Common Questions
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with the healing and restoration of patients with injury, disfigurement or scarring resulting from trauma, disease or congenital defects. It also includes aesthetic, or cosmetic surgery to correct or rejuvenate facial and bodily features.
Is Dr. Lois Wagstrom a board certified plastic surgeon?
Yes, Dr. Wagstrom is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Only the ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in the area of plastic surgery. To become board certified by the ABPS, a physician must complete a specialized post-graduate training course of five to seven years and pass a rigorous set of both written and oral examinations. Dr. Wagstrom is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. (ASAPS).
Does Dr. Wagstrom have hospital privileges to perform my surgery?
Plastic surgery procedures performed in accredited surgical facilities by board-certified plastic surgeons have an excellent record of safety. Dr. Wagstrom performs the majority of her procedures at Centennial Medical Center’s Atrium Plastic Surgery Center, and uses only board-certified anesthesiologists. Dr. Wagstrom has full hospital operating privileges in this high-quality, accredited hospital center. The Atrium Plastic Surgery Center combines the privacy of a separate, aesthetic-focused facility, while maintaining the safety and direct proximity to a major medical center. Its experienced staff of nurses and specialists — familiar with the needs and concerns particular to plastic surgery — handle the care of all plastic surgery outpatients and inpatients.
Centennial Medical Center has been recognized for excellence both nationally and locally, including recognition as one of the Nation’s Top 100 Hospitals in the areas of cardiology, stroke, orthopedics and breast cancer management. Additionally, Nashville Parent Magazine Readers Poll selected Centennial Medical Center as the Best Hospital in Nashville.
For the convenience of our patients, Dr. Wagstrom also has operating privileges at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of my surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, but may also be done to restore a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
There are “gray areas” in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations that may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient’s situation.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
What kind of financing does Dr. Wagstrom accept?
Dr. Wagstrom accepts cash and personal check payments, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Financing is also available through CareCredit.
Can Dr. Wagstrom provide patient testimonials?
Yes, we would be glad to provide you with a list of delighted patients. Dr. Wagstrom gets the majority of her business through word-of-mouth referrals.
What are the most important factors in choosing a plastic surgeon?
* You should trust and feel comfortable with your surgeon.
* Your surgeon and her/his staff should answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about your health.
* Your physician should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
* You should feel confident about the surgical center and/or hospital in which your procedure will be performed.
* You should check your surgeon’s references or ask to see patient “before and after” photos.
For more information about plastic surgery and surgical procedures, please visit the Web site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).