Tummy tuck, clinically called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure involving removal of excess abdominal skin and fat, and tightening of weak abdominal muscles. The patient should have a strong understanding of all aspects of this procedure, including its estimated costs, before making a decision.
During the pre-operative consultation, the patient should feel free to ask any questions related to the costs, payment, insurance and financing of tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty and other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.
The price of abdominoplasty can vary between two practices, and sometimes, may even vary between two patients at the same practice. Several factors will go into determining the actual cost.
Where the Practice is Located
Geographical location of the practice will impact the overall cost of tummy tuck plastic surgery. The living cost index generally varies from one place to another, which will influence the average cost of most types of goods and services, including aesthetic services. Major cities and busy urban centers typically have a higher cost of living than smaller towns in interior areas.
Fee Charged by the Surgeon
The surgeon will usually charge a fee according to their qualifications, certifications and recognition in the area of abdominoplasty. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that a patient should select the best surgeon for their needs, and treat factors such as surgeon’s fee as only secondary considerations.
Surgical Venue and Anesthesia Costs
A traditional abdominoplasty will usually be performed with the patient under general anesthesia. This will entail additional costs because the services of an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse will be involved. Tummy tuck will be performed either at a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center or private surgical suite. The costs and benefits in each of these options will vary.
The patient should also consider post-operative costs such as prescription medications, medical tests, compression garments, and visits to the surgeon’s office. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
The complexity and length of abdominoplasty procedure can vary from one patient to another depending on their anatomical and cosmetic goals. Patients who choose substantive procedures such as traditional, extended or circumferential abdominoplasty will usually have to bear a higher cost than a patient who only wants a partial abdominoplasty.
In some cases, liposuction, breast lift or another surgical or non-surgical procedure may be combined with abdominoplasty. This will push up the overall sticker price of this surgery.
Although tummy tuck surgery is an elective procedure, and does not usually get covered under health insurance, but in exceptional cases, it may be a medical necessity to perform this procedure. Insurance coverage may be possible in such cases.
All other patients can have the option to get the procedure financed through third party medical care financing companies or other sources such as credit cards, personal borrowings, or traditional bank loans.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Female Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak was recently featured in Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine to discuss labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation in her article “Does My Vagina Look Normal? Is My Labia Ok?”
The article describes how labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation has become one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures, addressing both cosmetic and functionality concerns for women.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at creating a firmer and flatter abdominal contour. The surgery involves removal of loose skin and excess fat deposits from the abdominal area. Sometimes the underlying abdominal muscles may also be tightened as a part of the procedure.
The patient should choose a qualified and fully trained plastic surgeon for a major surgery such as tummy tuck. The final outcome will depend to a significant extent on this decision made by the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.
A solid candidate for tummy tuck will typically be an adult in good general health, and having unsightly abdominal contour due to excessive loose skin, fat or sagging abdominal muscles. The patient’s body weight should ideally be moderate and stable. A decent candidate will be a non-smoker or prepared to quit smoking as directed by the surgeon, and will have realistic expectations from the results.
Traditional Abdominoplasty
Traditional tummy tuck is the most common plastic surgery procedure, involving a hip to hip incision, apart from small incisions around the navel. The procedure is designed to improve the entire abdominal region, and also reposition the navel to a more youthful level. Patients seeking substantive enhancement of abdominal contours can choose this procedure.
Partial Abdominoplasty
Mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty will involve only a single small incision. The procedure will focus on improving only the lower abdominal area. It is more of a maintenance procedure providing subtle enhancement of the lower abdominal contour. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for this procedure.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
This is a less invasive technique enabling the surgeon to perform more targeted and precise tummy tuck surgery. Through a small incision, the surgeon will insert a tiny camera into the deeper fat layers, with the other end attached to an endoscope. The surgeon can see the underlying muscular structure on a screen to perform the procedure.
Extended Abdominoplasty
This form of tummy tuck surgery involves reduction of skin and fat from the abdominal area, and additionally reduces skin and fat from the flanks or love handles from either side of the waist. A larger surface area can be treated with this technique than traditional tummy tuck.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty
If the patient suffers from large amount of loose skin around the abdomen following a massive weight loss, a circumferential tummy tuck may be performed. The main goal of this procedure is to remove excess skin and enhance abdominal contours. Fat removal is not a primary concern in this procedure.
Most patients will be able to return to their regular routine or go to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days. However, heavy lifting of weights, excessive bending, and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one month. The surgeon may require the patient to wear a compression garment for several weeks to support healing.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
While the actual surgical procedure in rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery may only take about two hours, the total journey from preparation to recovery will require a significant time commitment. The patient should particularly follow the surgeon’s care instructions during the recovery period carefully to ensure a speed return to normalcy.
At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the estimated recovery period so that the patient can plan for that period appropriately and apply for leave from work in advance. With clear information about the expected downtime, the patient is in a position to make a well-considered decision. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides rhinoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Recommendations for Recovery
The patient should have someone to drive them back home following rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure. For the first 24 hours after the surgery, the patient should ideally have someone at home to assist with the basic chores. Working patients should apply for a leave of about one week to ensure adequate rest and recovery during the initial post-operative phase.
The surgeon will provide detailed post-surgical care instructions, which should be followed carefully. A proactive commitment from the patient will help to ensure speedy recovery with minimal pain and discomfort and reduced risk of complications. The patient may use cold compresses or ice therapy as instructed by the surgeon during the early part of recovery.
This will help to cut down the overall recovery period and alleviate swelling faster. Similarly, following a protein-rich diet, keeping the head elevated and performing mild activities will help to expedite recovery. Leading female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Post-Operative 48 Hours
The patient is likely to feel soreness, irritation and pain in the incision areas during the first 24 to 48 hours. General anesthesia effects will also take some time to wear off completely. The surgeon may provide pain meds for the first few days to keep the patient comfortable.
The patient should be prepared for temporary effects such as swelling, bruising, nosebleeds and headaches in the initial period of recovery. The head should be rested in an elevated position as far as possible during the first few days. Bleeding may occur in the first 48 hours, but the patient should refrain from blowing the nose during this period. Mild walks may be started from the second day of the surgery.
Recovery over Two Weeks
At the end of the first week, most patients will have their sutures removed. During this appointment with the surgeon, the splint or nasal packing, if any, will also be removed. Bruising would be largely eliminated by the second week, but swelling will dissipate gradually.
Most patients will be able to go back to work or resume a normal routine at home within a week to 10 days. However, strenuous activities, exercises, and heavy weight lifting should be avoided for about one month. Results will establish clearly as swelling subsides over the next few weeks.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery ranks among the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the US today. During the initial consultation process, the nose surgeon will discuss all aspects of rhinoplasty to help the patient make an informed decision.
Many surgeons will prefer to show rhinoplasty before and after photographs during the first consultation. This will help the patient to understand the potential effectiveness of the procedure. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides this procedure to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Before and after photographs in case of rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure refer to a pair or group of pictures pertaining to an earlier patient who has received the same procedure with satisfactory results. The photographs include images taken prior to the surgery and after the surgery at a stage when the swelling and bruising has been resolved and full effects of rhinoplasty are visible.
The surgeon will ensure that the pictures are obtained with the express consent of the patient and presented before new patients in a discreet way. The patient’s identity is usually kept confidential. The sole purpose of the surgeon behind this exercise is to apprise new patients about different aspects of rhinoplasty and explain what the procedure can or cannot do for them.
Industry after industry has been affected in a positive way because of digital technology. Digital technology has enable the medical community to become closer to their patients. Now plastic surgeons can have short and clear conversations with their patients since their patients have already seen fantastic and vivid pictures on the surgery they are considering to sign up for.
The ambiguity has been undermined. Patients are fully informed now and know exactly what they are signing up for. This mitigates the anxiety of the doctor and certainly the patient. From the comfort of their own home, patients can apply the pictures on the website to their own body.
Nose is a strategic part of the face, and any changes to the shape or size of the nose will have a significant impact on the facial balance and appearance. Therefore, it is natural for a new patient to be concerned about how rhinoplasty may alter their facial look and whether it will meet their personal cosmetic goals. Some patients may need only a limited improvement, while others may require a major rhinoplasty procedure.
Sometimes the surgeon may recommend rhinoplasty to be performed in combination with chin surgery or another invasive or non-invasive procedure. In every case, the patient will be in a better position to make the right decisions when they have access to rhinoplasty before and after photos. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Best satisfaction levels in a procedure such as rhinoplasty are typically achieved by patients who have reasonable expectations and a clear understanding of the procedure. Therefore, experienced plastic surgeons prefer to present rhinoplasty before and after photos at the very first appointment.
This simple effort ensures complete transparency and minimizes the risk of any misunderstanding or disappointment occurring at a later stage for the patient. The final goal of a cosmetic procedure is to achieve self-assurance and happiness, and patients with reasonable expectations usually achieve this goal.
If the surgeon has their own practice website, they can upload rhinoplasty before and after photos on the site. New patients can easily review the photos online and then decide whether to visit the surgeon for a personal rhinoplasty consultation. Online photos may also be provided via social media channels such as Pinterest or Instagram.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the nose. For many patients, cost is an important starting point while considering an elective procedure such as rhinoplasty. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain various aspects of nose surgery, including its estimated costs.
The first concern of a responsible surgeon will be to educate the patient about rhinoplasty and help them make an informed choice. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty and several other procedures of the breast, body and face. Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
The monetary amount of nose reshaping plastic surgery will differ from one practice to another, and in some case, may even differ between two patients at the same practice. A number of factors will influence the actual cost of the procedure.
Geographical Factor
Where a practice is located can make a significant difference to the average cost of rhinoplasty procedure. The cost of living index varies from one place to another, depending on the median household incomes, real estate costs, employment opportunities and local taxation in a region. Therefore, the price tag for most types of products and services will be impacted by the average living costs in an area. For instance, the average monetary figure of rhinoplasty in Houston, Texas, and nearby areas may not be the same as the sticker price in, say, Boston, MA.
Surgeon’s Fee
The fee of the surgeon will form a considerable part of the overall costs of procedure. It usually varies according to the skills, experience and recognition of a surgeon in the field of nose surgery. As per the ASPS recommendations, a patient should select the most appropriate surgeon for their needs, and factors such as surgeon’s fee should only be secondary to such a decision. Dedicated female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak provides rhinoplasty at her state of the art surgical practice.
Anesthesia and Surgical Venue Costs
If general anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty, it may be performed by an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse. They will charge a fee according to their qualifications and experience. The surgery may be performed at a hospital, an accredited surgical center or a private surgical suite. The dollar figure and risks associated with each option will vary.
Some patients require only limited nose surgery to improve minor conditions such as narrowing of the nasal tip or removal of nasal bumps. But some other patients may need to undergo a substantive surgery such as nose reduction or augmentation or reconstructive surgery.
Bone and cartilage changes, insertion of synthetic implants or correction of breathing problems may be involved in such a procedure. The financial factors will vary in each case according to the length and complexity of the surgery.
Insurance coverage may only be available in exceptional cases where functional correction is performed with rhinoplasty. In other cases, patients can explore various financing options to pay for the procedure in convenient monthly installments.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Kristi Hustak is the first board certified female plastic surgeon at The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS), one of the largest private plastic surgery practices in Texas and the United States.
Recently, ACPS has joined the nomination for the MyFaceMyBody awards for “Best Aesthetic Practice” in South Central.
MyFaceMyBody is an online beauty guide for the latest in Cosmetic Surgery, Health and Beauty, which recognizes the best in Aesthetic Surgery with the “MyFaceMyBody awards.”
To support Dr. Kristi Hustak and the surgeons of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery, please click here to share your experience!
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery is one of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures in the US today. More than 200,000 rhinoplasty surgeries are performed every year in the US. The procedure can successfully enhance the size or shape of the nose to make it more attractive and harmonious with the rest of the face.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed for cosmetic improvement of the face, but in some cases, the surgery may be performed to correct breathing obstructions or other functional aberrations. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female cosmetic plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty to patients in Houston Texas, and surrounding locations.
Several surgical techniques can be used to perform rhinoplasty plastic surgery. The most appropriate technique will be determined by the surgeon in consultation with the patient.
Reduction Rhinoplasty
One of the most popular forms of nose surgery is reduction rhinoplasty. It will reduce the nose size to bring it in proportion to other facial features such as the chin and cheekbones. Reduction of nasal bumps, narrowing of the nasal tip, and reshaping of large or upturned nostrils may also be performed with this technique. To build the right size and shape of the nose, the surgeon may remove a small amount of nasal bone and cartilage.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
If the nose size and shape appears undermined in relation to other facial features, the surgeon may recommend augmentation rhinoplasty. The nasal bridge or tip will be built up by using tissue or bone grafting. Cartilage may be used from the nasal septum or other areas such as the ribs. Synthetic implants may be used if sufficient cartilage is not available. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustok receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty
A post-traumatic nose reshaping procedure may be performed if the patient has suffered severe injuries to the nose. The surgery may be designed to restore both aesthetics and function. The surgeon may repair the fractured nasal bone, correct the nasal septum and straighten the nose as a part of this procedure.
Reconstructive Rhinoplasty
A patient may have lost all or a part of the nose due to skin cancer or another disease or injury. The surgeon may perform reconstructive rhinoplasty to recreate the original nose. Flap technique, skin grafting and synthetic implants may be used to create the desired reconstruction.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Nasal peculiarities and features can differ among people of different ethnicity. The surgeon may perform ethnic rhinoplasty on patients of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Middle Eastern descent to create natural looking nasal contours. The patient’s basic integrity and identity of the face will not be compromised, while the nose is reshaped in a natural looking way.
The patient may go through a downtime of about a week to 10 days following rhinoplasty. Soreness, bruising, and swelling in the incision areas is expected in the initial period, which will gradually resolve on its own much to the relief of the patient. Pain medications can be used for a few days as prescribed by the surgeon.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure carried out on the external female genital area, or the labia. The common forms of labiaplasty will include labia majora reduction, labia minora reduction, or both. Labia majora refers to the pair of outer vaginal lips, while labia minora refers to the inner lips.
Labiaplasty may sometimes involve increasing the size of the labial tissue, removing bulges and folds, or modifying pigmentation. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides labiaplasty and other procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Women who are unhappy with the appearance of the vulvo-vaginal area may choose labiaplasty plastic surgery procedure. Some women feel uncomfortable when wearing swimwear or tight clothes because the outline of the labia may reflect through the clothing. Enlarged labia may also make a woman self-conscious during sexual activity.
Women may find it difficult to maintain personal hygiene due to enlarged labia. It can cause irritability or discomfort, and labial reduction procedure can address the problem. Some women may also feel discomfort while performing certain activities such as long walks, jogging, cycling, horse riding, exercise, and sexual intercourse.
Patients in Houston, Katy, Texas, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive labiaplasty and various other procedures from dedicated female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak.
Labiaplasty procedure will begin with the surgeon applying a local anesthetic to the affected areas. The local anesthetic is usually administered by injection, which will cause mild pain as the needle penetrates. But the administration will be over quickly. Once the numbness has completely set in, the surgeon will begin the actual surgery.
The surgery may involve the use of traditional tools or laser technique in order to remove the excess labial tissue. Colored markings will be placed in the tissue area in order to perform the excision precisely. The wounds will be stitched up once the surgery is completed. The surgical area will be cleaned up and sterile drapes removed. At this point, the patient will be able to see the results.
Immediately after the labiaplasty, the patient can return to a private room to get dressed. Post-op care instructions and advice will be given at this time by the medical staff. The patient will not be allowed to drive back home on her own, so she should have someone to assist with this task. Within a few hours of the surgery, as the effect of the anesthetic wears off, mild soreness and pain will be felt in the incision areas.
Complete recovery from labiaplasty can take a few months. The length of recovery can vary between patients, depending on the extent of correction performed and how diligently the patient follows post-op care instructions.
For about six weeks from the date of surgery, the patient will have to avoid vigorous activities such as cycling, horse riding, biking, swimming in the lake or ocean, and sexual intercourse. Aggressive activity at the workplace should also be avoided for about one month.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston and Katy, Texas.
Giant technological strides have been made in the field of cosmetic surgery over the decades, but the single most important factor that influences the final outcomes continues to be the skill and expertise of the operating surgeon. Therefore, patients must carefully choose their surgeon in order to increase their chances of achieving highly desirable results.
Dr. Kristi Hustak is the first board certified female plastic surgeon at the leading Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS). Dr. Hustak performs a wide spectrum of plastic and reconstructive procedures, with a special attention to procedures for women. She provides cutting edge surgical and non-surgical treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Dr. Hustak believes that optimal outcomes in any plastic surgery procedure can be achieved when the surgeon manages to strike the elusive balance between art and science. Dr. Hustak has a strong sense of art and aesthetics, which is combined with her advanced surgical training and experience to produce safe and desirable outcomes in every procedure she performs.
Dr. Hustak customizes the procedure according to the unique anatomical and aesthetic needs of a patient. With this balanced and customized approach, she is able to make the procedures less invasive, less painful, involving a faster recovery and achieving results that are more sustainable and natural looking.
Leading female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Katy, Texas, and nearby areas for a variety of procedures. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2008. She went on to complete an advanced and integrated six-year plastic surgery program at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas.
She worked with premier hospitals where she got the opportunity to hone her skills in a wide range of surgical procedures. These hospitals included John Sealy Hospital, Shriner’s Burn Hospital for Children, MD Anderson Cancer Center, St. Joseph Medical Center, Clearlake Regional Medical Center, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, and Mainland Medical Center.
Dr. Hustak earned numerous accolades during her years at UTMB. In 2013, she was recognized by her peers as the UTMB Plastic Surgery Resident of the Year. In 2014, she was an Overall Outstanding UTMB Resident of the Year Nominee, an award only conferred upon a few residents that year out of over 500 residents. She also won the UTMB 2014 Outstanding Resident Leadership Award and the 2014 Golden Scalpel Outstanding Surgical Resident of the Year.
Dr. Hustak was chosen by Super Doctors as a Texas Rising Star of 2015 for her excellence in the field of cosmetic surgery. Super Doctors identifies leading medical professionals as selected by their peers, in addition to independent research by MSP Communications. The selectors assess candidates on 10 key parameters of professional achievement and peer recognition.
Dr. Hustak was also named as the “Top Woman in Business in 2015” by the H Texas Magazine. The selection to this list involves voting by the people in order to give maximum importance to public opinion.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston and Katy, Texas.