Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon
The Expert's Guide To Safe, Successful Surgery
The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion
Don't Consult A Cosmetic Surgeon Without This Book!
Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed the 10 most commonly asked questions when consulting with Dr. Kotler. If we did not address your question, please feel free to call or email our office. We want you to be informed!
Q: If I see a picture in a magazine of a facial feature that I like, should I bring the photo to the consultation?
A: Yes, Dr. Kotler would be happy to review the photos with you. This can help us understand your desires. You will also have computer imaging so you can see the predicted result of your procedure. Imaging is the best way to determine what you like and what will look the most natural.
Q: What’s the average “down-time” after surgery?
A: For cosmetic and/or functional nasal surgery, otoplasty, chin augmentation, blepharoplasty and neck sculpture, plan on 7-10 days. For a face and neck lift and the chemical skin peel, plan on10-14 days. You are not bed-bound nor house-bound; just “not quite ready for prime-time”. You can walk for exercise and are not prohibited from anything, consistent with you desires, except strenuous exercise.
Q: Will I meet with Dr. Kotler during the consultation?
A: Yes, of course! It is imperative to meet with the doctor who will be performing your procedure. Dr. Kotler believes in educating the patient and he is happy to answer all of your questions. And, if you wish to have another consultation after the initial consultation, fine with us. There is no charge for additional consultations.
Q: If I am going to have cosmetic and functional nasal surgery, will my insurance cover any portion of the procedure?
A: Depending on your health insurance, the functional portion of your surgery may be covered. Dr. Kotler is not an employee of any insurance company, but our office will do all the paperwork and submit your claim for processing and payment.
Q: If I am going to have cosmetic and functional nasal surgery, will Dr. Kotler write my employer/school a note notifying them of my need to stay at home to recover.
A: Yes, he will. Functional nasal surgery is a non-elective, necessary medical procedure to improve breathing, relieve sinus congestion and often lessen nasal allergy symptoms . Your employer/school should give you medical leave to recover.
Q: In addition to reviewing the hundreds of before/after photos on the website and in the photo albums in the office, would it be O.K. to speak with a patient who already had the procedure performed by Dr. Kotler?
A: Yes, we are happy to have you speak with a patient who has had the procedure you are considering. Even better is an opportunity to meet the patient. We will first ask permission, then put the two of you in touch.
Q: What can I expect to look like one day after the procedure I am considering?
A: Our teaching album has examples of our patients’ appearances from one day to over one year after surgery. The swelling and bruising that MAY be temporarily present is generally less than prospective patients imagine. But seeing our patients’ photos is what will help give you some comfort.
Q: Are these procedures painful?
A: Any surgery will be accompanied by some pain—but only if untreated. If you can take a pill to prevent or stop pain, you will have no pain! Dr. Kotler is very keen on providing all medicines routinely needed. Not only to control pain, but to relieve anxiety and also provide sleep. As Dr. Kotler has frequently stated when speaking to the public, “If a doctor cannot control pain and nervousness and help a patient get necessary sleep, with the great assortment of medicines we currently have available, he needs to retire”. As needed, we provide these medications -- at no additional cost to you. They are included in your post-operative care kit; no one need wait in a long line at a pharmacy late at night.
Q: What if the operation does not turn out exactly as I had hoped?
A: Cosmetic operations are rarely failures. However, if some portions or areas are less than ideal and Dr. Kotler feels that some type of touch-up is needed, it will be done at no additional cost. A return visit to the operating room is very rare; most of the imperfections can be corrected in the office, some with just an injection or skin treatment.
Q: I did not realize I needed several different procedures to accomplish what I hoped for. I may be exceeding my budget. Is there a way for me to reduce cost, but without compromising the result?
A: Yes there are. Dr. Kotler, in Chapter 11 of his book Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon, shares some very practical strategies. For example, if you have flexibility in your schedule and can fill a surgery center opening when one arises, you can save a healthy percentage of the surgeon’s fee. There are other ways too. No shame in asking.
RHINOPLASTY
Dr. Robert Kotler has performed over 4,000 nasal surgeries in his 38 years of experience.
Questions? We're here to help. Please feel free to email us.