Some of the questions most frequently asked by our patients include those below.
Is Dr. Boswell board certified?
Yes, Dr. Boswell has passed the difficult written and oral examination requirements to earn certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
What are your office hours?
Monday 8AM-4:30PM
Tuesday 8AM-4PM
Wednesday 8AM-4:30PM
Thursday 8AM-4PM
Friday 7AM-2PM
How does smoking affect my surgical result?
Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risks of developing complications after surgery. Surgeries that involve skin flaps (such as facelift, breast lift and tummy tuck, are especially vulnerable to poor healing in smokers. In some people, smoking can contribute to the “death” of skin and tissue, called necrosis. In addition, the quicker the healing process, the less likely you are to develop unattractive scars.
Because of the higher rates of wound healing complications among smokers, we ask all our patients to stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery and remain tobacco free for 4 weeks afterwards. This includes nicotine patches, nicotine gum, chewing tobacco or any product that contains nicotine. Some patients are tested for nicotine use before surgery. If they test positive, the procedure will be postponed.
When can I bathe, exercise, have sex and return to work after surgery?
Every procedure is different, so the return to everyday activities varies. The procedure descriptions on this website briefly outline some postoperative restrictions and give a general sense of what can be expected after surgery, including when different types of activities can be resumed. More detailed information about restrictions will be provided by your surgeon during your consultation. The schedule for resuming your "normal" activities will partly depend on how you heal and how strong you feel. Follow-up appointments after surgery are important so your surgeon can evaluate your progress and advise you about specific activities.
Should I follow any special skin care routine before and after a facelift or other facial surgery?
Perhaps. The use of some skin care products, such as Retin-A, should be temporarily discontinued before and after most facial procedures, including skin resurfacing. After surgery, only very gentle cleansers and moisturizers should be used for a time specified by your surgeon or skin care specialist. The skin care regimen and products appropriate for your procedure will be explained during your consultation and follow-up appointments.
