Plastic Surgery and the Coronavirus Pandemic

The news across the United States regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked some concerns, causing many to anticipate how shutdowns will affect their daily routine. As a physician who is dedicated to the safety and health of patients, our top-rated plastic surgeon in New York City, Dr. Aviva Preminger at Preminger Plastic Surgery, is sharing valuable information about plastic surgery and the coronavirus pandemic.

What precautions should I take during the coronavirus pandemic?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best precautions against the coronavirus are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick
• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and leave only for necessary medical care, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing disposing of the tissue immediately, and wear a facemask to prevent the spread of the virus
• Clean and disinfect common areas such as door handles, light switches, phones, faucets, keyboards, sinks, toilets, or any other object or surface that has been touched

For individuals who are elderly or have underlying or extensive health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, you should contact your primary health care provider to discuss what additional precautions should be taken as you are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

Should I cancel my plastic surgery appointment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic?

At this time, to remain in compliance with current health and safety recommendations, Dr. Preminger, our board-certified plastic surgeon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, has decided to suspend all elective surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. If you currently have a surgical procedure scheduled with Dr. Preminger, you will be contacted to reschedule your appointment.

Dr. Preminger’s Office Remains Open

We continue monitoring developments as news about the coronavirus changes. As of now, Preminger Plastic Surgery remains open to provide non-surgical procedures, such as CoolSculpting, Botox^® dermal fillers, laser treatments, and skin peels, as well as minor procedures performed under local anesthesia that may be used for eyelid lifts, or small areas of liposuction. This may be the perfect time for injections or laser treatments so that you can heal at home without having to go to work. For questions regarding procedures currently available, please contact Preminger Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Preminger also is available at her emergency plastic surgery office in Manhattan to treat lacerations for adults or children. Schools are closed for the foreseeable future, and it is not uncommon for children to have minor accidents while being cooped up inside all day.  

What if I just had plastic surgery and am in recovery?

Our phone lines remain open, and Dr. Preminger is available if you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery process. If, during your recovery from surgery, you experience unusual swelling (beyond what was described to you as expected) excessive or recurrent bleeding or fever, please contact Dr. Preminger’s office immediately. We have telemedicine capabilities, which allows you to have a virtual doctor’s visit with Dr. Preminger and she can advise you to either schedule an in-office appointment or arrange for additional medical care that may be needed.

Can I have a virtual consultation with Dr. Preminger?

Yes, Preminger Plastic Surgery has virtual consultation capabilities via a HIPPA-approved site, doxy.me. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss potential surgical treatments with Dr. Preminger as many people are now working from home, and likely have more flexibility in their schedules. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation with a plastic surgeon in Manhattan, please contact our office to obtain Dr. Preminger’s secure, direct link.  

How is Preminger Plastic Surgery protecting patients from the coronavirus pandemic?

As always, your health and safety are our top priority at Preminger Plastic Surgery. Staff members have been trained to follow strict OSHA guidelines for sanitization and sterilization of all tools, equipment, and areas that patients and physicians touch during appointments. Only certified chemicals that are EPA-approved to kill bacteria, viruses, and blood-borne pathogens are used to disinfect the patient rooms and offices. Also, our staff is held to the strict CDC hand hygiene guidelines for hand washing before and after contact with each patient. Therefore, you can rest assured that your visit to Preminger Plastic Surgery will be conducted in a professional and clean environment to keep you protected.

When should I cancel my appointment or procedure during the pandemic?

For the safety of our patients, staff, and physician, we ask that you cancel your appointment if you are sick or showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Also, if you have been exposed to someone who has recently traveled out of the country or tested positive for the coronavirus, please contact our NYC plastic surgeon’s office before your appointment.

Plastic Surgery – Upper East Side of Manhattan and New York City

Preminger Plastic Surgery continues to monitor updates regarding the coronavirus. At this time, we are accepting patients for non-surgical procedures only, and continue practicing sterilization and disinfecting protocols that keep you and our staff safe. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900 or requesting a consultation. To remain up to date on our office hours or ability to provide care, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.