FAQS

Yes, Dr. Williams is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Association of Hand Surgery.

We specialize in restoring form and function to the entire body – specifically cosmetic and reconstructive surgery that includes congenital deformities, burns, hand injuries, reconstruction following cancer removal and aesthetic surgery of the face and body.

Yes, a significant portion of plastic surgery training focuses on repair and restoration of function to the fine structures (tendons, vessels, nerves, and bones) of the hand and wrist. Dr. Williams has special interest and training in surgery of the hand.

Based on national government and hospital guidelines, every patient is required to have a consultation prior to undergoing a surgical procedure. This allows the surgeon to assess medical history, anesthesia risk and discuss potential benefits and potential complications of a desired procedure so the patient may be well informed prior to consenting to proceed with surgery. Consultation fee is $50 and is requested at the time of scheduling the consult. This will be applied toward any surgery scheduled thereafter.

We request that you tell the receptionist what you’d like to be seen for so you can be appropriately scheduled for 30 or 60 minute consultations to allow adequate time.   A price quote will be given for all cosmetic procedures or any not covered by insurance on the same day as your consultation.

Depending on the type of implant used, and provided a breast lift is not also required– average cost including anesthesia and operating room charges ranges from $5,000 – $6,500.

Average time off work is 7-10 days.

Yes, for 14 years they were only available for use in breast reconstruction but as of January 2007 they were again made available for breast augmentation.

Costs for liposuction vary greatly depending on the location, number of sites and volume being addressed at each site.  Fees start at ~ $1,000 per area not including anesthesia or operating room costs.

Tummy tucks come in two varieties - a mini and a full. The mini removes extra tissue below the belly button only and costs roughly $5000 including anesthesia and operating room.   A full abdominoplasties require extended work, movement of the belly button and will remove tissue up to and above the belly button. It usually runs nearly $8,000.   Liposuction may or may not be required with each procedure to obtain the desired result.   This then may also contribute to the overall cost.

For most sedentary (desk) jobs, a minimum of 10 days will be required of time off.   No lifting greater than 15 pounds is usually recommended for ~ 6 weeks to allow for adequate healing.

All fees for services of the surgeon, supplies such as implants or specialty garments, and the service of anesthesia and operating room time are required 10 days in advance of any scheduled procedure. This includes all forms of personal payment (cash, check, credit card).  In any case we will be glad to assist you with your questions and concerns.

As a rule insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery. Occasionally complications of these procedures such as drainage of an infection or blood collections will be covered.   Removal of implants without replacement particularly following breast reconstruction may be covered.

Yes. Depending on the number of procedures and the extent of each procedure a discount is typically figured as part of your cosmetic quote on an individual basis.

Yes

Yes

Botox is derived from the Botulinum bacteria which releases a substance that produces muscle paralysis. When injected into facial muscles it can prevent skin crease (wrinkles) from appearing or flatten superficial wrinkles that already exist. Restylane is formed of Hyaluronic acid – a clear gel-like substance similar to the fluid that lubricates joints in our bodies. It is commonly used to fill deep wrinkles, depressed scars, or enhance volume of lips.

Yes, our aesthetician and office staff can assist you with our recommended skin-care line M.D. Forté.

If skin lesions present as concerning for cancer due to appearance and history then many times removal will be covered by insurance. Most benign appearing or those moles removed for cosmetic reasons are not covered and must be paid for out of pocket.   Most of these can be done in the office to keep cost to a minimum.

Usual time between consult and surgery is 2-3 weeks. Scheduling varies throughout the year and longer (increased OR time) procedures must be scheduled farther in advance.   Occasional cancellations will allow some surgeries to be moved up to an earlier date.

Minor procedures can be done in the office. Outpatient procedures are performed at Four Corners Ambulatory Surgical Center and San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM.  All procedures requiring over night stay are done at San Juan Regional including those combined with other physicians such as gynecologists.

You will have to call and check with us if your provider is accepted.

If we do not “participate” with your insurance we may still file a bill with them but much of the service is usually not covered. Any uncovered portions of the bill must be paid out of pocket by the individual. This is also true of those without any type of insurance.   We will work with you on an individual basis regarding payment arrangements.