FAQs



About Aesthetician Services and Skin Care Products

Where do I pick up skin care products?

Skin care products are sold at The Aesthetic Center located on the third floor of Kaiser Permanente Mapunapuna Medical Office, 2828 Pa’a Street, Honolulu, HI 96819.

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Am I able to have services on the same day as my consultation appointment?

Yes, most of our services can be performed on the same day as the consultation appointment. Please notify the appointment clerk upon scheduling your appointment that this is your request to allow for ample time for your procedure.

What services can be performed by a licensed aesthetician?

Our licensed aestheticians perform peels, microdermabrasion and skin care product regimen recommendations. Skin care evaluations by the aestheticians are complimentary for these services.



About Cosmetic Dermatology Services

Am I able to have services on the same day as my consultation appointment?

Yes, most of our cosmetic dermatology services can be performed on the same day as the consultation appointment. Please notify the appointment clerk upon scheduling your appointment that this is your request to allow for ample time for your procedure.

When are specimens collected for pathology?

All skin excisions are required to be sent to pathology. There is a fee for each specimen collected.

What happens if the skin lesion resulted in a positive pathology?

If you are a Kaiser Permanente member, The Aesthetic Center will contact you and the procedure will be covered by health plan. You will be referred for follow-up care with dermatology. If you are not a Kaiser Permanente member, you will be notified by The Aesthetic Center to seek follow-up care with your primary care provider.

How do I prepare for a laser treatment?

All laser treatments require a consultation appointment with the cosmetic dermatology provider.

The consultation fee will be applied toward the treatment.

What healthcare professionals can do non-surgical procedures such as Botox® injections?

To ensure quality results, only doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners at The Aesthetic Center perform injections for wrinkle reductions and fillers. Licensed aestheticians provide facial peels, microdermabrasion, and skin care evaluations.



About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

How soon after surgery will I be able to return to my regular lifestyle?

Your recovery period will depend on the procedure you have. Always follow your doctor’s instructions following surgery and err on the side of caution when returning to your regular duties and activity level. Recovery and physical activity limitations should be discussed at your consultation appointment.

Where are cosmetic plastic surgeries performed?

All cosmetic surgeries are outpatient treatments (no overnight stay needed) and are performed at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente medical offices. The location will depend on the doctor and the procedure you are receiving.

  • On Oahu, cosmetic plastic surgeries are performed in the operating rooms of the Moanalua Medical Center, and minor procedures are performed in procedure rooms at Moanalua Medical Center or Mapunapuna Medical Office.
  • On Maui, some cosmetic plastic surgeries are performed at the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Wailuku Medical Office. Minor procedures are performed in procedure rooms at Wailuku Medical Office. Some plastic surgeries need to be done at Moanalua Medical Center on Oahu.
  • For patients on Hawaii Island, all surgeries and procedures will be done on Oahu.

If I’m a neighbor island resident, how does travel work for surgery and recovery?

You are responsible for all travel expenses to the designated location for your procedure (airfare, hotel accommodations, taxi, etc.). Surgeries that require general anesthesia will require you to be accompanied by a travel companion at your expense. However, the doctors will try to accommodate your pre-op and post-op visits on your home island.

Can I select my cosmetic plastic surgeon?

Yes, you may select your own surgeon from our panel of cosmetic plastic surgeons or ask for a recommendation based on the procedure you are interested in. Click here to see our doctors’ biographies. Call 866-400-1760 to schedule a consultation appointment.

How can I prepare for my consultation visit with the plastic surgeon?

Review information about the cosmetic plastic surgery procedure you are interested in. Do your research and come to the consultation appointment prepared with a list of questions. It may help to bring in photos of your expectations. Be realistic about surgical expectations and outcomes.

What is the process for scheduling my surgery?

After your consultation, you will be given a personalized cost quotation and forms. Prior to scheduling your surgery, several forms will need to be filled out, signed and turned in, and a 20% deposit will be collected. After these steps are complete, the doctor’s office will be notified to schedule your surgery date. 3 weeks prior to your surgery date, the remaining balance must be paid in full. Click here for more information about canceling and rescheduling.

How do I check-in for my appointment?

Go to your scheduled location and proceed to the centralized registration desk at that clinic location. For your surgery check-in at Moanalua Medical Center, go to hospital admissions.

Prior to surgery, what labs and imaging services are required?

The plastic surgeon determines the appropriate pre-operative tests for your cosmetic plastic surgery.

At Kaiser Permanente, our medical team are able to access your electronic health record, allowing them to keep track of your lab and imaging results when needed.

How much pain can I expect from a cosmetic plastic surgery?

People tolerate pain in different ways so the pain threshold will vary for each person. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication as appropriate for your procedure. This is something to think about prior to having surgery and should be discussed with your surgeon at your consultation appointment

What types of complications should I be concerned about?

With any surgery or procedure, there are some risks associated and the possibility for complications. Refer to the specific surgical procedure on this website for detailed risks or see the list of general risks of surgery, and discuss with your surgeon at your consultation appointment

Is it true that I must stop smoking before a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure?

Yes, you will be expected to stop smoking prior to your surgery. Your surgeon will inform you on the number of months. Smoking affects your healing process and may cause undue complications.

What is the financial policy for revisions and complications?



About The Aesthetic Center by Kaiser Permanente

Do I need to be a Kaiser Permanente member or have a referral?

No, The Aesthetic Center welcomes the general public, in addition to Kaiser Permanente members. No referrals are needed for members or non-members – give us a call at 866-400-1760 (TTY 711).

Does insurance cover cosmetic plastic surgery or cosmetic dermatology?

No, as a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology are considered “elective” procedures and are not covered by insurance.

Which procedures are available at each Kaiser Permanente location?

What is the payment policy?

Consultations are priced per visit and paid at the time of appointment registration. The consultation fee is later applied toward your procedure or treatment. Full payment is due prior to the procedure or treatment. All major credit cards and cash are accepted.

Is there a pricing difference for Kaiser Permanente members and non-members?

For cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery services, non-members pay 10% more than Kaiser Permanente members. Pricing for skin care products is the same for Kaiser members and non-members.

How safe are cosmetic plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology procedures?

While no surgical procedure is free of risk, The Aesthetic Center adheres to strict safety standards to minimize risk of complications. Our medical center and offices are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation in Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and all our physicians are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Each member of the care team has the appropriate training and licenses to effectively perform their respective work duties and assist with your surgery and/or recovery. Some of the duties may include, and are not limited to, pre-operative care, assisting during surgery, anesthesia monitoring, and/or post-operative care.