Patient resources
Your First Visit
At Cosmetic Doc, your first visit sets the tone for everything that follows: we listen first, examine thoroughly, and explain your options in plain language. Most consultations at our Pasadena and Sherman Oaks offices take about an hour, and you'll leave with a clear plan, never pressure.
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Step 1 of 6
What to Bring
A little preparation makes your first appointment smooth and productive. Please bring a photo ID, your current medication and supplement list with dosages, and a summary of your medical and surgical history, including any prior cosmetic procedures. If you're consulting about revision surgery, records or operative notes from your previous surgeon are enormously helpful, though if anything is missing, don't worry; we can request records and take new standardized photographs on site. Photos of yourself from years past, or examples of results you admire, are welcome too; they help Dr. Elias understand your goals. Please arrive about fifteen minutes early to complete your new patient paperwork.
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Step 2 of 6
Your Consultation
Your consultation begins with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. Elias will review your health history, listen to what you'd like to change and why, and perform a careful examination of your anatomy, skin quality, and facial or body structure. Standardized medical photographs give him a complete picture and give you the chance to see exactly what he sees. From there, he'll walk you through every reasonable option, surgical and non-surgical, along with his honest recommendation, realistic expectations, timelines, and what recovery really looks like. Questions are welcome and expected; you'll never leave wondering what was discussed or why. And if the most honest advice is to do less, or to do nothing at all, that's exactly what you'll hear.
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Step 3 of 6
Comfort & Sedation Options
Comfort planning happens before surgery day, not during it. At your consultation, we'll discuss comfort and sedation options, from local anesthesia to IV sedation and general anesthesia in our AAAHC-accredited surgery center, and match the right level to your procedure, health history, and anxiety level. If you choose sedation or general anesthesia, you'll receive clear fasting instructions and will need a companion to drive you home.
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Step 4 of 6
Scheduling Your Procedure
Before you leave, our team will map out next steps: your surgery date, any pre-operative requirements such as lab work or medication adjustments, and written pre-op instructions. We'll also plan your follow-up schedule so your recovery is monitored personally from day one, and we can time surgery around work, travel, and life events.
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Step 5 of 6
Financing & Payment Options
We believe cost should be clear before treatment begins, never a surprise after. Following your consultation, you'll receive a written quote covering the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and facility costs, so you can see the complete picture at once. Our offices accept cash, checks, all major credit and debit cards, and offer flexible financing plans that break your investment into manageable monthly payments; our team will help you find the option that fits your budget. When you're considering multiple procedures, combining them into a single surgery can reduce overall anesthesia and facility costs, and Dr. Elias will tell you honestly when combining makes sense and when it doesn't. Whatever your situation, talk to us. Our coordinators solve this puzzle every day, and cost questions should never go unasked.
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Step 6 of 6
Insurance
Cosmetic surgery is typically an elective investment that insurance does not cover. However, some procedures may qualify for coverage when they're medically indicated, such as breast reduction for chronic pain, functional nasal surgery for breathing problems, eyelid surgery that obstructs vision, and certain gender-affirming procedures. Our team will tell you honestly whether your case may qualify, verify your benefits, and assist with documentation and pre-authorization paperwork.
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Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your first visit at our Pasadena or Sherman Oaks office today. We'll take excellent care of you from the very first phone call.