FAQs

  • Do I need a consultation before treatment?

    • Yes - a consultation with Dr. Mettu is required for all cosmetic procedures and surgeries. During this visit we’ll review your goals, examine your anatomy, discuss potential options, and create a customized treatment plan tailored to you.

    How do I schedule an appointment?

    • You can schedule by texting our office at 919-626-8783. Appointments are confirmed once the consultation fee is paid and all required office policies and check-in forms are completed within 48 hours of scheduling.

    Is there a consultation fee?

    • Yes - our cosmetic/self-pay consultation fee is $255 for new patients and $195 for established patients. This fee does not apply toward the cost of surgery. Detailed pricing for procedures is provided after consultation. 

  • How much do procedures cost?

    • All procedure pricing can be viewed on our Pricing page.

    What forms of payment do you accept?

    • We accept major credit cards and debit cards. If you have questions regarding payment, our office can provide guidance during your consultation or scheduling process. 

    Do you offer financing or payment plans?

    • At this time, we do not accept CareCredit or offer in-house financing plans.

    • We are only offering cosmetic consultations and we are not currently scheduling medical insurance visits for new patients.

  • Eye bags are often genetic and can appear at any age- many of our cosmetic patients are in their 20s and 30s.

    Fat pads around the eyes, skin laxity, and facial anatomy are often influenced by genetics, so some people develop puffiness or under‑eye discoloration from an early age.

    Candidacy for treatment is determined by overall health, the specific eyelid concern, and realistic expectations, without age restrictions.

    • Office procedures such as Botox and filler injections can range from approximately 15 to 40 minutes.

    • Procedures done in the operating room typically take up to several hours. Patients and guest should expect to spend half a day in the surgery center.

      • This includes time in the pre op area, the time in the operating room, and the time in the post op recovery area.

    • Botox/Xeomin: Results typically appear over the first 7–14 days.

    • Fillers: Results are often visible immediately, with continued refinement as swelling settles.

    • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty, ptosis repair): Early results are visible as swelling improves, with final refinement over several weeks and months. It can sometimes take up to a year to fully heal.

    • All surgeries in the surgery center are performed under general anesthesia.

    • Minor office procedures (Laser resurfacing, Botox injections, filler injections) are done with either topical numbing medication and/or with injections of local anesthetic.

  • Return-to-work

    Timelines vary based on the specific procedure and your job’s physical demands.

    After most operating-room procedures, many patients can return to remote or light-duty work in 2–3 days; those with physically demanding jobs may need more time. It is common for patients to take about one week off work after surgery.

    Vision may be slightly blurry immediately after surgery and for the first 1-2 days.

    Activity restrictions

    • Limit strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 11 days after most operating-room procedures.

    • You may shower immediately after surgery, but avoid rubbing the surgical site and do not let water hit the eye area directly.

    • Do not submerge the surgical site in water for 21 days (including swimming, baths, etc.)

    Makeup and cosmetics

    • Facial makeup may generally be resumed on day 15.

    • Eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner) should be avoided for 4 weeks after eyelid surgery.

    We review detailed post-procedure instructions with every patient and provide written guidance tailored to your surgery. If you have questions or concerns about recovery, contact our office for clarification.

  • Noticeable bruising and swelling should be expected for at least 2 weeks after surgery, however this varies by patient. Following your post‑operative instructions can help reduce bruising and swelling and speed recovery.

  • Botox and filler can help with different kinds of wrinkles. To learn more about Botulinum, click here. To learn more about filler, click here.

    After in‑office Botox injections, patients may resume normal activities the next day. Makeup may be applied 24 hours after Botox.

    Following filler injections, wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to the treated areas.

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