Bonnie Baldwin MD Plastic Surgery

If a part of your body bothers you on a daily basis it is a good idea to find out if that area can be surgically corrected. It is possible that the results of plastic surgery can lead to a more satisfied self image and greater self esteem. The first step is to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs the surgical procedure you have an interest in exploring. And then schedule a consultation appointment to meet this surgeon to discuss a potential surgery.

It is best to ask for a referral from a primary care physician or OB/GYN. Some people rely upon referral from friends who have knowledge of plastic surgeons from their own experience. Either way, it is important that the patient finds a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who listens to them and understands their personal image goals. And also the patient must feel comfortable with their doctor of choice.

We schedule 45 minutes for each consultation. My nurse and I meet with the patient in a private room. We discuss the patient's pertinent history and the procedure they are contemplating. We talk about the surgery and which facility can be used. We discuss pre-op and post-op care as well as the recovery time frame and any restrictions. I answer any and all questions. Then the patient moves to an examination room where I can determine if the patient is a candidate for that surgery. Lastly, after you and Dr. Baldwin agree upon a surgical plan the nurse will present you with a quote for the procedure that will include Dr. Baldwin's fee as well as the fees for the facility and anesthesia. The consultation is a very important meeting. Patients should come with questions, bring a friend or family member to have another person to think of questions and help remember the answers.

People who have an area of disproportion that bothers them on a daily basis are most often candidates for the procedure that will offer correction. It is also important that the patient has realistic expectations. Plastic surgery provides improvement rather than perfection.

Dr. Baldwin understands that people have health issues. Of course she has patients with various disease processes. For elective surgery, the patient needs to have any health issue under control. Dr. Baldwin may recommend that a cardiologist clear the patient before performing the surgery. The anesthesiologist in the operating room needs to be aware of any issues in order to manage these issues while the patient is asleep.

Dr. Baldwin's follow up schedule is based on days and weeks post-op. She always see the patient on the first day after surgery whether in the hospital or in the office. She then sees the patient again at 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks pos-op. After the initial 6 week post-op period had passed the patient is seen at 3 months and 6 months post-op.

Yes, certain medications need to be stopped two weeks before surgery to reduce the likelihood of bleeding. During the initial post-op period each procedure has its own restrictions. However, most include refraining from heavy lifting, repetitive motions and exercising. Patients can shower daily once the original dressings are removed at the 1 day post-op visit but, soaking in a tub or swimming are restricted to avoid softening of the incision which could put the patient at risk for infection.

The length of time cosmetic results last will vary from one individual to another. Each person has differences in skin elasticity and tone that affect long term results. On average ten years is the expected length of time however, results can be impacted by aging, skin care and the environment.

No, Dr. Baldwin has a very professional, helpful staff who usually can schedule the surgery in about three to four weeks. Sometimes patients want to schedule a couple of months ahead of time. Either way, patients are put on the calendar or preparation begins for the upcoming procedure.