Frequently Questions

How does reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery differ?

Reconstructive plastic surgery is done to improve function and restore normal appearance caused by severe burns, traumatic injuries, congenital deformities, infections or diseases, and the removal of cancers or tumors. Aesthetic plastic surgery is performed to improve the overall appearance.

Is a cosmetic surgeon a plastic surgeon?

A cosmetic surgeon is a type of plastic surgeon who specializes in performing elective aesthetic procedures to enhance a person's appearance. However, not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. Plastic surgeons can also specialize in reconstructive surgery, focusing on restoring form and function in patients who have suffered injuries or have congenital deformities.

What "board certified" means?

Board Certification is the process in which an allopathic medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO) has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, and the American Board of Physician Specialties.

This certification is only granted after passing a rigorous oral, written, and practical examination. The surgeon must demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills that define an area of medical specialization.

Will the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification guarantee a better surgical result?

In plastic surgery, the surgeon's artistic skill can be as important as the surgeon's training. The patient should keep in mind that each surgeon has individual preferences and techniques, and expertise, which results in different surgical outcomes.

Therefore, board certification does not guarantee a better outcome. Having communication with your plastic surgeon and checking his or her previous work can help ensure that you get the results you want.

What does "DO" stand for?

DOs are osteopathic physicians who are thoroughly trained and licensed to practice all aspects of medicine. Osteopathic physicians may be board-certified to specialize in family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, and other medical specialties and subspecialties.

They possess a patient-centered approach to medical care and use all the resources of modern medicine to prevent and treat disease, including prescribing medications and performing surgical interventions when indicated. Osteopathic physicians are qualified to perform Osteopathic Manipulative Osteopathic Treatment (OMT), a method in which the hands are used to diagnose and treat the patient, paying special attention to the joints, bones, muscles nerves. OMT is used to relieve pain and discomfort and, more importantly, aids the body heal itself.

What is the difference between a DO and an MD?

The main difference is that DOs practice an integrated approach to medicine for each individual, while MDs take a more symptomatic, isolated approach. Also, DOs are provided with additional training in the musculoskeletal system. In the case of a DO plastic surgeon, it allows him or her to appreciate better the human body's differences are unique to it.

Which type of anesthesia will be used for my surgical procedure?

The type of anesthesia will depend on the surgical procedure, the length and complexity of the operation, and the patient's health. When local anesthesia is used, numbing medication is applied to the surgical area to minimize discomfort. With sedation, intravenous (IV) medication is administered to the patient to bring the patient into a state of decreased consciousness. Local anesthesia is usually administered along with sedation to minimize discomfort. With this method, the patient is technically awake but with little or no memory of the procedure's events and surroundings. After this type of anesthesia, the patient needs to recover for a short time before returning home.

With general anesthesia, the patient is deep asleep. A licensed anesthesiologist administers drugs that depress the central nervous system, making it insensitive to any pain stimulus from surgery and pushing the body's vital reflexes. The anesthesiologist will continuously monitor the patient throughout the procedure. Patients undergoing general anesthesia will not be allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery for a minimum of 24 hours.

Will the insurance cover plastic surgery?

Most procedures that are considered cosmetic are typically not covered. Our trained patient care coordinators can assist you with insurance eligibility, coverage, and insurance concerns before the surgery.

Is it possible to finance my intervention?

We provide a variety of financing options and comprehensive payment plans. Our experienced surgical staff can assist you with all aspects of the financing process.

What should you know about the safety of outpatient surgery?

Outpatient surgeries are the safest of all. Since they are minimally invasive and allow the person to return home the same day after surgery. This type of surgery is also referred to as ambulatory surgery or same-day surgery.

All surgery has its risks. However, because they are non-invasive surgeries, the risk is minimal. In addition, more than half of the surgeries performed in the US today are ambulatory, and this trend will continue to increase as surgical techniques and equipment evolve.

Do I need to take vitamin supplements before surgery?

Some vitamin supplements cause bleeding, while others may slow the recovery process. Patients must not take any vitamin supplements during the weeks before surgery.

Is it safe to have sex before the surgery?

Of course, you can! As long as you use protection, there is no impediment! Surgeons require patients to stop using or remove birth control in the 30 days before surgery.

What should my hemoglobin level be?

Most healthy people have hemoglobin between 12.0 and 15.0. At Avana Plastic Surgery, we consider a safe level for surgery above 12.0. If these results are out of the normal range, you can consult your doctor about raising your hemoglobin.

Can I get my prescription before my surgery?

We understand that patients like to have everything ready before surgery, so they don't have to worry during recovery time; however, we do not prescribe pain medication until they are safely back home.

Is my pain medication covered by my insurance?

For details of coverage, please contact your insurance provider.

Are there any nearby pharmacies where I can fill my prescription?

There are several pharmacies near Avana Plastic Surgery to choose the most convenient one for you.

What do I need to buy before my operation?

We recommend our patients to buy:

• Comfortable clothing at least one size bigger than your current size will make it easier for you to change due to swelling. The best are those buttoned in the front, as arm movement can be strenuous, especially if you undergo breast procedures.
• Comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off, as you may not be able to bend over or strain for a while due to pain.
• After surgery, patients may become constipated or feel dizzy. Stock the pantry with soups, gelatin, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
• You should buy water and hydrating drinks. Patients must hydrate after surgery. It would help if you can drink about 2 liters of water a day after surgery.
• Arnica cream: Relieves pain, bruising, swelling and helps wounds heal faster.

May I wax before undergoing surgery?

We do not recommend waxing before your surgery. Hot waxing removes a superficial skin layer, making patients susceptible to infection. We encourage patients to shave thoroughly.

When will the time of my operation be confirmed?

Surgery schedules are confirmed the day before surgery, sometimes late in the evening.

Can I get a tattoo before undergoing surgery?

Tattoos must be completely healed before surgery, so please don't get a tattoo at least one month before surgery. Otherwise, your surgery date could be postponed.

Why do I need to remove the acrylics and nail polish?

Artificial nails and polish on fingers must be removed before surgery because the fingernails' color indicates the blood’s oxygen level; in case of a sudden loss of oxygen level, the nails turn blue. A probe is placed in your fingertip to monitor the oxygen level in your blood, to prevent the medical team from seeing the nail color. The probe cannot read through the nail polish or artificial nails.

Can I pay with my partner’s credit card?

Anyone can pay for your surgery as they provide the necessary documents to make the payment. If you pay in person, it is sufficient that they are present and provide their credit card and a valid photo ID.

When will I meet with my surgeon?

It depends on the surgeon, but usually, you can talk with your surgeon the same day of your pre-op consultation. This is a full consultation with the surgeon who will perform the procedure.

How many pre-operative consultations will I have?

In addition to the initial consultation, you will have one more pre-operative appointment. During this appointment, you will discuss any questions you may have. You will also address the specific details of your surgery with your surgeon.

What about of prep-op paperwork?

During the pre-operative consultation, our medical team will give you some documents that you must sign to authorize us to perform your surgery, to make it clear that you understand the procedure and the risks involved, and the possible contraindications that may arise.

Some of these forms are:

• Pre-operative testing orders
• Blood transfusion consent
• Surgical consent
• Day of surgery admission order
• Admissions health history.

Do I need to stop smoking before surgery?

Quitting smoking can lower your risk of complications during surgery. The early you stop, the better. Preferably more than a week before your surgery.

Where will my procedure be performed?

Some years ago, all surgeries were performed in hospitals. But with technological advances and new surgical techniques, it is possible to perform surgeries on an outpatient basis or in an outpatient clinic.

All our procedures are performed at our cosmetic surgery center in Miami. We are equipped with the most advanced technology and we are licensed under the safety and technical requirements to performs any of the cosmtic surgery procedures we offer.

Can I combine multiples procedures at the same time?

Some patients can have various procedures such as Mommy Makeover, where a tummy tuck is combined with a breast lift, reduction, or implants.

Those procedures where liposuction is involved are not allowed to be combined with any other surgery, such as the BBL. We are restricted to removing a maximum of 1 liter of fat for safety reasons, which may not be sufficient to achieve your goals.

What do I need to bring on the day of my surgical procedure?

Comfortable clothing and shoes. Patients should bring a companion with them, take you home, or the place to do your recovery process—extra money for unexpected expenses.

Can I keep my piercings during surgery?

Metal piercings should be removed or be replaced by silicone or plastic rings. Dermal piercings must be removed and be fully healed before surgery.

How long does the surgery itself take?

The time will depend on the complexity of the procedure. An average timeline is as follow:

Are anesthesiologists certified, or is it just operating room nurses?

We have a group of highly trained and certified anesthesiologists who are experts in the field of Anesthesiology.

What is cell saver and why should I consider it?

The Cell Saver is a medical device that collects the blood that the patient loses during the operation, cleans it, and then returns the patient's blood. It is handy for patients with anemia problems and, in case of a complication during surgery, allowing them to feel better and recover more quickly.

Can I have a relative or friend with me the surgery day?

Yes, we recommend that you have a companion with you the day of your surgery to help you move around and return home quickly, plus you will need a little extra help in the first few hours after your procedure.

What Covid-19 measures are you taking to guarantee patient safety?

In order to ensure the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff, these are some of the measures we take at Avana Plastic Surgery:

• Frequent deep disinfection efforts - in addition to our regular cleaning routine - keep the facility as safe as possible from viruses and germs.
• We will perform disinfection of each operation room and examination before and after every patient interaction.
• We will stick to CDC recommendations on social distancing as well as personal protection.
• Our aesthetic center is big enough. With our tight scheduling, there are no social distancing issues in the office.
• All the personnel must wear masks and gloves during every direct patient contact for everyone's protection.
• All patients will be temperature tested.
• No children or guests are allowed to enter our facility to minimize the number of people in our facility. We ask that any guests of patients wait in the car.

How long do you stay in the facility during surgery process?

It depends on the type of surgery you will undergo, but most procedures last between 1 and 6 hours. Also consider the post-op recovery time frame between 45 minutes to 2 hours.

What are my options for managing the pain?

In addition to antibiotics, your doctor will also prescribe a pain reliever. Sometimes the body may register pain with a different type of discomforts, such as muscle spasms or pressure. For these situations, a muscle relaxant may be more beneficial. It is essential to talk with your surgeon to plan together for a more tolerable postoperative period.

How long is the recovery period?

The recovery time after plastic surgery may vary depending on the surgery performed and the patient. Consult your surgeon for specific recovery times.

How important are massages for my recovery?

Adding a lymphatic massage to a patient's postoperative care routines can benefit their healing process. The massage technique helps reduce swelling and improve cosmetic results.

When will I be able to fly?

Depending on the procedure you have selected, you will be able to fly home, usually after the first 5 to 10 days.

What can I do to minimize swelling or bruising?

Your surgeon will recommend which medications you should take to relieve any pain you are experiencing and swelling.

How much time will I need to be off work after my surgery?

This will depend on the type of surgery you underwent and the type of work you do. It would be good for you to consider taking 3 to 14 days off. Patients who undergo breast augmentation usually return to work after three days, while more invasive surgeries, such as Brazilian Butt Lifts and Mommy Makeovers, will require at least 14 days.

How long will the sore disappear?

This is another aspect that also depends on the surgery you have selected. The sore usually begins to decrease three days after surgery.

When will the swelling go down?

As we mentioned above, this will depend on your surgery. In most procedures, the initial swelling begins to subside about two weeks after the procedure. Still, the wound's healing can take from 6 to 12 months.

Will I have to change the bandages?

Bandages will be removed immediately after 48 hours, at which time you will be able to shower.

How many follow-up visits should I have?

You will have at least two follow-up appointments. The first appointment will be one week after surgery and the next one 2-3 months after the procedure. For out-of-town patients we can adjust this timeline. Other arrangements will be scheduled as needed.

Will I need someone to help me take care of myself after surgery?

You will need someone to be with you the first 24 hours after your surgery. During this time, you will recover from the anesthesia, and you must have someone to take you home and stay with you. You will need extra assistance for the first six weeks after surgery, as you will not be able to perform your daily activities or lift anything over 20 pounds.