Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a plastic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio?

Start your search by looking for a plastic surgeon who is boad certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Diplomat of the Ameican Societ of Plastic Surgeons.

 An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

•       Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training. 
•       Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
•       Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
•       Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
•       Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.

After you find a plastic surgeon with these qualifications, make an appointment with him/her. Come to your consultation prepared with questions. Making the decision to have plastic surgery should not be taken lightly, and you will want to make sure that you feel comfortable asking your surgeon questions and that you are confident in his/her abilities.

Do anti-wrinkle face creams really work?

If you are hoping for dramatic results, you won’t see that from most face creams.  However, certain skin care products can improve your skin tone, tone down redness, lighten age spots, and reduce some fine lines. Certain skin care lines that are found in physicians’ offices such as Nia-24, Tri-luma, and SkinCueticals, contain stronger and more effective ingredients than can be found in drug stores and department stores.

If you would like to find out more about the appropriate skin care for your skin, call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Houser.

How can I get rid of crow's feet?

Options for treating crow's feet include skin resurfacing (chemical peels) and skin rejuvenation (Portrait Plasma). In addition, certain injectables are effective in correcting crow's feet. If you would like to get rid of crow's feet, ask Dr. Houser about the best course of treatment for you.

What are the best options for skin rejuvenation?

Fortunately, there are lots of options for skin rejuvenation! The best one for you, depends on your skin type, your tolerance for downtime, and the results that you would like to see. For more information on skin rejuvenation, see our non-surgical facial procedures page.

What does a facelift cost in Columbus, Ohio?

This might be the most difficult question to answer about facelifts! If you have started doing any research on the cost of facelifts, you have probably found that the cost of the surgery varies quite a bit. The reason for this is that the procedure itself varies quite a bit. The cost depends largely on the extensiveness of your procedure. An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to give you an accurate estimate for your facelift, after a thorough exam and in-person consultation.

If cost is a major factor for you, it is better to wait until you can afford the proper procedure, performed by an ABPS board certified plastic surgeon, than to opt for a lesser quality procedure at a lower price. Your face is not a good area for cost cutting!

If you would like to finance your facelift, our office participates in financing with two reputable medical financing companies. These companies offer monthly payment programs for cosmetic surgery procedures. For more information on financing, please see our payment info page.

I have seen advertisements for a new type of facelift that has less downtime and is less expensive.  How is this possible?

Typically, these heavily advertised procedures are nothing more than lesser procedures accompanied by slick advertising. Often these procedures are not performed by board certified plastic surgeons, but instead by various doctors who attend weekend training courses on facelifts. Only trust an ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgeons) board certified plastic surgeon to perform your facelift. Many physicians are board certification, but they might be board certified in emergency medicine or family medicine, not plastic surgery. Choose your surgeon carefully.

If your face lift is less extensive than is needed and performed by a non-plastic surgeon, you may be risking your safety and your results.

How do I know if I need a face lift?

The best way to find out if a facelift will correct the issues that are bothering you, is to have an in-person consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.  as a general rule, if you want to get rid of a few facial lines, Botox and / or injectable fillers is probably the solution. If you frequently find yourself looking in the mirror and pulling your skin back, you would probably be happiest with the results of a facelift.