Dr. Lewen encourages all patients who are considering OculoFacial Plastic Surgery to consider the following factors when selecting your surgeon:
Is your surgeon board-certified? What is his/her primary specialty or sub-specialty?
Dr. Lewen is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and he has completed advanced sub-specialty fellowship training in the field of OculoFacial Plastic Surgery. In order to become an OculoFacial Plastic Surgeon, a medical doctor must have four years of medical school, and then complete a one-year internship and a three-year residency in general Ophthalmology. After completing residency, two additional years are spent in advanced fellowship training in OculoFacial Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery. Board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is required in order to complete fellowship training. Although there are other surgeons or specialists that may perform plastic surgery procedures around the eyes and face, there is no other board certification that can substitute for this level of education and experience required to effectively treat eyelid and facial conditions that can potentially impact the health and safety of the eyes and the vision.
Is your surgeon a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.)?
The letters F.A.C.S. (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon’s name are a further indication of a physician’s qualifications. Surgeons who become Fellows of this prestigious College have completed a comprehensive evaluation of their surgical training and skills, are board-certified, and have also demonstrated a firm commitment to some of the highest standards of ethical practice and conduct. Before fellowship selection, a thorough evaluation is conducted according to national standards that were established to ensure that patients receive the highest quality and safest surgical care.
How comfortable do you feel with your surgeon and his/her office?
The decision to have any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is a significant one. In essence, this decision is predicated on a firm commitment between you and your surgeon, involving your surgeon’s dedication to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals, and your commitment to the healing process and the steps required to attain your final and best result. Trust is essential in this relationship, and you should feel very comfortable asking any questions that you may have. Similarly, you should feel satisfied with the answers and explanations that you receive in turn.
It is also important to remember that throughout the healing process, often it is necessary to have multiple follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. As such, it is essential that you feel comfortable in your surgeon’s office, and you should feel at ease communicating with the office staff regarding your condition and any concerns you may have.
Although complications after cosmetic or reconstructive OculoFacial Plastic Surgery are rare overall, every individual patient heals somewhat differently. Even if everything goes perfectly with your surgery, sometimes there are unforeseen issues that may arise due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or difficulties that you may have following the post-operative instructions that are given. This is another reason why it is extremely important to have a level of trust, comfort, and understanding with your surgeon and his/her office staff. You must be able to communicate effectively if you are having any difficulties following surgery so that these issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
How much sub-specialty training in OculoFacial Plastic Surgery does your surgeon have? Does your surgeon have full understanding of any eye conditions that may affect your healing process?
Many areas of the face are very delicate and sensitive, particularly the areas surrounding the eyes. Any surgery that you are considering that involves your eyelids, brows, and/or surrounding areas of the face must be performed in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of your eyes and vision. Especially if you have any previous history of eye or vision issues, it is imperative to ensure that these issues are considered when planning your cosmetic or reconstructive OculoFacial Plastic Surgery procedure.
Dr. Lewen generally requires all surgical candidates to have a current, complete eye exam completed prior to scheduling OculoFacial Plastic Surgery. The purpose of this exam is to identify any eye issues that may need to be followed throughout the healing process. As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lewen is fully qualified to monitor the health and safety of your eyes and vision, and he will be able to quickly identify any issues that may arise so that these can be treated promptly and efficiently.
What is included in your surgical quote?
Although many surgeons will not include all the same components in a surgical quotation, it is important to understand exactly what value you will receiving for the cost that is being charged to you.
Some of the more common components of a surgical quote will include:
- The surgeon’s fees for your surgical procedure
- Facility fees to cover the cost of overhead, supplies, and staffing required for your surgery
- Anesthesia fees to cover the cost of the Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and any medications and supplies that are used to administer anesthesia for your surgery
- The cost of any implant materials that may be used for your surgery
- The cost or rental fees associated with any specialized equipment that may be required for your surgery
