FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Surgery What should I expect from my initial consultation? What should I do to prepare for surgery? What should I being doing now? What should I do the day before surgery? What should I do the morning of surgery? What should I expect on the day of my surgery? What are the General Surgical Risks? And why should I worry be informed about them? What are the Normal Risks? What are the Common Risks? What are the Rare Risks? What Should I Expect After the Surgery? What Should I Expect During the Healing Process? How do I know how to tell who is a qualified surgeon? What do all of the certifications mean? What are my Payment Options? What are you Financial Policies? What should I expect from my initial consultation? Registration We ask that you provide us with basic information for our administrative records as well as information about your past medical and surgical history. Surgeon Dr. Morales will discuss your desires and expectations together with you. He will then examine you and give his opinion regarding how best to achieve your goals. We believe in your need to be well informed about the entire process of preparing for, undergoing and recovering from plastic surgery. Photography Photographs are used to both plan the procedure and to maintain a record from which the final result can be evaluated. Photographs are usually taken during your initial consultation and again post-operatively. Education In addition to your discussion with Dr. Morales and his Scheduling Coordinator, you may choose to watch a video prepared by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) or you may wish to read a brochure prepared by the ASPRS. Cost/Scheduling When you meet with the Scheduling Coordinator, she will discuss fees. If you have a specific date in mind, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you are still in the information gathering stage, she will see to it that all of your questions are answered.   Back to Top What should I do to prepare for surgery? What should I be doing now? If you are interested in cosmetic surgery here are a few things you can start doing now to prepare yourself and your body for the procedure. Stop Smoking Smoking reduces blood circulation to the skin and impairs the healing process. Do Not Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen - Also, stop taking any medications which contain aspirin or ibuprofen at least 3 weeks prior to surgery. These drugs may cause bleeding problems both during and after surgery. Use medications that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. Take Vitamin C & E Take 500mg twice daily to promote healing. Get Active Regular exercise not only helps your body heal faster, it also   Back to Top What Should I do the day before surgery? Fill your Prescriptions You will be given prescriptions, at your preoperative visit, for pain medication and possibly a sleeping medication and/or an antibiotic. Please have your prescriptions filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you on the day of surgery. Cleansing The night before surgery shower and shampoo, and wash the surgical areas well for a full 5 minutes. Do not use hair conditioners or hair sprays. Eating and Drinking Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the night before surgery. This includes water. The hospital or surgical center will contact you the day before with more specific instructions. If you take daily medication such as high blood pressure or heart medications you may take them with a sip of water in the early morning prior to surgery.   Back to Top What should I do the morning of surgery? Oral Hygiene You may brush your teeth but do not swallow any of the water. Make-Up Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions or make-up Clothing Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Do not wear hairpins, wigs, or jewelry. Do not bring valuables with you.   Back to Top What should I expect on the day of my surgery?
Check In/Preparation	Report to the surgical facility as directed by our office with your prescribed medication. Dr. Morales will see you before surgery to discuss any last minute questions you may have. You should plan to arrive at least one hour prior to your scheduled time of surgery. A parent or a legal guardian must accompany patients under the age of 18.
Family Members	If family members are present in the waiting room, Dr. Morales will make every effort to talk with them after surgery.
Operating Suite	Going to the operating room is not a normal experience for most people. Dr. Morales and his staff recognize that this anxiety is natural as most people approach this step in the process of achieving their goals. A description of the surgical experience will be helpful to increase your understanding of this event. After checking in to the surgical facility you will proceed to the preoperative holding area. You will change into a surgical gown. The pre-operative nurse will go over your consent and medical questionnaire. Dr. Morales and the anesthesiologist, if scheduled, will meet with you in the pre-operative holding area. At this time final surgical planning will take place. Basic preparation including drawing on your skin, if needed, will take place at this time. The anesthesiologist will place an intravenous line in your arm at this time. Once you enter the operating room, the operating room staff will do their best to make you feel comfortable and secure. To ensure your safety the staff will connect you to monitoring devices. Medicine that makes you drowsy will be given through the intravenous line.
Recovery Room	When your surgery is completed and the dressings are in place, you will be moved to the recovery room. You will stay connected to monitoring equipment. During this time a fully trained recovery room nurse will remain with you. Your stay in the recovery room will depend on the length of your surgery but generally lasts from 1 to 4 hours. Most patients are fully awake 30 to 60 minutes.