Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing cosmetic surgery is a significant decision. The questions below are the ones patients ask most often — about credentials, safety, procedures, recovery, cost, and what to expect at every stage. If your question is not answered here, call The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu at (808) 521-1999 or schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson directly.
Choosing a Surgeon
1. What does “board-certified” mean, and why does it matter?
Board certification means a surgeon has completed accredited training in a specific specialty and passed rigorous examinations administered by a recognized board. It matters because a medical license alone permits any physician to perform cosmetic surgery — board certification verifies that a surgeon has demonstrated expertise in the specific procedures you are considering. Always ask which board, because the name of the board tells you the scope of the surgeon’s verified training. Dr. Ferguson holds five board certifications spanning head and neck surgery, facial plastics, cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and laser surgery — an unusually broad verification of surgical expertise.
2. What does “quintuple board-certified” mean?
It means Dr. John Ferguson, MD, FACS, holds certifications from five distinct surgical boards: the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Laser Surgery. Each board certifies a different domain of expertise, and together they cover the full range of surgical and aesthetic procedures offered at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. This level of multi-board certification is exceptionally rare among cosmetic surgeons anywhere in the country.
3. What is AAAHC accreditation, and why should I care about where my surgery is performed?
AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) accreditation means a surgical facility has been independently evaluated and meets the highest national standards for patient safety, equipment, staffing, and quality of care. Not all surgical facilities are accredited — some operate under less rigorous oversight. The Ferguson Clinic’s AAAHC-accredited facility in Honolulu provides patients with the same safety standards required of the nation’s leading outpatient surgical centers. When comparing surgeons, always ask whether their facility is accredited and by which organization.
4. How do I choose the right cosmetic surgeon?
Look for verifiable credentials (board certifications from recognized boards), significant experience with the specific procedure you want, an accredited surgical facility, and before-and-after photos of actual patients. Meet the surgeon in person during a consultation — ask questions, assess whether they listen carefully, and determine whether they set realistic expectations rather than promising dramatic results. At The Ferguson Clinic, Dr. Ferguson personally conducts every consultation and performs every procedure. You will never be handed off to an associate or mid-level provider.
5. Should I get more than one consultation before deciding?
Getting a second opinion is entirely reasonable, and Dr. Ferguson encourages it. Comparing surgeons helps you evaluate differences in credentials, recommended approaches, communication style, and facility quality. What you should not do is choose a surgeon based primarily on price. The surgeon’s training, experience, and facility matter far more to your safety and results than a lower quote.
Safety and Risks
6. How safe is cosmetic surgery?
When performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility, cosmetic surgery has an excellent safety record. Complications are statistically uncommon but can include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, and unsatisfactory results. Dr. Ferguson discusses the specific risks associated with your procedure in detail during your consultation, because informed patients make better decisions. His AAAHC-accredited facility in Honolulu is equipped with the monitoring, emergency, and life-support systems required by national accreditation standards.
7. What type of anesthesia will be used for my procedure?
This depends on the procedure. Minor procedures such as Botox or fillers require no anesthesia. Moderate procedures such as eyelid surgery may use local anesthesia with light sedation. Major procedures such as facelift, breast augmentation, or tummy tuck are typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Ferguson discusses anesthesia options during your consultation and uses only qualified anesthesia providers in his accredited facility.
8. What happens if I am not happy with my results?
Dr. Ferguson is committed to patient satisfaction and monitors your healing closely through scheduled follow-up appointments. If a concern arises, he addresses it directly — whether through additional non-surgical treatment, time for continued healing, or, in rare cases, a revision procedure. This is one of the most important reasons to choose a highly experienced surgeon: experienced surgeons produce more predictable results and are better equipped to manage the uncommon situations where outcomes need refinement.
9. Am I too old for cosmetic surgery?
There is no automatic age cutoff for cosmetic surgery. Candidacy depends on your overall health, not your age. Patients in their 70s and even 80s undergo cosmetic procedures safely when they are in good health and cleared for surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Ferguson evaluates your health status, medications, and medical history to determine whether you are a safe candidate — regardless of age.
10. Can I have cosmetic surgery if I take blood thinners or other medications?
Many medications, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements, can affect surgical safety. Dr. Ferguson reviews your complete medication list during your consultation and provides specific guidance on which medications to stop or adjust before surgery. Never discontinue a medication without discussing it with both your prescribing physician and your surgeon.
Procedures
11. What is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure?
Nationally, breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty consistently rank among the most performed cosmetic surgical procedures, while Botox is the most popular non-surgical treatment. At The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu, facelift, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and tummy tuck are among the most frequently requested surgical procedures, and Botox, fillers, and Morpheus8 are the leading non-surgical treatments.
12. What is the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery?
In everyday usage, the terms overlap significantly. Technically, plastic surgery encompasses both reconstructive procedures (repairing defects from injury, disease, or birth) and cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures. Cosmetic surgery refers specifically to elective procedures performed to improve appearance. Dr. Ferguson’s training spans both dimensions — his head and neck surgery and facial plastics certifications include reconstructive expertise, while his cosmetic surgery and facial cosmetic surgery certifications focus specifically on aesthetic outcomes.
13. Can I combine multiple procedures into one surgery?
Yes, and this is common. Combining procedures — such as a facelift with eyelid surgery, or breast augmentation with a tummy tuck (mommy makeover) — means one anesthesia event, one recovery period, and less total time away from your normal life. Dr. Ferguson evaluates whether combining procedures is safe and appropriate for each individual patient based on overall health, total surgical time, and the complexity of the procedures involved.
14. What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical treatments?
Surgical procedures (facelift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction) involve incisions and tissue modification, are performed in an operating room, and produce permanent structural changes. Non-surgical treatments (Botox, fillers, Morpheus8, HydraFacial, laser treatments) are performed in-office with minimal to no downtime and produce temporary or gradually developing results. Dr. Ferguson offers both at The Ferguson Clinic and Beauty Defined Hawaii in Honolulu, and can help you determine which approach — or combination — best matches your goals.
15. Are non-surgical treatments a good alternative to surgery?
For mild concerns and early signs of aging, non-surgical treatments can produce excellent results. Botox and fillers address wrinkles and volume loss; Morpheus8 tightens skin and stimulates collagen; laser treatments correct pigmentation and texture. However, for moderate to significant skin laxity, muscle separation, or structural concerns, surgery produces results that non-surgical treatments cannot replicate. Dr. Ferguson is straightforward about which approach will realistically achieve your goals — he will not recommend surgery if a non-surgical treatment will serve you well, and he will not oversell non-surgical options when surgery is the better path.
Recovery
16. How long is recovery from cosmetic surgery?
Recovery varies significantly by procedure. For non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers, there is no recovery period. For eyelid surgery, most patients return to normal activities within ten to fourteen days. For facelift or rhinoplasty, social recovery is typically two to three weeks. For tummy tuck or mommy makeover, plan for two weeks of limited activity and six to eight weeks before returning to strenuous exercise. Dr. Ferguson provides a detailed, procedure-specific recovery timeline during your consultation at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu.
17. How much time should I take off work?
This depends on the procedure and the physical demands of your work. Desk workers can typically return to work within one to two weeks after most surgical procedures. Patients with physically demanding jobs may need four to six weeks or longer. For non-surgical treatments, most patients return to work the same day. Dr. Ferguson provides specific return-to-work guidance based on your procedure and your occupation.
18. Will I have visible scars?
All surgery involves incisions, and all incisions produce scars. However, Dr. Ferguson places incisions in locations designed to be as inconspicuous as possible — within the natural eyelid crease, along the contours of the ear, within the bikini line, or in the breast crease. Scars mature and fade significantly over the first year. For non-surgical treatments such as Botox, fillers, and Morpheus8, there are no scars. Dr. Ferguson uses meticulous closure techniques and can recommend scar management protocols to optimize healing.
19. When will I see my final results?
For injectable treatments, results are visible within days. For surgical procedures, the timeline varies: initial results are visible once swelling and bruising resolve (two to four weeks), but final results develop over months as deep healing and tissue remodeling complete. Rhinoplasty takes the longest — six to eighteen months for the final result. Dr. Ferguson sets clear expectations about the timeline for each procedure so patients understand when to expect their definitive outcome.
20. How painful is cosmetic surgery?
Most patients describe post-surgical discomfort as significantly less intense than they anticipated. The sensation after procedures like facelift or breast augmentation is typically described as tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain, and is well-managed with prescribed medication. Eyelid surgery and liposuction tend to involve even less discomfort. Non-surgical treatments range from painless (HydraFacial) to mildly uncomfortable (Botox, Morpheus8). Dr. Ferguson prioritizes patient comfort at every stage.
Cost and Financing
21. How much does cosmetic surgery cost?
Cosmetic surgery costs vary based on the specific procedure, surgical complexity, anesthesia type, facility fees, and whether multiple procedures are combined. Dr. Ferguson’s office provides a detailed, itemized cost breakdown during your consultation — there are no hidden fees. Be cautious of practices that advertise unusually low prices; these often exclude anesthesia, facility fees, or follow-up care, or reflect a surgeon with less training and experience.
22. Does insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
Most cosmetic procedures are elective and not covered by insurance. However, certain procedures with a functional component may qualify for partial coverage: upper eyelid surgery when excess skin impairs vision, rhinoplasty when combined with septoplasty for breathing obstruction, and breast reduction when causing documented medical symptoms. Dr. Ferguson’s office in Honolulu can assist with insurance documentation and pre-authorization for procedures that may have a functional component.
23. Are financing options available?
Yes. The Ferguson Clinic offers financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, both of which provide flexible payment plans, including promotional periods with low or no interest for qualified applicants. Our patient coordinators can walk you through the application process and help you find a plan that works within your budget. Major credit cards and direct payment are also accepted.
Preparing for Your Consultation
24. What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications (including supplements and vitamins), your medical history, any relevant insurance information (if your procedure may have a functional component), and a list of your questions. If you have reference photos showing the kind of results you are hoping to achieve, bring those as well — they help Dr. Ferguson understand your aesthetic goals. Most importantly, come prepared to have an honest conversation about your goals, expectations, and concerns.
25. What happens during a consultation with Dr. Ferguson?
Dr. Ferguson personally conducts every consultation at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. He will listen to your concerns and goals, perform a physical evaluation relevant to your procedure, explain the treatment options available to you, discuss the specific techniques he recommends and why, review expected results, recovery timeline, and potential risks, and answer every question you have. There is no pressure to make a decision during the consultation. Dr. Ferguson’s goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident, informed choice on your own timeline.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.