3705 Medical Parkway #320, Austin, TX 78705
FAQs
Yes, there is a consultation fee of $150, which is applied towards the cost of any surgery or cosmetic procedure performed by Dr. Nolen. Our patients find the comprehensive consultation invaluable and well worth the investment.
A consultation with Dr. Nolen includes a thorough physical examination. During this consultation, Dr. Nolen will assess your candidacy for the desired procedure, provide a detailed discussion of its pros and cons, and answer any questions you may have. Photographs will be taken, and you will meet with our Patient Coordinator to review the fee quote and address any additional queries. If you wish to schedule surgery, the coordinator will provide available dates based on Dr. Nolen's schedule.
We recommend allowing approximately one hour for the consultation, which includes the examination with Dr. Nolen and time with the coordinator to discuss the fee quote and scheduling.
Absolutely! Having a companion, such as a significant other or a trusted friend, can be highly beneficial. Given the wealth of information provided during the consultation, having someone present to hear the details firsthand facilitates better planning. Two sets of ears often lead to more insightful questions and discussions.
It is helpful to bring any records or information related to previous surgical procedures you've undergone. If possible, obtaining operative reports from relevant surgeries is particularly valuable to Dr. Nolen. Please bring any questions you have, as well as your calendar if you are considering potential surgery dates.
Wednesdays are designated as our cosmetic consultation days, but we make every effort to accommodate our patients' schedules if Wednesday does not work for them.
Dr. Nolen typically performs surgeries on most Mondays and Tuesdays, and occasionally on Thursdays.
Purely cosmetic surgeries take place at Pinnacle Surgery Center. For combined cases involving both functional and cosmetic components, the location may depend on your insurance network. Aside from Pinnacle, we can perform combined procedures at Seton Medical Center when appropriate.
The timeframe can vary, influenced by factors such as the time of year. The most popular months for cosmetic surgery are November, December, and January. Spring Break and summer also see high demand. Consequently, the interval between consultation and surgery can range from a few weeks to longer, depending on various variables.
Unfortunately, we cannot officially reserve a cosmetic surgery date, even with a deposit, until Dr. Nolen has assessed your candidacy during the consultation and provided necessary details to our surgery scheduler.
Yes, we offer Care Credit for financing cosmetic procedures.
The cost estimate varies depending on the procedure. For some, like blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), we can provide an estimate. However, for procedures like rhinoplasty, the fee depends on individual circumstances and Dr. Nolen's recommendations, which can only be determined after an in-person examination.
The decision to seek multiple consultations is entirely up to the patient. We encourage patients to ensure they are comfortable with both the surgeon and the staff. Many patients feel confident with Dr. Nolen and his team and choose to proceed with scheduling surgery without additional consultations.
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure. Most procedures involve a two-week period of restricted activity, with limitations on raising blood pressure and heart rate, as well as restrictions on lifting over 10 pounds. However, this does not mean patients are incapacitated for two weeks. Recovery timelines can differ significantly, with some patients returning to work remotely after a few days, depending on the procedure and their tolerance for pain medications.
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, some functional rhinoplasty procedures and upper blepharoplasty (eyelid) procedures are eligible for coverage when medically necessary. In such cases, we accept most insurance policies, provided the medical need is confirmed.
In cases where a procedure involves a combination of functional and cosmetic elements, such as rhinoplasty and septoplasty, we can work with your insurance company to determine their coverage for the functional portion and provide you with the associated costs for the cosmetic aspect.
There is no universally "right age" for plastic surgery. Procedures such as otoplasty (ear pinning) can benefit both younger children and adults. Dr. Nolen believes that cosmetic surgery should only be considered if it is personally desired and addresses a specific concern.
Age is a changing concept, and individuals age differently today due to better health practices. As long as a patient is in good health and has realistic expectations for the results achievable at their age, there is no strict upper age limit for plastic surgery.
The optimal time for a facelift is when the degree of skin sagging justifies the procedure and before skin elasticity diminishes significantly, typically after age 65. However, the timing is highly individual, and Dr. Nolen can provide guidance during your consultation.
Since plastic surgery is elective, Dr. Nolen carefully reviews your medical history to ensure you are in good health for the procedure. For example, patients with cardiac issues may require a medical release from their cardiologist, while those on blood thinners may need temporary discontinuation of the medication before and after surgery.
Board certification is a credential indicating a surgeon's expertise and education in a specific field. Dr. Nolen holds double board certification in Otolaryngology (head & neck surgery) and Facial, Plastic, and Reconstructive surgery.
Most of the plastic procedures Dr. Nolen performs can be done on an outpatient basis. For specific procedures that require post-operative care, we can arrange for medical personnel to provide in-home care or help you book a hotel room for a more comfortable recovery.
Dr. Nolen advises patients that it takes a full year to see the final results of their surgery. However, substantial improvements are visible before the three-month mark.
The amount of time off work varies depending on your job requirements. Whether you work remotely or in an office and if your work involves heavy lifting will influence the recommended time off.
Most procedures Dr. Nolen performs are one-time procedures. However, the results of a facelift typically last around 6-8 years. While plastic surgery can provide remarkable improvements, it cannot halt the natural aging process.
It is essential to have a caregiver with you for the first 24 hours following any procedure. They can monitor your response to pain medication and anesthesia.
Dr. Nolen's primary goal is to enhance your appearance while ensuring you still resemble yourself. Most patients report that after surgery, others simply notice a positive change without being able to pinpoint what has improved. If you prefer privacy, slight changes to your hairstyle can redirect attention from your surgery.
Pain tolerance varies among individuals. Most patients do not describe surgery as painful but may experience some discomfort or soreness, typical of any surgical procedure. Dr. Nolen takes measures to minimize discomfort during surgery, and following post-operative instructions diligently can aid in a smoother recovery.
Your plastic surgery journey is a partnership between you, Dr. Nolen, and our team. To achieve the desired results, we rely on you to follow instructions and maintain open communication throughout the process. We are committed to walking with you every step of the way.
Smoking significantly impacts surgery outcomes. Dr. Nolen requires patients to cease smoking for a minimum period before surgery, as nicotine hinders the healing process. Consider surgery as an incentive to quit smoking.
Happiness is an inner state, and while plastic surgery can enhance your appearance, it does not guarantee happiness. The most satisfied candidates for plastic surgery are those who seek it to address specific concerns but understand that genuine happiness comes from within. We encourage realistic expectations when considering surgery.
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