Frequently Asked Questions

Your first consultation is a private, unhurried conversation with Dr. Gornitsky. He will listen carefully to your goals and concerns, conduct a thorough physical assessment, discuss the procedures that may be appropriate for you, explain the associated risks and benefits in detail, and answer all of your questions. There is no obligation to proceed, and no pressure of any kind.

Initial consultations are typically 45 to 60 minutes in length. Dr. Gornitsky believes that adequate time is essential to a meaningful consultation — he will never rush you.

Absolutely. All consultations and patient information are held in strict confidence in accordance with Quebec's privacy legislation and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Quebec's standards of practice.

It is helpful to come prepared with a clear sense of your goals, any photographs that illustrate what you are hoping to achieve, a list of your current medications and supplements, and any questions you would like to discuss. Dr. Gornitsky's team can provide a detailed pre-consultation checklist upon request.

The right procedure is always determined through a thorough consultation and physical assessment. Dr. Gornitsky will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the approach most likely to achieve a natural, balanced result. He will never recommend a procedure that he does not believe is appropriate for you.

In many cases, yes. Combining procedures — such as a facelift with blepharoplasty, or a breast augmentation with a lift — can reduce overall recovery time and achieve more comprehensive results. Dr. Gornitsky will assess whether combining procedures is safe and appropriate based on your individual health status and the complexity of the planned surgery.

That is perfectly normal, and it is exactly what the consultation is for. Dr. Gornitsky is experienced in helping patients clarify their goals and identify the options that are most relevant to their concerns. You are never expected to arrive with a fully formed plan.

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the procedure. Minor procedures may require only a few days of downtime, while more extensive surgeries — such as a facelift or abdominoplasty — typically require two to four weeks before returning to most normal activities. Dr. Gornitsky will provide detailed, procedure-specific recovery instructions at your consultation and pre-operatively.

For most surgical procedures, yes. You will need a responsible adult to accompany you home from the surgical facility and to assist you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. For more extensive procedures, you may require assistance for a longer period. Dr. Gornitsky's team will discuss your specific needs during your pre-operative appointment.

Light walking is generally encouraged within the first few days following surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. More strenuous exercise — including running, weightlifting, and high-impact activities — is typically restricted for four to six weeks, depending on the procedure. Dr. Gornitsky will provide specific guidance based on your individual recovery.

Following Dr. Gornitsky's pre- and post-operative instructions carefully is the single most important thing you can do. This includes avoiding smoking (which significantly impairs healing), maintaining a healthy diet, staying well-hydrated, attending all follow-up appointments, and being patient with the healing process.

The timeline for final results varies by procedure. Swelling and bruising typically resolve within two to four weeks for most procedures, but subtle changes in tissue and scar maturation continue for six to twelve months — and in some cases, up to eighteen months. Dr. Gornitsky will set realistic expectations for your specific procedure during your consultation.

Many surgical results are long-lasting, but they are not immune to the natural aging process. A facelift, for example, does not stop aging — it sets the clock back. Breast implants may require replacement over time. Body contouring results can be maintained with a stable weight. Dr. Gornitsky will discuss the longevity of results for your specific procedure in detail.

Patient satisfaction is Dr. Gornitsky's highest priority. If you have concerns about your results, he encourages you to contact the office promptly. Most concerns can be addressed through open communication, and in some cases, a revision procedure may be appropriate. Dr. Gornitsky is committed to supporting you through every stage of your journey.

All surgical procedures involve incisions and, therefore, some degree of scarring. Dr. Gornitsky places incisions in locations that are as inconspicuous as possible — within natural skin folds, hairlines, or areas that can be concealed by clothing. Scar quality varies between individuals and improves significantly over the first twelve months. He will discuss scar management strategies with you pre-operatively.