Q: Is cosmetic radio-surgery performed on both men and women?
A: Yes. It should be noted that a significant number of men and women of all ages elect to have cosmetic radio-surgery to achieve a more youthful look.

Q: What is the age-limit to undergo cosmetic radio-surgery? A: There is no correct age for obtaining cosmetic radio-surgery. Certainly, girls in their twenties comprise the majority of patients. If you are in good health without serious medical problems, your age alone should not keep you from having this procedure.

Q: Are there any visible scars from the cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: Most of the time there is no visible scar after the healing is complete. Only the lesion itself is removed, leaving a flat raw non-bleeding surface, which is no bigger than the surface area of the original lesion. This causes very little damage to the surrounding tissues allowing rapid healing and minimizing the risk of scarring. Seven to ten days later, wound heals to leave a flat layer of new skin, which gradually blends, into the normal skin color.

Q: Is the result of cosmetic radio-surgery permanent?
A: Yes, the results of radio-surgery are instantly visible and permanent with no necessary down time and only one treatment is required for permanent removal.

Q: How is the cosmetic radio-surgery performed?
A: Cosmetic radio-surgery is usually performed by giving small local anesthesia injection to numb the skin outgrowths. Generally, there is no pain during surgery. If you are very nervous, you will be given a Valium pill to help you relax. Patients are awake during surgery. Patients do not hear or feel anything and are comfortable during surgery. Radio-surgery is commonly done in a doctor’s on an outpatient basis.

Q: Will I be in pain?
A: Cosmetic radio-surgery by Surgitron is painless. To further ensure your total comfort, a small local anesthetic injection is given to the area of treatment. After any surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Patients have surprisingly little discomfort after most radio-surgery procedures. Generally, over the counter Tylenol is all patients need for 24 hours. An occasional patient may report unmanageable pain after surgery.

Q: How will I feel after my cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: Your wounds are never patched. After surgery, patients usually spend at least one day resting with their head elevated on a pillow and often apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Some patients report a dull headache and tenderness or discomfort. You may experience some itching sensation during the healing process.

Q: Can I drive myself back home after the procedure?
A: Yes, you will be able to drive yourself. But if you require Valium, you should arrange for a ride.

Q: Is there swelling and bruising after the cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: There is usually no swelling or bruising after surgery. There may be some scratchy sensation but very little and this too fades rapidly. Women can camouflage treated areas fairly easily at seven to ten days with make-up.

Q: How safe is the cosmetic surgery? Are there any complications or side effects?
A: All surgeries have some risks. If performed by a competent surgeon, complications are infrequent and minor. The vast majority of these operations go perfectly well with excellent results and happy patients. All patients will experience some scratchy sensation for a few days after the surgery.

Any surgery has some risk of bleeding and infection. Wound disruption and heavy scarring are also possible. These are very rare in this surgery, and other complications are even less common. For some of these complications, a touch-up procedure might be necessary for correction. Dr. Tandon will discuss any possible risks with you before surgery is done, and answer all of your questions.

Q: How soon can I go back to work?
A: New techniques have significantly reduced healing times. However, each patient's healing time varies with the type of procedure performed, medical history and physical health. You can expect to go to your work place within a few days if you do not mind treated area looking a bit discolored. If your appearance is important then you need to take at least one week off.

Q: When can I resume regular exercise or play sports after cosmetic radio-surgery? A: You can resume regular exercise, aerobic, play sports, or work out immediately after the procedure.

Q: When can I take a shower, tub bath, or wash my hair?
A: You may take a shower, tub bath, and wash your hair in the sink any time after 24 hours following the procedure.

Q: What if I need a touch-up?
A: It is very rare that a second operation is necessary. Your surgeon will advise you about the need of a touch-up.

Q: When will my surgeon see me again after the cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: We see all surgery patients one week after the surgery. Further follow-up will depend upon your individual condition and schedule. Dr. Tandon will be available to see you in the office, if necessary. There is no charge for future visits after surgery.

Q: If I am eligible for the cosmetic radio-surgery, what is the next step?
A: Schedule a pre-op appointment with your surgeon at NeoVision Eye Center. In keeping with our efforts to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and in an ongoing effort to avoid possible complications, we ask that each of our radio-surgery patients undergo an extensive and comprehensive consultation with the surgeon prior to the cosmetic procedure. During your pre-op visit, your health history will be reviewed, all your questions will be answered, you will be instructed on how to prepare for surgery, you will be given the prescriptions for use after surgery and we will tell you what to expect. If you are on blood thinners, you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. You will be asked to sign an informed consent. Full payment for your cosmetic surgery is due at the time of your pre-op visit.

Q: What does “informed consent” mean?
A: Informed consent means you have an excellent understanding about the benefits of surgery as well as any risks, and all the preoperative and postoperative information. You are making an "informed" decision as to whether surgery is right for you.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions before and after the cosmetic radio-surgery? A: No, there are no dietary restrictions before or after the radio-surgery.

Q: Will I need any special prescriptions following cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: Usually no prescription medicines are needed before or after radio-surgery. Over-the-counter pain medications and topical antibiotic ointment is needed after surgery.

Q: Who will do my surgery? A: Dr. Tandon will meet with you, examine you, and discuss what you want, inform all the possible complications, answer all of your questions, and perform the surgery. Dr. Tandon, MD, PhD is a trained physician and surgeon from Stanford University.

Q: What are NeoVision’s charges for cosmetic radio-surgery? A: At NeoVision Eye Center, we believe the fairest approach is to offer cosmetic radio-surgery for one Flat Fee. That is why we offer one global comprehensive fee, which includes all pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care. A price estimate will be given at your consultation for cosmetic surgery. Fees reflect the specific problem that you have and the extent of surgery to correct it. Typical minimum fee for any cosmetic radio-surgery is $500.

Q: Will my insurance company pay for cosmetic radio-surgery?
A: No, these procedures are cosmetic in nature and are not covered by insurance.