14551 W. Indian School Road, Suite 240 Goodyear, AZ 85395

(623) 535-7050

14551 W. Indian School Road, Suite 240 Goodyear, AZ 85395

(623) 535-7050

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have A Question? We Have The Answers!

It’s natural to have a lot of questions about plastic surgery, which is why Dermacare is here to answer your questions and review any specific cosmetic surgery procedures with you. So let’s get down to the FAQs.
Oftentimes patients have similar questions about plastic surgery when they start to think about having a procedure done. Below we have answered some of the more common questions that patients ask us. We encourage you to read these and schedule a consultation appointment so that we may address all of your unique concerns.

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PLASTIC SURGEON AND A COSMETIC SURGEON?

    Any physician, whether or not a surgeon, may call him or her self a “cosmetic surgeon.” Right out of residency, any kind of physician may take a seminar in how to perform liposuction, call him or her self a “cosmetic surgeon” and open up a liposuction clinic.
    A plastic surgeon, on the other hand, must complete four years of medical school, five years in a general surgery program, and then at least two years in specialized plastic surgery training.
    Dr. Rod meets all of these qualifications, and his five year surgical program was in general vascular/trauma surgery where he was trained in everything from organ transplants to breast augmentation and tummy tucks. Some “cosmetic surgeons” tout having some surgical training, but fail to clarify that the training was in a wholly unrelated field. When it comes to the safety of your face and body during plastic surgery, trust a plastic surgeon with experience operating on all areas of the body.

    Another distinction is that only a plastic surgeon with his or her twelve years or more of general and plastic surgery education may be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board related to cosmetic surgery that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which is the only body widely respected by medical professionals medical certification in the United States. You may find it surprising the number of “cosmetic surgeons” who tout their certifications by private boards or associations that are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. But, most plastic surgery clients are unaware of this very important distinction. Many “cosmetic surgeons” are “board certified” – the real question is – by what “board”?

    After obtaining his specialized plastic surgery training at the world renowned Mayo Clinic, Dr. Rod became certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and later he became a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To gain membership to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a plastic surgeon must first complete the two-year long rigorous requirements to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, practice plastic surgery for at least two years after being so certified, and then be sponsored for membership by at least two other members.

    Plastic surgery is a challenging and rewarding field of medicine, and those like Dr. Rod who are in it work very hard to keep the qualifications and standards high for your safety and to achieve the finest results. When you’re deciding who to trust with your aesthetic needs, be sure that you are not misled by a doctor’s board certifications and association memberships that don’t live up to the superior qualifications and standards set in the field of true plastic surgery.

  • IS PLASTIC SURGERY SAFE?

    All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk.
    However, plastic surgery procedures are normally safe when they’re performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is important for patients to disclose all pertinent medical history to the surgeon so that a true assessment of any surgical risks can be made.

  • 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 any final result. 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 and can project an estimate of the surgical result. Patients can take comfort in knowing that most of the procedures performed today have been refined over several decades.

  • AM I AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY?

    If you are considering plastic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Exactly why do you want surgery? And, what are your goals for surgery − what do you expect plastic surgery to do for you?
    There are two categories of patients who are good candidates for surgery. The first includes 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 feel good about the results and maintain a positive image about themselves.
    The second category includes patients who have 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, these patients’ self-image is strengthened, sometimes dramatically.
    It’s important to remember that plastic surgery can create both physical changes and changes in self-esteem. If you are seeking surgery with the hope of influencing a change in someone other than yourself, you might end up disappointed. It’s possible that friends and loved ones will respond positively to your change in appearance and self-confidence, however understand and accept that plastic surgery will not cause dramatic changes in people other than you.

  • WILL MY SURGERY BE COVERED BY INSURANCE?

    Plastic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective and not considered a medical necessity. At Dermacare, we accept major credit cards and offer financing programs that allow patients to make manageable monthly payments for plastic surgery.

    Keep in mind that there are a number of “gray areas” in plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. For example, eyelid surgery − a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement − may be covered if drooping eyelids obscure a patient’s vision. In assessing whether the procedure will be covered, the carrier often looks at the primary reason the procedure is being performed: is it for relief of symptoms or for aesthetic improvement?

  • WHAT EFFECT CAN PLASTIC SURGERY HAVE ON MY SELF-IMAGE AFTER SURGERY?

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

    Plastic surgery 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.

  • AT WHICH HOSPITALS DOES DR. ROD HAVE SURGICAL PRIVILEGES?

    Dr. Rod has hospital privileges to perform surgery at the following facilities:
    ● Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center (Phoenix).● Canyon Surgery Center (Phoenix).● Regional Medical Center (Chandler).● Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix).● Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak (Scottsdale).● Scottsdale Healthcare Osborne (Scottsdale).● Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center (Scottsdale).

  • WHAT IS TICKLE LIPOSUCTION?

    Tickle Lipo is a safe and effective way to remove fat and create “high-definition” sculpting and is ideal almost anywhere that you experience stubborn fat on your body, including the abdomen, hips, inner and outer thighs, and upper arms.

    The cutting-edge technology of Tickle Lipo is unique in that it generates a 3-dimensional vibration that breaks up fat. With this process, fat is more likely to survive if it is being transferred to add volume to breasts or buttocks.
    Unlike current liposuction techniques that utilize laser or ultrasound energy, the cannula used in Tickle Lipo stays cool, thus eliminating the risk of burning any tissue. Additionally, the hand piece has an automatic shut off when it approaches non-fatty tissue such as skin or muscle, thereby protecting the surrounding tissue from injury. These safety features enable Tickle Lipo to safely and more effectively remove fat.

    The many benefits of Tickle Lipo include a shorter procedure time with less pain and less downtime, less bruising, and less swelling following the procedure.
    If you are interested in Tickle Lipo, please contact Dermacare Plastic Surgery for a free consultation. Dermacare is the only licensed clinic in Arizona to offer this revolutionary procedure. Dr. Rod, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has many years of liposuction experience and has performed liposuction with different types of equipment. In his experience, none of the other methods of liposuction are able to break up and remove fat as safely, effectively, and evenly as Tickle Lipo.

  • WHAT IS MICRO-NEEDLING?

    Micro-Needling, also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), offers results similar to that of some laser treatments and chemical peels. This is a safe and affordable skin renewal technique to restore the healthy and youthful appearance of your skin with natural results.
    Not only is this therapeutic tool used for collagen production, its other uses include the treatment of skin tightening, aging skin, pore size reduction, skin texture improvement, stretch marks, and scarring from acne.

    Although needling is most frequently performed on the face, it is an excellent treatment for anywhere on the body and for all skin types, including ethnic and fragile skin around the neck, mouth, and eyes.

    To stimulate collagen and elastin production, the micro-needling pen’s tip has 12 fine needles. The pen’s micro-channels allow the infusion of collagen stimulating products such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin-C serum or skin lightener for pigmentation to penetrate the skin’s surface. In response to the stimulus, the skin plumps and thickens.

    The resulting benefits of micro-needling include the softening of fine lines and wrinkles; the restoration of skin thickness, tightness and elasticity; the reduction of acne and minor scarring; and the improvement of stretch marks.

    Micro-needling can be safely repeated every 4-6 weeks until the desired results are achieved. Some patient may require only one treatment while a patient with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars may require 6-8 sessions. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 2-3 treatments.

  • WHAT IS A HETTER PEEL?

    Are you looking to eliminate stubborn lines and wrinkles from your face? Then the results of a Hetter Peel might be the right option for you, and well worth the wait!

    When it comes to extensive sun damage and deep wrinkles, nothing compares to the Hetter Peel formula. With its active ingredient of croton oil, the Hetter Peel, or modified Phenol Peel, penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, addressing textural changes in the skin.

    The Peel works by gently burning the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh face. While under local anesthesia, the chemical is brushed on your skin, turning the skin to white or gray. A typical, full-facial procedure may take up to 90 minutes and treated areas should develop new skin within two weeks after the peel.

    While the initial healing time from a Hetter Peel is generally a week to 10 days, the recovery time may last longer as there is an extended period of redness. During this time your skin will be extra sensitive, while make-up is allowed, it is important to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

    Don’t be discouraged by the recovery time as the results are well worth it. You will be left with a healthier, more natural, and younger-looking appearance.

    A Hetter Peel can give you the longest lasting effect of a dramatically smoother complexion by tightening the skin and improving the appearance of age spots and pigmentation problems. It also treats wrinkles around the mouth, forehead furrows, and crow’s feet.

  • WHAT IS A LASTING FACELIFT?

    Are you ready to look as young as you feel? Even with today’s health-conscious lifestyle many people still lament that their faces do not reflect their youthful attitudes.
    The effects of aging and years of sun damage are finally catching up to them. Their skin begins to loosen, crow’s feet begin to appear, and fine lines have now become deeper folds. Jawlines soften into jowls and beneath the chin, another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Let’s face it, it’s not a pretty sight.
    Fortunately many plastic surgery procedures can restore a fresher-looking appearance and improve the visible signs of aging, offering long-term results.
    A Lasting Facelift is the most effective approach for treating facial wrinkles, and sagging of the face and neck caused by aging. A facelift removes excess skin, tightens underlying tissues and muscle, and redrapes the skin on the face and neck. It can correct mid-face sagging, marionette lines, jowls and a double chin, maintaining its reputation as the ‘gold standard’ for facial rejuvenation.
    Other rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are a brow lift, to correct sagging or deeply furrowed brows, and an eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.
     Your genes, skin quality, and maintenance routine are important factors in the longevity of your facelift, but the facelift technique is the number one factor in determining how long the result will last, which can be about five to 10 years.
    Before you consider any cosmetic procedure, discuss your goals and expectations with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only Board recognized by the prestigious American Board of Medical Specialties.

  • WHAT IS A BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT?

    If you’re like many women, you may be envious of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, who have prominent butts. Genetics and an athletic lifestyle, however, may dictate the appearance of your derriere, causing it to look flat, undefined, or even masculine.

    A Butt Lift can increase the roundness, fullness and projection of your buttocks, as well as improve the balance of your figure, thereby enhancing your self-image and self-confidence.

    A Butt Lift is right for individuals who do not like the shape of their buttocks, or are looking to balance their body. It is commonly performed with implants or fat transfer, or a combination of both. The fat transfer procedure, commonly known as a “Brazilian Butt Lift,” is a process that involves taking fat from other parts of the body, purifying it, and then re-injecting it back into the body. For symmetry, and to ensure there is enough fat for the whole procedure, the surgeon will typically harvest the fat from two areas of the body.

    The fat is removed via liposuction, which in turn contours the areas of the body around the buttocks, such as the area of the back just above the butt, the stomach, and the thighs. After purification, special cannulas are used to place the fat into the areas of the buttocks that will make it fuller, rounder and more lifted.

    As with most plastic surgery procedures, a Butt Lift can be a stand-alone procedure, or performed with other body contouring procedures.

  • WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

    If you are in the market to improve your appearance in a very significant way, then you might want to consider dermal fillers. So what exactly are these important advances in anti-aging technology, and what can they do for you? The answer is quite simple. They will add temporary volume to areas of facial tissue.

    The Top Two Dermal Fillers

    There are many types of dermal fillers, but the big two are JUVÉDERM®, and VOLUMA®. These are otherwise known as injectables, since a doctor will have to administer these dermatological treatments in their office. It usually takes approximately an hour to work on various areas of the face. If you are wary of injectables due to a fear of needles, the skin can be numbed to make the procedure more comfortable. Plus, the needles used are quite small, and with the right doctor, the whole process is over before you know it.

    Injected into facial tissue, dermal fillers will add temporary volume to skin where wrinkles and folds tend to occur, especially around the mouth and nose area. The JUVÉDERM® and VOLUMA® gel filler is made up of hyaluronic acid that works naturally with the skin to restore contours, and volume due to loss of firmness as we age. You will see by using the right combination of dermal fillers for your own skin type is going to produce spectacular results. Be ready to explore what dermal fillers can do for your overall anti-aging goals.