Frequently Asked Questions
The staff at Cosmetic Surgery Institute is committed to providing you with answers regarding your plastic surgery procedure near Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Riverside. We hope you find this page informative and educational. Please let us know if we may answer any other questions you might have pertaining to our products and services.
If you're ready to discuss your questions in person, request a complimentary consultation online or call 760-837-0364 to learn more about your cosmetic options.
What is the recovery time for a facial surgery?
Generally between ten days to two weeks, depending on the particular areas addressed during surgery.
What is the recovery time for liposculpture?
Anywhere from three to ten days, depending on the areas involved and the amount of excess fat removed.
Is financing available?
Yes, we do have a number of financing options available, similar to obtaining a credit card.
May I use my insurance?
No, we are not part of any provider networks.
What do you charge for consultations?
Both Dr. Zakhireh and Dr. Landon offer complimentary consultations to all patients.
Where are you located?
We are located on Alessandro Drive between San Pablo and San Luis Rey, north of Highway 111 in Palm Desert, CA.
Laser Treatment FAQs
With so many products, lasers, procedures, etc., how do I know or choose what I need?
The physicians, nurses and estheticians at CSI are specifically trained and have years of experience. It is our absolute policy to only recommend various treatment modalities, lasers, etc., that we feel will give you the best result possible.
With all the lasers you have, how do you know what is best for me?
We have a full-time laser specialty RN, whose expertise and years of experience are invaluable – not to mention her honesty and candidness in your options. If she has any questions, she will consult with one of our physicians.
What is the Levulan-Blu Light Treatment? Is there any downtime? Does it work for sun and acne damaged skin?
Levulan (aminolevulonic acid) is a clear, liquid gel-like material that is applied to one's skin. After approximately 30 minutes, Levulan converts the sun-damaged cells of the skin into 'receptor sites' which when treated with Blu Light, pulse dye or IPL, removes damaged red and brown cells, leaving the skin dramatically smoother. In addition, this treatment promotes the disappearance of pre-malignant cancer cells.
There will be some sensitivity and downtime – the more sun-damage one has, the longer the recovery – generally around seven days.
Yes, this treatment can be used for sun or acne damaged skin. The more sun and/or acne damage to the skin, the longer the recovery – generally from a few days to a couple weeks.
To get rid or wrinkles, why do you choose the Sciton Erbium Laser over the CO2 Laser? What is the normal downtime? Is there much pain or discomfort?
We've been utilizing resurfacing lasers since 1994, and we've learned that the Erbium Laser results in faster healing, less redness, and virtually no color change at all – versus significant bleaching at the jawline and much longer healing with the CO2 Laser.
- Downtime ranges from a few days to two weeks.
- The Erbium Laser typically feels like a sunburn.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Will I have to get my implants replaced every ten years?
No, the new generation of implants no longer become hard, so it is not necessary to replace them every ten years.
Will my risk of breast cancer or any other diseases increase with implants?
No, long term studies have shown no connection between breast implants and breast cancer or other diseases.
Will I be able to breast feed after breast augmentation?
Yes, our approach to breast implantation does not alter sensation to the nipples. In addition, the milk ducts remain intact, so that breast feeding will be possible.
Is there any different/benefit to placing the implant below the muscle, rather than on top of the muscle?
We place our implants under the muscle, because the muscle layer massages the implants and keeps the body from forming scar tissue over the implants. Also, when reading a mammogram, the radiologist uses the muscle layer as a marker so the mammogram can be read more easily and effectively.
Lipo-Tuck FAQs
What is a tummy tuck?
In this procedure, the skin of the abdomen is lifted up to expose the muscles, which are then tightened. The excess skin is then trimmed away to rejuvenate the abdomen.
What is a Lipo-Tuck?
This procedure is a combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction of the torso to give a sculpted hour-glass figure to the waistline.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck or Lipo-Tuck?
Usually people that have had their abdominal muscles stretched out due to pregnancy or excessive weight gain.
Will my belly button be moved?
No, your belly button will stay in the same spot and will remain an "innie" belly button.
How much weight will I lose as a result of this procedure?
Depending on how heavy you are to begin with, on average between ten and twenty pounds, and four dress sizes!
Are there any additional benefits to this procedure?
The biggest benefit is that tightening the abdomen will leave the stomach with less room to expand, so you will feel full faster and end up losing more weight after this procedure!