Dear Doctor:
Clearing up the 'hype' on cosmetic surgery

*Dr. McCollough welcomes his associate Dr. Patterson to help answer your questions in our weekly column.

Dear Doctor: I actually need face, breast, and tummy done. How much can be done at once? Does your firm handle all of the things I'm considering having done?

Dear Reader: Here at the McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic we can take care of your every need from start to finish in regard to your surgery and post operative care.

In many cases, barring any health problems, both facial and body procedures can be performed at the same time, thereby reducing costs and recovery time. However, each patient is different, and we treat each one accordingly.

Our staff is comprised of surgeons from varying backgrounds and interests. Most of our surgeons are internationally recognized in their respective fields of study. Experience has taught us that multiple procedures involving the face and body are best managed by an "inter-disciplinary approach." However, the doctor with whom you have contracted to do each part of your surgery will actually perform that part of the operation.

The benefits of combined procedures include less total time in the operating room, recovery time, and reduced costs. As I mentioned, we must treat each patient individually. We do place limits on total time under anesthesia and we do assess each patient's health risks or issues. Most patients considering combinations such as face lift, brow lift, breast lift, breast augmentation, and tummy tuck can be accommodated at one operative setting.

Plastic surgery is not "drive through" surgery. We strongly recommend that you stay in one of the recovery villas at the McCollough Institute for at least the evening following surgery, with a trained caregiver.

During your consultation we will discuss your desires, examine the conditions you wish to have corrected, and give you an opinion of what we feel can be accomplished.

If you would like more information or a FREE copy of our patient information book, call 967-7000 or visit www.mccolloughinstitute. com.