Frequent Questions
What do we offer you at New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center?
Our warm and professional staff is here to extend the quality of personalized care you deserve. At the New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center we provide you with the highest level of experience and care, a state-of-the-art facility, and a helpful staff that will answer your questions as well as provide you with thorough information. We understand that the cosmetic experience often changes lives for the positive.
How do I choose a qualified Cosmetic Surgeon?
Choose a surgeon who is highly qualified and experienced and with whom you feel comfortable with.
Dr. Schafer brings with him the latest expertise of the most progressive techniques available in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Schafer is fully trained and has been in practice for over 25 years. His years of experience offer a reassuring base of surgical expertise by providing our patients the professional quality, skill and knowledge to provide you with realistic expectations and the results you desire.
What is the right age for cosmetic surgery?
The question of "the right time" is common, but the answer is unique for each person. Being mentally and physically healthy is very important before having any cosmetic surgery performed. Each person's treatment and procedure is determined on an individual basis. With regards to healing or visible results, younger-aged patients may heal faster or show results more quickly. However, as long as you are in good health, age is normally not a limiting factor.
What should I expect from the consultation?
At the consultation you will meet Dr. Schafer and can ask him any questions that you may have as well as express your goals and expectations. In return, Dr. Schafer will assess your health, ask you about any previous surgeries you may have had, your medical history, medications you take, and other general questions that will help him understand both your needs and your body's physical condition. Bring your medical history to the consultation so that you can accurately answer all of the questions and not have to worry about forgetting any important information.
What is a Weekend Recovery Lazer-Lift?
The Lazer-Lift rejuvenates your face and neck, giving you a younger appearance without the invasive procedures of a face lift. The Lazer-Lift procedure combines liposuction and laser sculpting to redefine the neck and lower face with smaller incisions. Dr. Schafer now uses Erchonia and Polaris lasers as part of the Lazer-Lift procedure for optimal smoothing and tightening of the skin and underlying tissues. Unlike traditional face lifts, there are no long incisions, there is no pulling skin back, there is no "wind tunnel" look afterwards. Recovery from the Lazer-Lift is much faster than a traditional face lift as well. Most people only need a fraction of the recovery time associated with face-lifts, allowing them to return to their normal lives more quickly.
Where will my surgery be performed?
The New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center is an I.M.Q. certified state-of-the-art surgical suite. Most procedures are done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
How should I prepare for cosmetic surgery?
This is an important question. Correctly preparing for your surgery can help your body respond positively to the procedure as well as potentially minimize any complications that you could have afterwards. We recommend patients begin to prepare for surgery at least two weeks prior to the procedure, by discontinuing taking any aspirin and aspirin containing products such as Advil; vitamins and herbal supplements that contain Vitamin E or St. John's Wort; and all nicotine containing products.
Stop smoking. Nicotine hampers your body's ability to get oxygen. Oxygen is very important both during surgery and during the recovery period. The longer you refrain from smoking or ingesting nicotine before your surgery, the better your body will respond to surgery. Ideally, you will quit smoking at least a month before any procedure.
You should also prepare by having someone to help you after the surgery. You will need someone to drive you to and from the surgery center as well as to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
Everybody experiences pain and discomfort differently. Some people have high pain thresholds, while others have very low thresholds. No matter which category you fall into, we will help you reduce any pain or discomfort that you may experience. The good news is that post-operative pain and discomfort is often exaggerated. New techniques and procedures are less invasive, thereby creating less pain than traditional surgeries.
How much bruising and swelling will I have after surgery?
Dr. Schafer developed a
"Rapid Recovery Method" to aid the healing process. A combination of traditional medical techniques and holistic approaches, The Rapid Recovery Method expedites healing and recovery. Using vitamins, prescription medicines and external ultrasound vibration, patients are able to resume their work and other activities more quickly.
How long will I need to recover?
When combined with Dr. Schafer's "Rapid Recovery Method", Lazer-Lift often takes just one week or less to be presentable.
Risks and Complications?
All surgeries come with some level of risks or complications; Dr. Schafer will discuss these in detail with you during your consultation. One of the best things you can do is follow your doctor's instructions for post-op care, which will help to ensure the very best outcome possible.
When will I see the results?
With cosmetic surgery, the length of time it takes to heal and to see results depends on both the procedure that is being performed as well as the unique physical attributes of the individual. Initially there will be some swelling or bruising — this typically peaks in two to three days after the surgery. Be patient — as your body heals you will begin to see the results slowly unfold as the days and weeks go by. Often you will begin to see results in about two weeks time, when most of the swelling or bruising has subsided. But healing will continue over the following months with the results becoming more and more evident.
