Results in any form of plastic surgery depend not only on the skill and experience of the surgeon, but also on the health, skin texture, bone structure, and healing capacity and the particular problem of the patient. "Those who expect miracles or magic from plastic surgery, risk disappointment." It is necessary for those undergoing such surgery to have a sensible attitude, emotional maturity and to understand that "improvement is a more realistic goal than is perfection". The media has repeatedly given to the public much information regarding cosmetic surgery but unfortunately, in most instances, it has added unnecessary sensationalism. This may have encouraged some patients to expect a miraculous transformation or to seek absolute perfection. Such patients are not suitable candidates for cosmetic facial surgery.

    We must not forget that facial cosmetic surgery has to combine art and science together with aesthetics as the measure of a successful result. In choosing the surgeon, it is essential to be sure that he not only has manual skill and artistic imagination but also the scientific understanding of the function of the body parts which will be surgically altered. While he will make every effort to satisfy the patient’s individual expectations, it should be understood that sometimes the patient’s desires are surgically unattainable. Therefore, the patient must ultimately trust the professional judgement of the surgeon "for only he can evaluate artistic goals within the framework of functional anatomic limitations".

    The practice of surgery is based on a thorough knowledge of the basic medical sciences and clinical problems that require many years of studying, practice and constant efforts of self improvement, revision and comparison of results on the part of the surgeon. It also involves, however, many factors which are impossible to predict, such as the patient’s ability to heal and to resist complications. For this reason "it would be unethical for any physician to guarantee the results of any treatment he renders or operations he performs. He can only guarantee to do the best he can to help the patient".

    The amount of pain and discomfort following facial surgery varies with the type of operation and the individual patient’s sensitivity. Generally, a small quantity of pain-killing medication is necessary. Recovery after some operations is painless. The patient is incapacitated to some extent following these operations and he or she must be mature enough to tolerate the discomfort, realizing that it is only temporary. Cosmetic operations would not be so popular today if the risks were substantial. Complications are rare but they do exist. I would be glad to answer any questions with regard to the specific risk of any operation you are contemplating.

    All wounds heal by scar formation. The surgeon has little control over this process after the operation has been performed. However, the incisions for various cosmetic procedures are carefully designed in order to make the scars inconspicuous.

    Cosmetic surgery constitutes a purely elective procedure. "It is not an emergency or medically necessary treatment" and the fees are payable before surgery. The operation can be planned well in advance, enabling the patient to have sufficient time to arrange his or her finances.

    "Payment in advance does two things: it assures the surgeon that the patient is not undertaking elective surgery he/she cannot afford at the time and it assures the patient that his/her surgical fee for that particular operation, the usual post-operative care is paid in full and there will be no unexpected additional charges by the surgeon.

    The surgical fee in some instances will differ for a similar operation depending on the amount of work required. Please be sure to discuss the particulars of your payment with me personally.

    Health insurance does not cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. Sometimes, when a cosmetic improvement is the by product of another operation or part of it is designed to improve function or relieve symptoms, the insurance company will contribute towards the expenses to some degree.