The first step in the process is scheduling your consultation. This can be done via text, email, phone or sometimes livechat. One of our caring patient coordinators will go over any questions you have as well as information, including pricing, before you come in. If you schedule your consultation, the consultation usually takes about 1 hour. You first meet with your patient coordinator who goes over your procedure in detail. We have several photo albums in our office that are filled with hundreds of actual patients. If you are interested in a breast surgery, our 3D imaging machine is a very helpful tool. It will take a 3D scan of you and show different size implants or what a breast lift looks like on you. Dr. Eberbach will then come in and will go over his recommendation with you. Dr. E tries to spend time with his patients to make sure he gives them their “perfect” results. You will get a quote at the end of your consultation. If you decided to schedule surgery, you would put down a $500 deposit to schedule your date. Your pre-op would be 2 weeks before surgery which is when the remaining balance would be due.
Preparing for Surgery
What is needed before having surgery? There are a few items needed to make your experience safe and rewarding. Whether your surgery is several weeks away or if you are just a “planner” who likes to know all the facts, this blog will give you more details. We will provide additional details at your preoperative visit 2 weeks before surgery, but in the meantime please take note of the following.
Medical Clearance: Start now to get medical clearance if you are over 50 or have a medical history of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic medical condition. These health issues should be stable and well controlled. This may take several weeks because of your primary care physician’s schedule. If additional testing or an adjustment medication is ordered by your doctor it may add even more time. This needs to be at least 2 weeks before surgery to avoid canceling surgery.
Mammograms: Prior to breast surgery mammograms are needed for women over 40 or who have a history of breast problems. The mammogram must be within 9 months of surgery. Scheduling and obtaining the results can take surprisingly long. A substantial number of women need additional imaging that can also delay surgery. Start now to get those things accomplished.
Nicotine: Any nicotine exposure is a cause for cancellation for face lifting, abdominoplasty, breast lifting, breast reduction or significant liposuction. Nicotine interferes with blood flow in a profound way that often leads to severe complications. “Nicotine free” vapor cigarettes still contain nicotine! If you are a nicotine user of any type including gum or patches, you need a minimum of no nicotine for 30 days prior to surgery . For your safety, testing is done.
Medications: There are a number of medications that substantially increase your risks during surgery. Do not start or stop any doctor prescribed medications without specific advice from Dr. Eberbach. Having said that, exposure to a few medications may lead to surgery cancellation.
Estrogen and birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots. Be sure to specifically ask Dr. Eberbach about whether or not to stop taking them.
Aspirin causes blood thinning for up to 3 weeks after a single pill and Advil and Motrin like medications thin the blood for up to a week. Taking these medications we will delay your surgery.
Erectile medications: Viagra and Cialis may interact with other medications causing dangerous consequences. These should not be used 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Diet medications: amphetamine, cocaine and similar medications can cause heart rhythm problems and cannot be used 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Accutane exposure within 2 years of facial resurfacing such as chemical peels or laser is an absolute contraindication. Be sure to verbally tell Dr. Eberbach if you have used this medication.
We look forward to being part of your transformation! Please call our office if you have any other questions.