PATIENT INFORMATION
Commonly Asked Questions
Choosing your surgeon is a very personal decision. Factors including training, board certification, personality, office location, staff support, and surgeon skills should be considered. A general feeling of comfort and confidence and a shared understanding of surgical expectations and goals are very important. You should review before and after photos of procedures or surgeries performed by your surgeon and like the results you see. An excellent place to begin your search is checking for board certification. The American Board of Medical Specialties (main governing board in the United States) certifies plastic surgeons who have completed rigorous and complete training (minimum of six postgraduate years after medical school) and who have demonstrated safety and knowledge through the review and examination of a minimum of 50 surgical cases in practice.
A consultation is the essential first step in your desire to refine, restore or enhance your appearance, whether surgically or through non-surgical treatments. It is important for you and Dr. Shifrin to meet, discuss your desires, and ask questions. At this point, he can individually recommend treatment options, and you can gain an appreciation for realistic outcomes.
Your consultation begins with an introduction to our practice by a member of our staff. You will share your medical history and discuss your goals. You will then meet with Dr. Shifrin and his assistant for a personalized evaluation. If necessary, you will be given time to disrobe in private before your examination. All examinations include Dr. Shifrin and our Patient Care Coordinator, who is present to advocate on your behalf. Dr. Shifrin will then offer individualized recommendations regarding the best treatment options available to you. The consultation concludes with time for answering any questions and providing you with the information you may need to make a completely confident, well-informed decision. You may schedule your procedure if you elect to undergo treatment.
No. You may schedule surgery at any time that is appropriate for you, whether at the time of your consultation or in the future. Surgeon fees presented at your consultation are valid for six months from your consultation date. Surgery center, anesthesia, or recovery fees may change.
You may contact our office and Patient Care Coordinator at any time after your consultation with questions. Dr. Shifrin is available for questions as well. We encourage our patients to ask as many questions as necessary and believe that proper education is essential for an enjoyable experience. If necessary, we can schedule a second consultation for continued in-person discussion.
Photographs are an important part of your medical record and also serve as a reference for Dr. Shifrin throughout the course of your care. You will sign a specific consent for photographs allowing Dr. Shifrin to use these for educational, research, and marketing purposes. If you are uncomfortable with your photographs being used for purposes other than your medical record, inform us, and we will respect your wishes. If you are coming for a facial consultation, please keep makeup to a minimum so Dr. Shifrin can better evaluate and photograph your natural appearance before and after surgery.
You may choose to bring a family member or friend to support you during your consultation. However, the decision to undergo treatment is one that is yours to make alone.
Minor procedures may be performed in our in-office procedure room. Outpatient procedures are performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility located in the same building as our practice. (2335 South Michigan Avenue Floor Three Chicago IL 60616). Dr. Shifrin maintains hospital privileges at Franciscan St James hospitals in Olympia Fields, Illinois and Chicago Ridge, Illinois, and Mercy hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
Can I choose where my procedure will be performed? Dr. Shifrin will discuss the options of where to schedule your surgery and make a recommendation to you. If you have a preference, please share this during your consultation, and we will accommodate your request whenever possible.
Dr. Shifrin and the anesthesiologist will determine what form of anesthesia is best for you. The choice of anesthesia is determined with your safety in mind.
Dr. Shifrin will discuss and recommend the best option for you. Inpatient care may be required in some cases. Outpatient care offers you a variety of options for your recovery.
Accreditation is a review process demonstrating a surgical facility meets specific safety and operations standards. All of the facilities in which Dr. Shifrin operates are fully accredited to meet safety standards for the class and type of procedures performed at the facility.
The risks associated with each procedure vary and will be thoroughly discussed with you during your consultation. You will have ample opportunity to discuss these risks before giving consent or scheduling surgery. Significant factors to minimize your risks include:
- Selecting a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon (certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery) with experience and proper credentials.
- Surgery at a fully accredited surgical center or hospital.
- Anesthesia by a properly licensed anesthesiologist.
- A proper health screening prior to surgery.
- Following all of the pre-and post-operative instructions you are given, including no smoking and taking or avoiding certain medications and supplements.
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Anxiety is normal. However, if you feel at all apprehensive or afraid, please discuss this with Dr. Shifrin or our staff immediately. Being completely informed, in a supportive and private environment, and attended to by a surgeon and staff you trust are vital to your emotional and physical comfort.
The best plastic surgery candidate is someone with realistic expectations and an understanding of the limitations set by medicine, technology, and each patient’s body. Good candidates have a strong self-image and well-developed reasons for pursuing a plastic surgery procedure. They are looking for improvement of a physical trait, knowing that while this positive change may enhance their self-image, it will not change people’s perception of them.
When the plastic surgery procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover the costs. When the surgery is necessary for reconstructive purposes, it may be partially or fully covered by insurance. Plastic surgery procedures that may be covered by insurance often include breast reconstruction (after mastectomy), rhinoplasty (the breathing problem portion), panniculectomy surgery (following a weight loss), and eyelid surgery (to correct vision problems.) Dr. Shifrin’s office will assist you in filing and submitting your reimbursement claim.
Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance a healthy, normal, functioning part of the body. Nothing but the patient’s desire for physical improvement necessitates the need for cosmetic plastic surgery. Reconstructive surgery, however, is intended to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, disease or tumor, physical trauma, or infection. The goal of reconstructive surgery may be to restore form and function.
Each plastic surgery procedure carries a different level of discomfort, and requires different methods of anesthetizing. Very minor, non-invasive surgeries might involve a topical anesthetic, while minor invasive surgeries may call for local anesthetic or local combined with sedation. In more involved surgery, general anesthesia is primarily used.
Most plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, usually, when the surgery is very extensive, or complications arise, Dr. Shifrin may require an overnight stay. Options and recommendations will be discussed during your consultation.
A consultation is the essential first step in your desire to refine, restore or enhance your appearance, whether surgically or through non-surgical treatments. It is mutually beneficial for you and Dr. Shifrin to meet, discuss your goals, and ask questions in order that he may individually recommend your treatment options, including recovery plans.
If you are able to recover at home, you will be discharged with a responsible adult who must remain with you until your first postoperative visit. You may also elect to have a private nurse care for you at home. Our Patient Care Coordinator will help arrange as needed.
Every individual and every procedure is different. Your recovery will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation, including how you will feel, how to treat your incisions, potential bruises and medications to take for discomfort, and what you should and should not do during recovery.
You will see Dr. Shifrin before you are released for your post-surgical care, whether your recovery will be at home or in a recovery center. When you are released, a member of Dr. Shifrin’s staff will fully explain the time and purpose of your next visit. Dr. Shifrin and his partner are available by phone round the clock for any questions or concerns that may arise.
You will be given a full listing of potential signs of complication and normal conditions to experience during recovery. If you have questions at any time during your recovery, please contact us immediately. Dr. Shifrin and his staff are readily available to take your calls and instruct you on what to do. Your experience is extremely important to us.
