Frequently Asked Questions

Face Procedures
Eyelift
What is hooding?
When there is excess skin in the upper eyelid this is referred to as 'hooding'.
Do I need an upper eyelift or a browlift?
In many cases the browlift can achieve the same goals as the upper eyelift and give the overall face a more refreshed look. Consult your plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate.
Will insurance cover the upper eyelift procedure?
Insurance sometimes does cover the upper eyelift procedure when the following medical conditions exist: 1) hooding of the upper eyes 2) documented 'obstruction of vision' as verified by a 'visual field exam' with your eye doctor
Lip augmentation
What are the methods for augmenting my lips?
Lip augmentation is performed by one of the following techniques: 1) injectable fillers such as Restylane or collagen 2) fat injections (taken from another area of your body) 3) Advanta ( a synthetic material which is implanted in the lips)
Breast Procedures
Breast Augmentation
What decisions do I need to make for my breast augmentation?
Before surgery you need to decide the following with your surgeon: 1- saline or silicon 2- size of implant 3- round or oval 4- textured or smooth 5- under the muscle or over the muscle 6- location of incision site 7- with or without a breast lift
What are the various types of incisions for breast augmentation?
Your implants can be inserted with the following types of incisions: 1) infraareolar (bottom of nipple) 2) circumareolar (around the nipple) 3) supraareolar (top of nipple) 4) axillary (armpit) 5) inframammary (crease at the bottom of breast)
How soon can I return to work?
With breast augmentation you should plan to be out of work for one week.
Body Procedures
Abdominoplasty
Is abdominoplasty covered by insurance?
In general, the abdominoplasty procedure is NOT covered by insurance. The procedure is only covered in special circumstances such that the patient develops hygiene or other types of serious medical problems.
Are there different types of tummy tuck procedures?
Yes, in general there are three types of tummy tucks: 1) dermatolipectomy- skin work only 2) mini tummy tuck - pouch of skin and fat only below the belly button 3) full tummy tuck- the most common type which involves the removal of fat, muscle repair, and removal of excess skin
Will I gain weight after liposuction?
Yes
Liposuction
What 'type' of liposuction do Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Robertson perform?
The preferred method of liposuction is the tumescent technique with various size cannulas.
What are cannulas?
Cannulas are long, thin, rod-like instruments which enable the plastic surgeon to remove fat.
What is the tumescent technique?
The tumescent technique is used in liposuction and is desirable because it can reduce the amount of blood loss during the procedure while achieving a favorable surgical result. In the tumescent technique, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is performed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.