Frequently asked questions

The reasons to have facial plastic surgery span a wide spectrum and are highly individualized. Some people have birth disfigurements, while others are victims of accidents or suffer from cancer-related facial deformities. On the other hand, many individuals choose to have surgery for premature aging or desire to change the shape or size of a facial feature that has bothered them for years.

Dr. Bukachevsky will determine this based on your expectations, attitude, and physical features. Every patient is unique. Be prepared to answer the following questions: What do you want to change? Why do you want to correct this problem? What do you expect the surgery to do for you? Has anyone else urged you to have surgery? What is your goal in seeking this change?

Once you have made the decision to have facial plastic surgery, you should give serious thought to choosing your surgeon. Your face is unique and is a vital part of your personal identity. When you place your face into your surgeon’s hands, it should be because you trust your surgeon. Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is to your advantage because these specialists have demonstrated a commitment to only treating conditions of the face, head, and neck. By focusing on one area, an increased level of specialized care is delivered to you.

You should be able to establish a good rapport with your surgeon and have all your questions answered. Learn your surgeon’s philosophy regarding surgical goals and outcome. One important goal should be to produce natural facial features, thereby improving your appearance and minimizing facial abnormalities. A surgical “pulled” look is typically considered a sub optimal result. In addition, the patient should be able to achieve improvement through surgery, but without obvious physical evidence that surgery was performed. Your surgeon should also be skilled and meticulous about hiding incisions in natural skin folds, and existing wrinkles. The degree of success does not depend entirely on his or her technical skills. Limitations inherent in each patient’s type of skin, bone structure, and healing capacities often play a role.

Facial plastic surgery is elective surgery; therefore, you should not rush into surgery until any personal health concerns have been addressed.

If you have pre-existing health conditions, you may require a preliminary visit with your primary care physician to make certain that a surgical procedure is safe for you.

If you are in the process of losing weight, you can begin to plan your surgery, but it will be wise to wait until you reach stable weight or you have closely reached your weight loss goal.

If you smoke, it is strongly recommended that you stop smoking approximately two months before your surgery date. The effect of smoking decreases your tissue’s ability to heal well and may increase the risk of complications. You should see your primary care physician before beginning nicotine patches or gum. Alternatively, some individuals prefer to enroll into smoking cessation classes.

“Minimally invasive” is any technique that does not require "downtime." Patients benefit from the procedure’s quick recovery. 

All of the surgical procedures are performed at Central Coast Facial Surgery Center.  Our Center conforms to the highest standards for quality care and safety, and has been awarded national accreditation by the prestigious American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

Under the direction of Dr. Bukachevsky, every member of our staff is specially trained and experienced in the management of facial plastic and aesthetic patients, and certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). Our registered nurses have received training in Acute Care License Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Acute Life Support (PALS).

Central Coast Facial Surgery Center uses a board-certified  anesthesiologist.

Local The surgeon injects medication into the area that he plans to operate on, or he injects the medication as a “nerve block.” This involves placing the medication around the nerves that provide sensation to the surgical area. The medication serves to numb the surgical region and shrink surrounding blood vessels.

Local with Intravenous Sedation An IV is started in the arm prior to surgery. Intravenous medication is given through the IV prior to the local injection, and for the duration of the procedure. This helps to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the surgery yet allows you to remain somewhat conscious.

General Anesthesia After an IV is started in the arm, intravenous medication is given to allow you to fall asleep, followed by inhalational anesthetics. This is the most popular technique because you are comfortable and will feel no discomfort during the procedure.

Recovery time will depend on the procedure performed. This will be discussed with you during your consultation, as well as when you are seen following your surgery for dressing and wound care.

There are risks or complications associated with all surgical and non-surgical procedures.

It is important that you are aware of them ahead of time and find out how they should be handled if one arises. Surgical risks are lessened when a thorough understanding exists between the patient and surgeon regarding pre-operative preparation and compulsive post-operative care. Please follow the post-operative instructions provided to you.

Any surgery carries a risk of bleeding or infection in the post-operative period. The risk of bleeding can be reduced by not consuming medication that can affect your blood clotting capability. Antibiotics that are given to you at the beginning of your surgery and post-operatively can reduce the risk of infection.

Whenever a person’s appearance is changed, there exists a slight risk that the final result might fall short of your expectations. You must realize that plastic surgery of the face is an art, not an exact science. The overall success depends not only on your surgeon’s skills, but also on your age, health, skin quality, bone structure, and general expectations regarding improvement of appearance.

Our patient care coordinator will work with you to help you select a date for your surgery. Prior to your surgery date, you will see one of our clinical staff who will facilitate the process of getting any pre-operative tests ordered for you if your age or health status requires it. This is a standard medical procedure with any type of surgery in most healthcare facilities. You may elect to see Dr. Bukachevsky before the date of your surgery if you have additional questions or concerns.

Take a shower and wash your hair the night before. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.

Arrange for someone you know to drive you home after surgery. If you are receiving medication to sedate you during surgery, arrange for someone to stay with you that night.

At any time during the two weeks before your surgery date, if you took medication from the restricted medication list, please contact our center to let Dr. Bukachevsky know immediately.

We recommend purchasing food and liquid items that you will prefer to consume following surgery ahead of time. If possible, have your prescriptions filled and waiting for you at home. Prepare your bed with extra pillows for head elevation and a towel over them, so that when you return home you can go to bed immediately.

Leave all jewelry and personal belongings at home. Come dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with a zip or button-down front the morning of your surgery. Avoid wearing pullover tops.