Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic surgery is designed to enhance the appearance of the face and body by reshaping the original structures and tissues. These procedures are performed by a plastic surgeon and are typically considered elective, with the exception of certain cases of breast reduction and blepharoplasty. As such, cosmetic surgery usually will not be covered by insurance.

Reconstructive surgery is utilized to address a variety of conditions stemming from congenital, developmental, and acquired defects, the latter of which may be the result of infection, disease, tumors, trauma, or aging. The primary goal of a reconstructive procedure is to enhance function, although aesthetic improvement to create a more normal appearance is another common purpose. Health insurance may provide full or partial coverage for a reconstructive operation, depending on the patient’s insurance policy.

Prices range depending on the type of procedure performed, and each treatment plan is customized to suit the patient’s individual needs and goals. As a result, there are no set estimates. Dr. Neal Goldberg will discuss all potential costs during the initial consultation.

Natural-looking, harmonious results are a priority for Dr. Goldberg, who strives to maintain each patient’s individuality throughout the process. He takes special care to provide patients with results that do not look “plastic.”

As the director of his private practice, Dr. Neal Goldberg performs all surgical procedures. While more advanced cases may require an assistant, he or she will be another board-certified plastic surgeon operating under the direct guidance of Dr. Goldberg. There are no interns, residents, or students as there would be at a teaching hospital. Furthermore, Dr. Goldberg values a strong doctor-patient relationship. He believes in providing a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing all concerns and questions. He will personally respond to questions prior to and after the procedure, and will be the only physician that patients will visit in the office and the hospital.

Dr. Goldberg performs surgery in one of two locations: his JCAHO-certified facility or a hospital. He will recommend a surgical site based on several factors, such as patient need, convenience, cost, and — most importantly — safety.

The experience and training that comes with being a board-certified plastic surgeon allows Dr. Goldberg to offer a comprehensive selection of procedures that are tailored to the patient’s unique desires and anatomical needs. Practitioners without this level of skill may guide patients to choose from a limited variety of treatments.

Surgery requires a great deal of skill to perform, and board-certified plastic surgeons typically are better equipped to manage the complications that could potentially arise during the procedure or through recovery.

To become board-certified, a plastic surgeon must complete training through a nationally accredited program, observe surgeons in practice and survey a variety of cases, and pass a rigorous oral and written exam that evaluates the surgeon’s expertise and judgment in both plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Liposuction is designed to remove pockets of fat; however, it cannot address skin laxity. Patients with good skin elasticity and stubborn deposits of excess fat may benefit from this procedure alone. Women who have had children and individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight often experience excess skin and loose muscles around their midsection. Tummy tuck surgery may provide better results in these cases.

Selecting the appropriate size and type of breast implant for breast augmentation is a highly personal decision. Dr. Goldberg will be happy to discuss all available options, benefits and risks, and offer recommendations to help guide patients in their determination.

The tissues of the breasts will respond in different ways depending on the placement, size, and type of breast implants. Dr. Goldberg can determine the optimal location based on the anatomical needs and desired results of each patient.

A Mommy Makeover is a combination of body contouring procedures customized to address multiple conditions that may occur after a woman has children. Typically, the treatment plan will include breast rejuvenation and tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction may also be involved. Breast lift (with or without implants) surgery or breast reduction are the most common breast rejuvenation options, depending on the patient’s expressed goals.

Plastic surgery is the branch of medicine that encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore and reshape the face and body, typically addressing birth defects, developmental issues, and acquired conditions. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to enhance the aesthetic appearance and, in many cases, improve patient self esteem.

All surgery carries some risk of complication; however, when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, these procedures generally are considered safe. Patients are encouraged to discuss any questions and concerns prior to undergoing treatment, and they should always provide an accurate medical history to their surgeon.

There are a variety of details that can influence the outcome of a procedure, including the patient’s age, skin type, genetic background, general health, and type of condition, among others. Other considerations may include whether or not an individual smokes, which can slow the recovery process, and whether or not a patient has sun damaged skin. While there is no way to predict the surgical results with 100 percent accuracy, Dr. Goldberg will examine the patient for these and other variables prior to the operation.

Patients who are well-informed, in reasonably good health, and have realistic expectations for the surgical outcome typically are good candidates, though each individual will be assessed independently. Generally speaking, there are two categories of candidates for plastic surgery:

• Individuals who are bothered by a physical feature but otherwise have a strong self-image. Typically, once they have improved or modified the perceived concern, they will maintain their positive self-regard.
• Patients who have been suffering with a cosmetic or physical defect for many years, which may have eroded their confidence over time. While regaining self esteem may be a slow process, these individuals can often gradually rebuild their confidence.

Our perception of how we appear to others is self-image. Individuals with a positive self-image typically are confident, adept in social and professional situations, and comfortable in their casual and romantic relationships. Patients with a low self-image may be inhibited, self-conscious, and uncomfortable in many social situations.

Plastic surgery may be able to enhance an individual’s self-confidence by adjusting that person’s perception of who he or she is. Whether cosmetic or reconstructive, a plastic surgery procedure often can have a significant emotional impact, as well as a physical one.

Yes. The consultation fee for new cosmetic patients is $175 and $50 for patients interested in injectables and collected when booking the appointment. This fee is applicable to the cost of surgery when performed and fully refundable if the consultation is cancelled prior to 24 hours before the consultation date. The fee is also refundable if Dr. Goldberg determines that you are not a candidate for the procedure. The fee can be transferred to a rescheduled appointment. There is no refund for no-shows or cancellations occurring within 24 hours of the consultation time.

Many health insurance policies offer partial or full coverage for reconstructive procedures; however, coverage will vary widely between companies and policies.

Cosmetic surgery is considered elective, therefore not a medical necessity, and typically will not be covered by health insurance. However, Dr. Goldberg offers financing programs to qualified patients seeking a monthly payment option. Individuals interested in discussing a payment schedule for a cosmetic procedure should schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg.

In some cases, a procedure may qualify as both reconstructive and cosmetic. In these “gray areas,” partial coverage may be possible with special consideration by the insurer. Eyelid surgery, for example, may qualify for partial coverage if the excess eyelid skin is obstructing the patient’s vision. Individuals should discuss their condition with Dr. Goldberg to determine if there may be potential for coverage.