If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQ, please contact us with your question or concern.
Q: What is the difference between a facial plastic surgeon and a general plastic surgeon?
Q: How do I know if I’m ready for facial plastic surgery?
Q: What happens during the consultation phase?
Q: How long will my procedure take and can I return home immediately?
Q: What is the cost of surgery?
Q: What are the risks of cosmetic surgery
Q: What is the difference between a facial plastic surgeon and a general plastic surgeon?
A facial plastic surgeon performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head and neck regions only. Training includes a five-year residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, followed by a one to two-year sub-specialty fellowship in facial plastic and cosmetic surgery.
A general plastic surgeon performs both face and body procedures. Training includes a five-year general plastic surgery residency.
.Q: How do I know if I’m ready for facial plastic surgery?
This question deserves a discussion and ultimately, the decision is yours alone to make. It’s only natural to have concerns and expectations about cosmetic surgery, which should be addressed in detail before moving forward.
Dr. Torgerson believes that any improvements you seek should enhance and reflect your essential self. Our role is to help you make those changes that really make sense for you – and to establish a comfort level so you can make your decision with confidence.
Dr. Torgerson can help you look at your options during the initial private consultation process – all without your having to make any kind of commitment. He can walk you through the process and visualize the potential results – providing everything you need to make a well-informed, balanced decision.
Keep in mind that there are both anatomical and psychological factors to consider. Moreover, timing is key – in terms of the age, level of maturity, life situation and emotional stability of the patient. For example, we would never advise any form of elective surgery during times of personal stress or upheaval. Far better to wait until you feel ready and your mind is confident and clear.
.Q: What happens during the consultation phase?
The initial private consultation is conducted personally with Dr. Torgerson. He will ask about the changes you are looking for and enquire about your relevant medical history. From the doctor’s perspective, the consult allows him to assess your individual situation from a medical and aesthetic viewpoint. It also provides an ideal opportunity for you to discuss and identify the goals of your surgery. Depending on the type of procedure involved, the doctor can also offer insights about the actual surgery and the healing process – and answer any questions or clear up any misconceptions you may have.
On your second visit, we conduct a physical examination and take photographs to provide a more detailed evaluation of your physiological structural parameters. We can then discuss your surgical options in greater depth and where appropriate, use sophisticated computer imaging programs to visualize potential outcomes.
If you are considering a more complex combination of procedures, you can choose to have them performed in a single session or spread out over a period of months. Once you and the doctor have decided upon the nature of your improvements and the timetable, we can then begin planning for the surgery.
.Q: How long will my procedure take and can I return home immediately?
Nasal and facial cosmetic surgery procedures vary in duration from less than an hour to four hours. Please review our procedures page for more detailed times or ask the doctor.
Depending on the type of procedure involved, you may be released to return home immediately; in the case of more advanced surgeries, you may be required to stay overnight at our beautiful facility. The recovery time for swelling and bruising will of course be longer for procedures that are more extensive.
.Q: What is the cost of surgery?
Fees will vary depending on the surgeon you choose, the procedure you desire and the complexity of your needs. In general, prices can range from a few hundred dollars for a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to several thousand for a more intensive surgery.
.Q: What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?
Each procedure in cosmetic surgery carries an element of risk and complication. However, as a patient you can help to minimize risk by exercising due diligence when choosing your surgeon.
Start by making sure the surgeon is fully qualified. Here in Canada, this means that they would have the designation FRCSC after their name – which stands for "Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada". It is an even better sign if the surgeon has completed a fellowship in their specialty area (i.e: a Fellow of Facial Plastic Surgery vs. a general surgeon or family doctor).
Check the standard of the surgical facilities: If the surgeon operates out of an “accredited facility”, this means that the Government of Ontario has awarded that facility the highest standard of safety and quality – comparable to a hospital. Not all cosmetic surgeons necessarily operate out of accredited facilities but it is preferable.
Dr. Torgerson takes an extra measure of care by also ensuring that all nursing and technical staff are fully trained and selected for their extensive hospital experience.
