FAQ

• How do you decide which surgery to do?
• Where is the surgery performed?
• What about the risks of surgery?
• How much will my surgery cost?
• Will insurance cover my surgery?
• Can I finance my surgery?
• What can I do to prepare for surgery?

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH SURGERY TO DO?
The first step is a private consultation with Dr. Metzner. He will ask you to describe what it is about your appearance that bothers you, and what you hope to accomplish. He will examine the areas of concern, take measurements, and check your skin elasticity. You will then compare your observations to make sure you agree. He will suggest one or a variety of procedures, and explain the benefits, limitations, and risks of each.

For facial surgery, especially for noses and chins, you can use our computer imaging system to see yourself on a monitor, and to preview possible outcomes of surgery. This will help in planning what would look best for your individual face and help you make choices with more confidence.

We understand that you want Dr. Metzner’s expert opinion, and he will share it with you. The final decision as to what you are comfortable with, and what you want to do, is yours.

WHERE IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at the award-winning Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington , although overnight hospital stay is available if you prefer. Because they understand the unique needs and expectations of the cosmetic surgery patient, the hospital has established special arrangements and staffing to insure your privacy, confidentiality, and value without sacrifice of quality.

Anesthesia services are provided by Anesthesiologists, medical doctors who specialize in out-patient anesthesia. The operating and recovery rooms are equipped to the highest standards to insure your safety during and after surgery. Their medical and surgical processes are continuously updated to optimize each patient’s surgical experience, comfort, and well-being.

WHAT ABOUT THE RISKS OF SURGERY?
Dr. Metzner will treat you with honesty and respect. He will deal with you openly, and only recommend the kind of treatment that, in his experience, can accomplish your image-enhancing goals. He will tell you what you may realistically expect from your cosmetic surgery, what the recovery period may be like, and explain the complications that could occur. The consultation will not be over until all your questions have been answered.

Once you have scheduled your surgery you will be mailed a personalize Patient Information booklet that describes the side effects and risks of the particular procedures you have chosen. We advise that you read it carefully and make notes, so that when you return for your pre-operative appointment we can go over anything that is unclear.

HOW MUCH WILL MY SURGERY COST?
This important question will be answered completely after your consultation with Dr. Metzner, and will be determined by what exact procedure or procedures will be needed to accomplish your goals. Because everyone is different, with different combinations and extent of procedures for each individual case, until then we could only indicate such a wide range of fees that it wouldn’t be meaningful to do so. However, you may be interested to know that many of our patients are pleasantly surprised that their cosmetic surgery is much more affordable than they had anticipated, far less than commonly listed in women’s magazines.

We do everything we can to maximize the value without sacrificing your safety, for example by including a full year of post-operative visits in the surgery fee. At the same time, remember that what is most important is the quality of your experience and your final result. We suggest you review the Patient Comments section of this web site to read what others have to say about our practice and their level of satisfaction.

WILL INSURANCE COVER MY SURGERY?
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by most insurance. For your convenience, Dr. Metzner accepts Visa, Master Card and Discover. Depending on individual credit, financing may be arranged through independent banking institutions. Click here to learn more about financing options.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR SURGERY?
Your personalized patient information booklet will contain nutritional advice, vitamin and mineral supplement suggestions, and skin preparation instructions.We recommend Peggy Huddleston’s program Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques. This pre-surgical program is available through the Integrative Therapies department of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center where your surgery will be performed. You will learn mind-body techniques that can help you feel calmer before surgery, use less pain medicine and strengthen your immune system. Their therapists can even give you a Reiki therapy session just before you go to surgery. Click this link http://svhealthcare.org/services/medical-center/integrative-therapies/surgery to find out how you can take advantage of this innovative program.