San Francisco Plastic Surgeons

Difference Between Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon and an ENT or Otolaryngologist?

I was wondering what the difference is between an ear nose and throat doctor and a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon? Can my ENT do my nose job ok if I went to him for a deviated system?

Thank you very much for your question.  There is much confusion in the public on this subject .  I feel

l that I am in a very good position to answer this question as I am both a board certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon (ENT) and a board certified  plastic surgeon.

Let me explain the differences between a plastic surgeon and a facial plastic surgeon.  

In order to become a plastic surgeon one must complete at least 3 to 5 years of general surgery OR be board certified in another surgical speciality such as opthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), orthopedic surgery etc.. Having completed this surgical  training there is an additional 2-3 years of study of plastic surgery and then examinations to become a board certified plastic surgeon. 

Facial plastic surgeon are board certified otolaryngologists who spend 1 year of facial plastic surgery training and then have examinations to become board certified facial plastic surgeons.

Both plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons are well trained in rhinoplasty surgery.

Now as for your question I would ask your ENT surgeon if he  has experience performing rhinoplasties and ask to see examples of his work.  If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and like his results then by all means proceed with the combined septal and rhinoplasty surgery. 

Donald M. Brown, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

What Determines How Much a Facelift is?

There are many variables in the cost of a facelift. Your geographical area can make a difference, and a facelift can include the eyes, and a browlift and more, all of which will increase the fee. There will be a fee for the facility, the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I recommend that you get at least 3 opinions of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, ask to see before and after pictures to see the type of work the surgeon does and ask if you can talk to a couple of patients who can answer questions for you as to what their experience was like. Don't look for the least expensive surgeon, look for one you feel comfortable with and like the results of the surgery. Good luck!

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

I'm a J Cup with Constant Neck Shoulder Pain. How Can I Get Insurance to Pay Some?

little about me I'm 5ft 7in 175lbs mother of 2. I have always had large breasts making sports horse ridding everything even cook standing painful to neck and upper back frequent migraines too. Well after 2 kids I'm now at a h-j cup size and can't find a 36 h or j bra and I'm so frustrated. I'm working on getting down to a ideal weight for me 150 then considering reduction. How can I get insurance to pay or help pay for this surgery? Also will they do a lift when they reduce or is the separate?

It sounds like you would be a great candidate for breast reduction surgery, however it depends on what insurance policy you have. You should contact your insurance company to find out what their guidelines are for coverage as they can vary. Most insurance companies require a minimum of 500 grams from each breast be removed, but many also want documented steps that you have taken to help your condition, such as:

• good support bras
• physical therapy
• analgesics
• weight loss

So the fact that you are planning to lose weight first is very good, you should be under a doctors care and be sure to have the doctor document all that you are trying to do. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will know how to help you get pre approval for your surgery. Good luck!

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon