FAQs

How can I be sure my surgeon has the necessary qualifications to perform my surgery?

Though many types of board certifications exist, only one is recognized by the respected American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and that is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (www.plasticsurgery.org). This certification indicates a surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education. This includes a minimum of five years of surgical training in all areas of surgery, with at least two years devoted entirely to plastic surgery.

In order to receive certification from ABMS, a surgeon must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. In addition to this certification, top plastic surgeons have membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (www.surgery.org). Your surgeon's credentials may be verified at these websites. All of the surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery® have earned these respected qualifications.

How safe is plastic surgery?

Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year and experience no complications, no procedure is completely risk-free.  To maximize your safety, it is important to ensure that the following guidelines, as outlined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are met:

  • Your surgeon is an ASPS Member Surgeon. This ensures your physician has at least five years of surgical training, with a minimum of two years of specialized training in plastic surgery. In addition, membership in ASPS indicates your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

  • The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards. As an AAAASF-certified surgical facility, the ACPS SurgiCentre follows the strict facility and safety requirements of the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. In addition, the ACPS SurgiCentre exceeds this standard by maintaining state licensure with the Texas Department of Health and federal licensure with the Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about this critically important aspect of your surgery, visit www.aaaasf.org
  • The surgical facility uses skilled and licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure. Dr. Mentz utilizes only board-certified anesthesiologists to administer and monitor your anesthesia.

  • Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history, especially if you have any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots.

Do you have financial options available that will allow me to finance my surgery?

Yes, in addition to credit card payment, you may arrange payment plans through CareCredit, (800) 677-0718, or Chase Health Advance, (800) 510-5638, to finance your procedure.

I am interested in a consultation with Dr. Mentz, but I do not live near Houston. Is it possible for me to have an online consultation?

Yes, you may have an online consultation by e-mailing your photos, and a description of the plastic surgery procedure in which you are interested to dianne@mybeautifulbody.com.

After my surgery, when can I begin exercising again?

This varies based upon the procedure that is performed. During the first two weeks following surgery, vigorous exercise and activities must be postponed in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. In most cases, exercise may be resumed in one month, however, Dr. Mentz will provide you with recommendations for your individual case.

How long is the healing process?

Depending upon the number and complexity of the procedure(s) that are performed, the recovery time for most cosmetic surgery procedures ranges from 1-2 weeks. During your consultation with Dr. Mentz, he will answer your questions regarding recovery, what to expect, and when you can return to work and exercise.

In the days or weeks prior to your surgery, you will be provided with a helpful packet of information which will give you information to help you prepare for surgery, a list of medications to avoid before and after your procedure, and instructions and recommendations regarding your postoperative recovery.

 What is the difference between abdominal etching and liposuction?

Though both procedures involve the removal of fat to reshape the body, Abdominal Etching® is a specialized liposuction technique Dr. Mentz invented to provide the abdomen with a more athletically sculpted appearance. In this procedure, fat is strategically removed from the underlying abdominal structures so that the muscular contours are emphasized to create the appearance of a "6-pack" or washboard abs.