plastic surgery safe?

All surgery carries some level of risk. However, plastic surgery procedures are considered safe when performed by a qualified, experienced, board-certified physician. It is important for patients to disclose all pertinent medical history to their surgeon, so that a true assessment of any surgical risks can be made.

Q: What factors impact the success of surgery?

A patient's age, skin type, general health, genetic background, and the nature of his or her condition can all affect surgery outcomes. Patients who smoke may not heal as quickly as non-smoking patients. Patients with sun-damaged skin may not achieve the same degree of improvement as those without sun-damaged skin. Though there is no way to exactly predict a surgical outcome, the surgeon will examine the known patient variables before surgery begins.

Q: Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?

If you are considering plastic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Exactly why do you want surgery? What do you expect plastic surgery to do for you?

There are two types of appropriate candidates for surgery:

1) Patients with a strong self-image, who are bothered by a physical characteristic that they'd like to improve or change. After surgery, these patients maintain positive images about themselves.

2) Patients with a physical defect or cosmetic flaw that has diminished their self-esteem over time. These patients may adjust rather slowly after surgery, as rebuilding confidence takes time. However, as they adjust, their self-image is strengthened, sometimes dramatically.

Q: What effect can plastic surgery have on my self-image?

Each of us has a "self-image," a perception of how we believe we look to others. People who are happy with their self-image are more likely to be self-confident, effective in work and social situations, and comfortable in their relationships. Those who are dissatisfied tend to be self-conscious, inhibited, and less effective in activities.

Plastic surgery — whether cosmetic or reconstructive — encourages and promotes a strong, positive self-image. Even a small change on the outside can create an extraordinary change on the inside, allowing an individual's self-confidence to flourish.

Q: Will my surgery be covered by insurance?

Reconstructive surgery is covered by most health insurance policies, although the specifics of coverage vary greatly. Some carriers may fully cover reconstructive procedures; others may pay only a portion of the cost.

Cosmetic surgery, however, is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective and not considered a medical necessity. Dr. Goldberg may offer financing programs that allow patients to make manageable monthly payments for cosmetic surgery. Click here to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg to discuss a financing schedule.

There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations — which may be reconstructive or cosmetic — depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) — a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement — may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.