Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic Consultations

If you are considering having any of the various cosmetic procedures we offer, just call us, and we will gladly set you up for a professional consultation with Dr. Ford and our expert assistants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Procedures

What is the Cost?
As with any medical procedure, the cost will vary depending on the diagnosis and required treatment. It is important to ask up front how much the procedure will cost and how payment is required. When coming in for a consultation, the fee that you paid goes towards the balance of any treatment. Northern Maine Oral and Facial Surgery/Radiance Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center has several financial options to suit your needs, including, cash, checks, credit cards, and an interest free payment plan (upon approval). A complete treatment cost estimate will be sent to you shortly after your consultation showing your total costs.

Where is the cosmetic surgery usually performed?
Most cosmetic procedures require general anesthesia. Cosmetic surgery procedures are most often effectively and efficiently performed safely in the office or in our surgical O.R. suite with an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist. We are a fully Certified Ambulatory Surgical Center.

What is the risk?
The risks involved in surgery need to be fully understood by the patient so that an informed decision can be made. Complications are infrequent, but all surgeries hold some degree of risk. All of us at Northern Maine Oral and Facial Surgery, Radiance Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, PLLC will use our expertise and knowledge to avoid complications, in so far as we are able. A full and comprehensive discussion of the possible risks of the procedure (s) will occur prior to your surgery. Complete knowledge of what to expect only makes your surgery experience better. If a complication does occur, we will use those same skills in an attempt to solve the problem quickly. The importance of having a highly qualified medical team and the use of a certified facility cannot be overestimated. If a complication does arise, Dr. Ford and his staff will work together in order to resolve the problem. Most complications involve an extension of the recovery period, rather than any permanent effect on your final result.

How long is the recuperation period?
With any cosmetic surgery, the results achieved largely depend, not only on the skill and experience of Dr. Ford, but also on a patients' general over-all health, age, healing capacity and the specific skin problem or type of surgery the patient is having. A patient's realistic expectations also can help contribute to a positive outcome. The specific length of recuperation will depend largely on what procedures you are having done. An exact expectation of recovery time will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

How long does the procedure take?
For nonsurgical procedures, i.e.: Botox, Restylane and Juvederm, you can expect 30 minutes and most cases return to work.

LightSheer hair removal depends on the size of area that's being treated - a large area may take an hour, where as a smaller area may take 30 minutes.

Yag Laser also depends on size. Treatments are 5 to 30 minutes.

Aluma also depends on size. Treatments are 15 to 30 minutes.

MicroDerm/Chemical peel will take an hour; one that is very relaxing, enjoyable and wonderful for your skin.

IPL treatment depends on size, usually takes 30 minutes.

Other surgical procedures like CO2 laser ablation, Blepharoplasty (upper and lower) take one hour and sometimes longer, depending on what is involved with your surgery.

Neck Liposuction, Full-face Lift and Modified Face Lift are more involved and these take longer. Dr. Ford will be able to give you a reasonable estimate as to how long your particular surgery will take.

What is ActiveFX?
With ActiveFX treatment, a high-energy beam of laser light interacts with the skins surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern, leaving small "bridges" of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner.

Who should consider the microdermabrasion/MegaPeel?
It's right for all skin types and for anyone interested in minimizing the appearance of: scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, uneven skin tones, dull, lifeless and sun-damaged skin.

What are the benefits of Aluma Treatment?
Some of the benefits of Aluma are: it is virtually painless, minimal risk, and no downtime. You can return to normal activities immediately. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, and improves aged and sun damaged skin. The Aluma also stimulates new collagen growth within the dermis. The results are not immediate, but rather the culmination of multiple treatments.

Why are multiple treatments necessary?
Depending on your skin treatment plan or your diagnosis, multiple treatments may be needed. There are many people who obtain good results with only a few treatments while others have had to repeat it to being fully satisfied, and have an excellent outcome. With any treatment patient expectation is to want instant results. Most procedures need multiple treatments, often over a period of a few months before the effect is noticed. Expectations are key to patient satisfaction.

For nonsurgical procedures, how long do they last and are they painful?
These cosmetic procedures are quick and a minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Ford will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. NO anesthesia is required!

Botox lasts up to 4 to 6 months
Restylane lasts up to 4 to 6 months
Juvederm last up to 6 to 8 months

Each procedure can be repeated as often as desired. It depends on the skin type, the age, the sex, the area to be rejuvenated and other such factors for the frequency procedures. These non-surgical procedures are safe and easy procedures that produce excellent results for the right candidate under the right circumstance.