For our patients' convenience, we have provided a list of frequently asked questions and general answers. Please contact our Glastonbury cosmetic surgery center with questions or comments that are specific to your situation.

How much will my procedure cost?

We can only give approximate quotes over the phone, as the cost depends on variables unique to each individual, such as body composition, length of time required for the surgery, etc. However, when you come for your initial consultation, our patient coordinator will provide you with an exact quote. If you are not ready to book at that time, the quote will be honored for up to six months after the date of your initial consultation.

How soon can I schedule a consultation?

The office staff at our Glastonbury cosmetic surgery center always does its best to accommodate our patients and find the soonest openings that fit their schedules. Dr. Beam tends to stay very busy, however, and at times there is up to a month-and-a-half wait for consultation appointments. However, our patient coordinator and licensed P.A. also see patients for consultations, and most patients are able to book an appointment with them soon after they call. We also have a cancellation list and we will be happy to call you if any openings become available that are sooner than your scheduled appointment.

Will I experience a lot of pain after undergoing the procedure in which I am interested?

Because individuals have different thresholds for pain, discomfort levels vary person to person. We provide all patients with post-operative pain medication, and we monitor them carefully in case changes to the prescription need to be made.

Will insurance pay?

Insurance companies do not usually pay for cosmetic procedures; they typically cover only treatments that can be proven medically necessary. Such procedures include breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and removal of skin lesions such as cancers and cysts.

How long will my surgery take?

The amount of time depends on the type of cosmetic surgery. Breast augmentation usually takes about an hour and a half, whereas a facelift may take four hours. Some surgeries can also be combined and performed at the same time, which would add to the amount of time. For example, a facelift with an upper and lower blepharoplasty may take up to six hours.

Can I get more than one type of surgery done at the same time?

This is left to Dr. Beam’s discretion and depends greatly on the types of surgery the patient is interested in. For example, Dr. Beam would not perform two types of surgery together if both are difficult for the body to deal with or require a long recovery time. There are some procedures that fit together well, such as a breast augmentation with a lift or a facelift with a blepharoplasty.

When can I go back to work?

This depends greatly on the type of cosmetic surgery. Some surgeries, such as liposuction and breast augmentation, only require about one to two weeks of recovery time. Patients may return to work with minimal restrictions on daily activities, such as the amount of weight they can lift. Other surgeries, such as abdominoplasty and breast reduction, require more recovery time.

When can I resume exercising?

After most surgeries, a patient may resume light exercise beginning with short walks after two to three days, but they must refrain from lifting for four to six weeks and gradually build their way back up to their full routines.

If I have breast implants, can I breast feed?

Yes. However, it is important to note that some women cannot breast feed whether they have implants or not. Should a patient discover that she is unable to breast feed, she should not assume that the implants are the cause.

When should I start showering after surgery?

We usually recommend that patients start showering on the second day after their cosmetic surgery. No baths until incisions are fully healed. This helps to maintain cleanliness and fight infection. (The cleaner, the better!) It also helps patients to start moving around and get back into their daily routines.

Will I require post-op antibiotics?

Antibiotics are given intravenously throughout surgery.

What type of anesthesia will be used during my procedure?

Most of our major surgeries are done under sedation, or “twilight,” anesthesia, which is a deep sleep achieved through intravenous medication. No intubation is necessary with this method. Dr. Beam will perform some cosmetic surgery procedures under local anesthesia if the patient so desires and is a good candidate.

Will I wake up during surgery?

Patients are continually monitored for levels of consciousness to ensure that no patient of ours has any awareness of the surgery taking place.

What if there is an anesthetic problem during my surgery?

Ours is a fully equipped, state-certified operating facility with all the equipment necessary for any circumstances that may arise.

Will I feel sick when I wake up?

We give multiple medications to prevent nausea; as a result, our incidence of post-operative nausea is very low.

Will BOTOX® Cosmetic “freeze” my face?

No. BOTOX® Cosmeticcan be used in varying amounts. How much is used is tailored to the patient’s needs and wants. Very specific areas are treated to achieve the look that the patient desires.

How often will I need BOTOX® treatments?

BOTOX® Cosmetic should be administered every three to four months to maintain the desired effect. The exact amount of time will vary from patient to patient. After approximately one year of injections, patients may be able to extend this time to four to six months, because the muscles tend to weaken after repeat injections.

What are the side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

There are a few, mild side effects associated with BOTOX® Cosmetic. On rare occasions, patients complain of mild bruising, nausea, and headache. More commonly, redness and tenderness are present at the injection sites.

What are injectable fillers?

Injectable fillersare products that are injected into the skin to correct fine wrinkles and deeper creases. There are several different types that are used in specific situations. Some last a few months, others up to two years. Some may even be permanent. They often work well in conjunction with BOTOX® Cosmetic or laser treatments.

Am I a candidate for laser treatments?

Laser treatments are used to treat variety of problems, the most common of which include brown spots (sun damage), red spots, telangectasias (tiny red veins on face), and spider veins in the legs. Laser hair removaltreatments are also popular. Different lasers are indicated for each problem, and settings are customized for each patient depending on his or her skin type.