Services

About Cosmetic Surgery 

Overview  

Cosmetic Surgery requires expertise, artistic talent and extensive medical training. Dr. R. Patrick Abergel manages a wide variety of problems relating to the face and body. He practices a full scope of cosmetic surgery with expertise in laser cosmetic surgery and liposculpture. 

Our Staff

We have selected our staff with particular concern for efficiency and a warm, dedicated attitude. Please feel free to approach anyone on the staff if you have questions or concerns. 

Referrals 

Our practice has grown because of our patients' kind referrals. We encourage you to recommend our office to your family and friends. We always have time to care for a new patient. 

If your doctor has referred you, he or she will promptly receive a letter outlining our findings and the course of treatment. We encourage you to return to your referring doctor after our specialized care is complete. 

Consultation 

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation addressing your concerns and treatment options. Occasionally, minor procedures can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.  

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation: 

• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have medical insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
• IMPORTANT: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit. 

A pre-operative consultation is mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home. 

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) 

In Case of Emergency 

A vital part of our service is being available for your emergency needs. Please explain your problem to our receptionist, who will arrange an immediate appointment for you. The doctor provides 24-hour emergency coverage. 

After hours you can reach the surgeon on call by calling Physicians Exchange at 310-829-2005. The operator on duty will relay your message to the doctor, who will return your call. 

Scheduling 

We ask that you schedule an initial evaluation with the doctor. At that time questions will be answered, the necessary procedure is determined and discussed, a short health history is taken and we will schedule you for a surgical procedure if you so desire. The surgery will take place in our accredited surgery center. After surgery you will usually have two or three post-operative appointments to check your recovery.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at the number below: 310-829-2005. 

Office Location:

2001 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. #1250W
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Our office is conveniently located in Santa Monica on the corner of 20th St. and Santa Monica Blvd., adjacent to St. Johns Hospital. It is close to the Cloverfield exit of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway. There is ample parking with an entrance on 20th Street and direct access to the West Tower from the 2nd Floor of the parking lot.

Insurance 

Our insurance coordinators deal with many insurance companies. Some companies offer up to six medical plans. Because many companies frequently change policies, it is sometimes difficult to accurately estimate our patient's insurance co-payment. Many insurance companies will not give out fees until after the treatment is completed. As a courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed of any change to your insurance. It is important that all information about you is current.  

Co-Payment: All co-payments are payable when you check in at the front desk. 

Medicare Patients: Medicare pays us directly for your care. You are responsible for any deductible and co-insurance. If Medicare denies your procedure, you are responsible for the charges. 

Private and Group Insurance: As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claims for you. Upon receipt of an insurance payment, any balance due will be billed to you. If you have deposited an excessive co-payment, it will be refunded to you. 

If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit. 

Financial Information 

At the time of your initial consultation, your treatment plan will be established along with an estimate of fees. Our financial secretary will be happy to discuss payment arrangements to suit your needs. We accept cash, cashiers checks, and all major credit cards. Financing may be available based upon credit approval. If your treatment is covered by insurance, please bring your insurance card with you and we will submit the paperwork to help receive all entitled benefits.

Surgical Instructions 

PRE OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL PATIENTS

NO ASPIRIN OR MEDICATIONS CONTAINING ASPIRING TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY. For a list of medications to avoid prior to surgery, please click here. Aspirin interferes with normal blood clotting. If needed, take Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol instead. Take no new medications without first checking with this office.

Take a shower and shampoo your hair before coming for your surgery.

DO NOT WEAR MAKE-UP to the office the day of surgery.

DO NOT WEAR JEWELRY to the office the day of surgery.

WEAR COMFORTABLE, LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING. Keep in mind the areas in which surgery is to be performed.

TAKE MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED. DO NOT consume any alcoholic beverages while taking pain medication or for 24 hours after surgery.

FOR PATIENTS HAVING GENERAL ANESTHESIA (ABOVE INCLUDED)

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING 8 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY no water, no food, no smoking, no gum chewing. (It is preferable to discontinue smoking 48 hours prior to surgery.)

ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO BRING YOU TO THE OFFICE the day of surgery and PICK YOU UP AT THE DESIGNATED TIME AFTER SURGERY. Your next appointment card, any additional instructions, and your prescription will be given to the person picking you up. The prescription should be filled promptly.

DO NOT DRIVE for 24 hours after surgery.

THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST WILL CALL YOU the evening prior to the surgery for health information and to answer any questions you may have regarding anesthesia.