Reader Question~ Insurance
June 2nd, 2010
From Katie:
Dr. Bashioum,
I am interested in upper eyelid surgery because I am noticing more hanging of the skin on my upper eyes. When I spoke with my family physician about it, he has recommended that I have it done by an ophthalmic surgeon, as I may be eligible for insurance coverage. I am sensitive to having facial surgery by anyone other than a plastic surgeon. Will you accept insurance for this procedure?
The demand for cosmetic surgery in my office has allowed me to opt out of third party reimbursement. In other words, patients directly pay for any of the cosmetic surgery done in my office. I do not believe that cosmetic eyelid surgery or any elective cosmetic surgery should be covered by insurance. There remains considerable disagreement as to whether these cosmetic procedures should be submitted for insurance reimbursement.
Reader Question~ Breast Implants
June 1st, 2010
From Rebecca:
Dr. Bashioum,
I have been to other plastic surgery offices for breast augmentation consultations. They have all told me that silicone was the only choice for me. Do you have any insight on why these other physicians are only pointing me to silicone?
There is a strong belief among many plastic surgeons that silicone gel filled breast implants are the best choice for their patients, because they believe that silicone gel breast implants both look and feel better. I cannot agree with these statements. The visual appearance of a patient’s breast is independent of what implant is filled with. Our Before/After photographs have shown the results of saline (salt water) filled implants. It is a choice that I leave up to my patients. In fact, Melissa discusses this topic in her patient blog. Click here to read about her decision.
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