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Plastic Surgery FAQs

Dr. Melissa A. Johnson, MD FACS

Frequently asked questions about plastic surgery

As a physician and a surgeon, it is my professional aspiration to advance patient awareness, patient education, and patient access to resources that will enhance care and improve outcomes. In my practice I carefully focus on providing doctor-patient communication that is thorough, honest, never rushed, and that encompasses the full spectrum of management from initial consultation, to risk assessment, to pre- and post-surgical care consultation. To that end, this website shares answers to some of the most common questions posed by patients seeking information and advice about aesthetic surgery. Becoming informed, however, is an active responsibility that you must take on to ensure the best results. I encourage you to ask lots of questions and to use your initial and pre-operative consultations to discuss procedural details, risks, recovery, and to broaden your knowledge about any procedures you may be considering.


Medications to avoid prior to surgery

If you are taking any medications on this list, they should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery and only acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol, should be taken for pain. All other medications – prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal – that you are currently taking must be specifically cleared by Dr. Johnson prior to surgery. It is absolutely necessary that all of your current medications be specifically cleared by Dr. Johnson and the nursing staff.

What does "board certified plastic surgeon" mean?

The board certification process assures the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including an examination designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills required to provide high quality patient care in that specialty. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the umbrella organization for 24 approved specialty certifying boards, including the The American Board of Plastic Surgery, which certifies in the full spectrum of the specialty of plastic surgery of the entire body, including plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, trunk and extremities.

Is Dr. Johnson board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

What does the designation "FACS" mean after a Plastic Surgeon's name?

The letters “FACS” after a surgeon's name means she is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Fellows of the College are board-certified surgeons whose education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have been reviewed and evaluated prior to admittance and have been found to be consistent with the high standards of the American College of Surgeons. Not all surgeons are accepted into Fellowship in the College and there are some surgeons who may choose not to become Fellows. The letters “FACS” after a surgeon's name indicates that the surgeon has submitted to a process to obtain voluntary credential and performance evaluation by their peers.

Where does Dr. Johnson perform surgery?

Dr. Johnson is affiliated with nearby Mercy Medical Center, Baystate Medical Center, and Noble Hospital. Check our surgical facilities affiliations page for details, maps, and directions.

Will my insurance cover plastic surgery?

In general, if your procedure is considered aesthetic, or cosmetic, then it will not be covered by insurance.

What forms of payment are accepted

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, certified bank checks or you can finance through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.