Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic surgery is only for the vain. We all have a self-image: how we see ourselves and how we wish other to see us. Sometimes nature and the passage of time change our appearance, and it no longer fulfills our expectations. We all want to look and feel our best. It is not vanity when we wear make-up, wear nice clothes and jewelry, and have our hair done … why should it suddenly become vanity when we think of plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is painful. There is a period of discomfort that follows any treatment or surgical procedure. At our office we educate you on what to expect and how to care for yourself following your procedure. Proper attention to your body’s needs will help minimize your discomfort and help you return to normal activity as quickly as possible.

Plastic surgery is expensive. No high-quality medical procedure is cheap or free. You should be suspicious if it is. For the person who is uncomfortable with some aspect of their appearance, however, plastic surgery in not prohibitively expensive. And when you consider what you get in return, many people feel they could never put a value on the benefits. Please note that cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by insurance.

The effects of plastic surgery wear off in a few years. Time and the aging process certainly do exert an influence on your result, as does your lifestyle before and after your procedure. With attention to a healthy and balanced lifestyle you can expect to maintain your results longer or even improve upon your result. The experts at our office are always available to help advise you in this regard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery

  • Is plastic surgery safe?

    Each year, thousands of men and women undergo plastic surgery procedures without complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits of having surgery. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Hugo will carefully review your medical history and current health status as well as discuss the surgery in great detail. By carefully following his advice and instructions, both before and after surgery, you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.
  • How do I know if plastic surgery is right for me?

    Several factors should be considered when deciding if plastic surgery is right for you. Typically, good candidates are patients who are in good health, have realistic expectations and fully understand their own motivations for wanting the procedure. People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem.
  • Is there a “right” age to pursue plastic surgery?

    There is not a rule regarding the right age for plastic surgery. In fact, the appropriateness of a certain procedure should be determined more on a case by case basis, looking at the individual’s unique body type and aging process. Of course, there are age tendencies for certain procedures. Facelifts generally are not performed on patients under 30, as mini-lifts or laser resurfacing might be suggested instead, but this is not a rule. Ear reshaping, on the other hand, is appropriate for adults or patients as young as 5 years old.
  • What happens at the consultation visit?

    During your consultation, Dr. Hugo will take the time to discuss your expectations as well as any concerns you may have. Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is an incredibly personal decision, and every procedure must be tailored to meet the needs and desires of the individual patient. Dr. Hugo will review your medical history and current health status, and make an assessment on whether the procedure is right for you. Dr. Hugo will discuss the results that can be achieved, the limitations of the procedure, and any options that may be available.

Dr. Ben Hugo

Dr. Ben Hugo

Whether your needs are surgical or you are simply looking to rejuvenate your appearance, Dr. Hugo and his qualified staff welcome you. Learn more about Dr. Hugo, his qualifications, and how he can help you.

Learn more about Dr. Hugo, his qualifications, and how he can help you.


  • Will I have a scar after plastic surgery?

    Scarring is an inevitable part of healing and is the result of our body’s natural response to repair an injury. However, a very fine lined scar placed in the correct orientation can be virtually invisible. A plastic surgeon spends years trying to master techniques to place scars in the most desirable location. Dr. Hugo will try to make incisions in areas that will not show, like under undergarments or along natural creases. Scars will normally fade over time. The final cosmetic appearance of a surgical scar is based on multiple factors such as age, skin type, anatomic location, smoking and most importantly, our genetic makeup.
  • How soon after plastic surgery can I fly?

    Flying immediately before or after having a procedure is not recommended due to increased risk of blood clots in your legs. Typically you should not fly the day before and wait about 20-30 days after surgery to fly. You should take the necessary precautions, such as getting up to walk around during the flight, and wearing compression stockings. More specifically, the risk factors depend on your own medical history, the type of anesthesia used, and the length of your procedure. In addition, you need to be in town for regular follow-up care required immediately after your surgery. Always discuss your travel plans with Dr. Hugo.
  • How will smoking affect my surgery?

    The specialty of plastic surgery places great emphasis on both surgical techniques and treatments that promote normal wound healing in order to produce a superior surgical outcome. Smoking dramatically influences wound healing, especially for facelift, abdominoplasty and breast lift surgeries. It places you at a higher and unnecessary level of risk for many preventable surgical complications. Be sure to discuss your smoking habits with Dr. Hugo.
  • How will I learn about cost and what financing options are available?

    At the end of your initial consultation, Dr. Hugo will provide you with a personalized quote of surgical costs for any recommended procedure(s). Our office has several payment options, including financing available, and will work with you to find one that meets your needs. The following forms of payment are accepted:

    • Cash
    • Personal Check
    • Cashier’s Check
    • Master Card
    • Visa
    • American Express
    • Discover

    Financing – We also work with Care Credit. For patients who have decided to schedule their surgical procedure for a later date, monthly payments can be made to their surgery until the balance is paid in-full. Our staff can help you determine which payment option is best for you.

  • Will my insurance cover the procedure?

    Cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by insurance.
  • Can multiple procedures be performed at the same time?

    It is a relatively common practice for patients to undergo multiple procedures during one operation. Having procedures done simultaneously can decrease the expense of the operating room and anesthesia costs as well as the overall recovery time. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being performed, the operating time, and your age/health. Dr. Hugo will discuss your personal options with you and help you decide whether or not it is appropriate to have multiple surgeries performed at the same time.
  • Where will my surgery be performed & who will be providing my anesthesia?

    Dr. Hugo works exclusively with accredited board-certified anesthetists. Our surgical facilities are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. You can learn more about what using an accredited facility means for you at the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
  • What if I am concerned with others finding out that I had plastic surgery?

    Dr. Hugo will take the time to understand your preferences and help you select the best option for you. His goal is to enhance, not overwhelm, your natural features. Our office has a strict confidentiality policy, so you can be sure that any information regarding your cosmetic treatment will not leave our office.
  • Is Dr. Hugo Board Certified? What exactly does it mean for a plastic surgeon to be Board Certified?

    Dr. Hugo is a board certified plastic surgeon on 3 continents. His certification includes the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If a doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it means he or she is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a rigorous, voluntary commitment to lifelong learning through board certification and American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification (MOC).

    In addition to completing years of schooling, fulfilling residency requirements and passing the rigorous exams required to practice medicine in your state, a board certified specialist participates in an ongoing process on continuing education to keep current with the latest advances in medical science and technology in his or her specialty, as well as best practices in patient safety, quality healthcare and creating a responsive patient-focused environment.

    To maintain board certification, your physician participates in an extensive process that involves completing accredited education and specialty training and periodic oral and written exams to demonstrate competency.

  • Who will perform my surgery?

    Dr. Hugo will perform your surgery. He will also be the physician to take care of you after surgery. He is involved with your entire surgical experience from your first consultation to all of your postoperative visits, whenever they may be.
  • How long will it take for me to recover from my procedure?

    Recovery occurs in phases, and each person will differ. Typically your recovery will depend on the procedure you are having. Dr. Hugo will discuss your individual situation with you. For example, after liposuction you can return to desk work in as little as 2-3 days, and after a tummy tuck it would be about 14 days.
  • What is a compression garment and will I need to wear one?

    Typically you will need a supportive garment to secure the surgical site in the immediate postoperative period after a liposuction procedure to help with swelling and recovery. The specific support bra, binder, or special order garment will be reviewed with you during your preoperative visits.
  • What kind of preoperative testing will I have?

    The specific testing required will depend on your medical history, the type of procedure you are having as well as the anesthesia required for your procedure. Dr. Hugo will review your specific testing with you. For example, some patients will need an EKG prior to their surgery, and some patients will undergo a simple blood test.
  • When will I have my first postoperative visit? How many visits will I have after my surgery?

    Your first postoperative visit will typically occur on the second or third day after your surgery. At that time, Dr. Hugo will review your results with you and show you how to care for your surgical site. Dr. Hugo likes to see his patients often after surgery to be involved in their recovery. He will typically see you again around one week, then 6 weeks, 6 months and one year. Some surgeries will require more visits and, of course, he is available 24/7 for all your questions and concerns. You will receive excellent postoperative care.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, we invite you to contact us online or call (757) 496-4801 today.