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Frequently Asked Questions

At Gal Aesthetics we perform a wide range of cosmetic surgical procedures, both on the face and body, each with their own particular instructions, preparation and restrictions. The following questions, patients frequently ask apply to many, if not all of the surgeries we do.

Where is the Surgery Done?

We perform all our surgeries in our fully accredited (by the AAAHC) office-based surgical suite, specifically designed with the latest in monitoring, surgical, and emergency equipment for your safety. Our record in this regard to date has been impeccable and unlike hospitals, infections after our surgeries are exceedingly rare.

What Type of Anesthetic Do You Use?

We use only local anesthesia with conscious sedation. We do not administer general anesthesia. The combination of local anesthesia with conscious sedation allows us to administer a lighter anesthetic while still insuring total comfort during the surgery and with far less nausea and vomiting afterwards. Because of our particular method of anesthesia our incidence of pulmonary embolus (blood clots to the lungs which can be fatal) so far is zero.

Does Anyone But Dr. Gal Do The Procedures?

Except for FotoFacials and light chemical peels, Dr. Gal does all the surgical and laser procedures along with the implantation of the dermal fillers, and Beauty injections Cosmetic injections.

Do You Provide Financing For Your Procedures?

We accept cash, personal checks (which must clear your bank prior to surgery), and all major credit cards. We do not finance our procedures in house, but can refer you to companies that specifically finance cosmetic procedures. If you are interested, you can refer to our financing information on this website.

How Soon Before I Can Work Out After Surgery?

While each category of surgery has its own restrictions, in general, for most of our procedures, you can do light cardio exercise such as walking, stationary bicycle, or an elliptical machine within a day or two. After liposuction, we like you to take a two-mile walk the day after surgery. Light cardio exercise stimulates healing, helps prevent blood clots, and increases your overall feeling of well-being following surgery and as such is encouraged. For heavier work-out regimens such as weight training, you will have to check with the doctor as to the advisability of participation in these activities in your particular case.

Do I Need Someone to Bring Me to the Office and Pick Me Up on the Day of Surgery?

Absolutely! If conscious sedation is used, you must have someone bring you to the office and pick you up. In addition it is very important after conscious sedation that a responsible adult stays with you the first night after surgery. If there is no one who can be with you, we can arrange for you to stay overnight in a nearby convalescent facility for a minimal extra charge.

Can I Undergo Cosmetic Surgery If I Smoke?

Smoking can substantially increase the risk of complications after cosmetic surgery. Many surgeons will not perform facelift surgery on smokers. We do as long as the patient who smokes understands, accepts the additional risk and agrees to cut back. By and large, smoking has little impact on standard tumescent liposuction, browlifts, eyelid surgery, primary breast augmentation, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and dermal fillers. For these procedures, we accept smokers. In tummy tuck surgery, smoking has the most negative impact, increasing complications tremendously. We will not perform tummy tuck surgery on a patient who has not quit smoking for at least three weeks prior to their surgery.