Pre-Op Chat with Claudia Puentes, Pre-Op Manager

We sat down with Eres Plastic Surgery’s pre-operative manager, Claudia Puente, to discuss the questions her department gets asked most frequently by patients.

“Our patients ask all sorts of questions, some stranger than others! We get asked about piercings, waxing, sex, we have heard it all! I love that our patients feel open enough to ask us even the most embarrassing questions, that’s why we are here!” Claudia

Can I have all my procedures at once?

Some procedures can be combined as is the case with a Mommy Makeover, where a Tummy Tuck can be combined with a breast lift, reduction or implants.

Procedures involving liposuction can’t be combined with any other, such as BBL, because for safety, we are restricted to extracting a maximum of 1 liter of fat, which may not be enough to achieve the desired results.

Should I take vitamin supplements in preparation for surgery?

Some vitamin supplements cause bleeding, while others may impede recovery. Patients should not take any vitamin supplements in the weeks leading up to surgery.

Can I have sex before surgery?

Sure! As long as you use protection! Surgeons require patients to stop using or remove birth control methods, putting patients at a higher risk for pregnancy in the 30 days leading up to surgery. Please enjoy, but use a condom!

What does my hemoglobin level need to be? Why?

The hemoglobin in your blood carries oxygen. Since you will lose some blood with your surgery it's important to know that you're at a safe level before surgery. Most healthy people have hemoglobin from 12.0-15.0 and most people will feel to be reasonably safe for surgery it should be above 12.0.

The most common reason for low hemoglobin is not enough iron in your diet. Taking a vitamin with about 18mg. of iron will keep most people within normal levels. If you're out of normal range I suggest you consult your regular doctor to see if they feel you need to do more to see why it's low. If no other problems are found the usual first and easiest thing to do is increase the iron in your diet. It usually takes some time to see a significant improvement.

Can I have my prescription before surgery?

We understand that patients like to have their “ducks in a row” so they don’t have any details to take care of during recovery; however we do not issue prescriptions for pain killers until patients are on their way home.

Does my insurance cover my pain medication? Do I have insurance coverage in Florida?

Please contact your insurance provider for details on coverage.

Is there a pharmacy nearby where I can have my Rx filled?

There are several pharmacies near Eres Plastic Surgery.

Can I pay with my boyfriend’s credit card?

Anyone can pay on your behalf as long as you provide their email, they complete the necessary documents via docusign, and send a photo of their ID and photo of their credit card front and back. If paying in parson, they simply have to be present and provide the credit card and a valid photo ID.

When do I sit down with the surgeon?

It depends on the surgeon, for the most part, the day of surgery. Pro operative consultations may be done with another surgeon, or other medical staff. The day of surgery, patients have a full consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure.

What should I buy prior to surgery?

• Comfortable, loose fitting clothing you are willing to part with, since it may get stained with blood. Go up a size from your current dress size to accommodate swelling, and to make it easier to disrobe. The best are the kind that button from the front since mobility of the arms may be difficult due to pain and swelling, especially if having procedures of the breasts.
• Comfortable and stable shoes which slip on and off. Patients following surgery can’t bend over to tie shoes, or force their feet in and out of shoes.
• Extra towels and sheets to protect your car, furniture, and bed. Bleeding is normal after a surgery. Protect your belongings by having extra towels which can be disposed of afterwards.
• Soft healthy foods, low in sodium. After surgery patients can become constipated, or feel queasy. Stock the pantry with soups, jello, fresh fruit and vegetables. NO MILK, NO DAIRY!
• Water and sports drinks. It is imperative patients rehydrate after surgery. Not only to flush the anesthesia, and ease constipation, but to support the healing process. Patients should drink about 2 gallons of water a day following surgery.
• Arnica cream: It relieves pain, bruising, swelling, and helps wounds heal faster.

Can I wax before my surgery?

Please do not wax in preparation for surgery. Since hot wax removes a superficial layer of skin, it makes patients susceptible to infections. We encourage patients to shave thoroughly.

When will my surgery time be confirmed?

Surgery times are confirmed the afternoon before the surgery, sometimes late in the evening.

What should I bring with me the day of surgery?

The comfortable clothing and shoes we mentioned previously. Patients must bring a buddy with them; to escort them home. Lastly, patients must bring extra money for unforeseen expenses. Patients must pay for a day-of urinalysis, and may wish to purchase additional compression garments, and other unforeseen expenses.

Can I leave my piercings/dermals in for surgery?

Metal piercings such as hoops or barbells must be removed or replaced with silicone or plastic rings. Dermal piercings must be removed and fully healed prior to surgery.

Can I get a tattoo before my surgery?

Please do not. Tattoos must be fully healed prior to surgery.

Why do I have to remove my acrylics and nail polish?

Artificial nails and finger nail polish must be removed prior to surgery because the color of the finger nails is indicative of the level of oxygen in the blood, in the event of a sudden loss in oxygen level, the nails turn blue. Aside from blocking the medical team’s view of the color of your nail, a probe is placed on the fingertip to monitor the blood oxygen level; the probe can’t read through nail polish or artificial nails.

How long is the operation itself?

The time usually depends on the complexity of the procedure. Below is a list of the average length of our most popular surgeries:

• Brazilian Butt Lift ----- 2.5 hours
• Breast Lift (Masto) ----- 3 hours
• Mommy Makeover ----- 4.5 hours
• Breast Implants ----- 1 hour
• Tummy Tuck ----- 1.5 hours
• Liposuction ----- 2 hours

Are the anesthesiologists certified or just OR nurses?

We contract our anesthesiologists through Del Risco & Associates, who specialize in Anesthesiology.

What can I eat after surgery?

Avoid overly processed unhealthy foods which cause inflammation such as refined carbohydrates (bread), fried fatty foods, junk food, foods high in sodium. Instead, opt for foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as salmon, avocado, fresh fruits and vegetables (NOT canned!) fresh spices such as turmeric, oregano, and ginger. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens which are chock full of antioxidants. Stay away from sodium and salty foods at all costs, and don’t forget to drink 2 gallons of water.

How soon after surgery can I have sex? (I want to break my new body in!)

Procedures with small incisions, such as a BBL or lipo, you may resume moderate physical activities as soon as your drains are out and your wounds are near healed.

Procedures with larger incisions such as a tummy tuck and breast reduction or lift, wait until the incisions are fully healed before engaging in any vigorous exercise.

When can I travel back to my home state?

Plan on staying in Miami at least a week after the surgery, as thee is at least one follow up appointment. More specific information for out of town patients including travel time frames can be seen HERE

“We encourage patients to be honest and open with the pre-operative team regarding their lifestyle and medical conditions. We are by no means here to judge, our priority is to ensure patient safety during and each procedure. Make a list of questions and email or call us. Our department motto is: An informed patient is a happy patient.”

Claudia Puente,

Pre-Operative Manager

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Came on Vacation, Left a Sensation

The majority of the plastic surgery patients we see here at Eres Plastic Surgery have wanted their procedures for nearly their entire lives. Whether to improve the appearance of a crooked nose with Rhinoplasty, or enhance their cleavage with breast implants, by the time our patients commit to a surgical date, they have consulted several plastic surgeons in Miami. Some have gone as far as to consider their medical tourism options abroad, such as plastic surgery in Thailand (no!).

Perhaps you have stumbled across our blog while researching your own procedure. At Eres, we love our out of town patients! Patients fly in from states where their procedures are priced way higher, because they preferred surgeon practices in Miami, and there are those who choose to combine their scheduled surgery date with a Miami vacation. Here, we take the opportunity to speak candidly about the inherent risks of traveling out of the country for plastic surgery, and prepare patients considering a plastic surgery vacation for every scenario.

Medical Tourism, Cosmetic Surgery

Medical tourism is defined as people who travel outside of their native countries to obtain medical treatment. The costs are usually paid up front at a much lower price than they would here in the United States. The majority of tourists of this nature travel for cosmetic procedures, since they are not covered by health insurance. However the few dollars which can be saved by having a procedure in another country is not worth the risk! The Center for Disease Control, CDC, issues a stern warning to those considering going abroad for surgery or treatment.

Health Risks of Plastic Surgery Vacation Packages

The primary reason cosmetic surgery is more expensive in the United States, simply put, is standard of care. The CDC warns about the difficulties in communicating with medical staff in a foreign language, risk for infections and complications, and counterfeit medications among other dangers.

Patients undergoing procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, liposuction, or any combination of these will need someone to care for them in the days following their procedure, as all movement will be uncomfortable and painful. While these symptoms are normal following a surgery, patients should take into account that they won’t be able to fly home for at least a week. Far from friends and family, uncomfortable and in pain, patients are especially vulnerable after surgery and need proper care to ensure their procedure heal properly and safe.

Transgender Plastic Surgery

Transgender patients; those transitioning from male to female or female to male often choose to undergo one or more plastic surgeries in order for their bodies and faces to look closer to their true gender. Stigmatized in many parts of the United States, transgender patients often choose to travel abroad to places like Thailand or Toronto to have their surgeries completed. At Eres, we advise transgender patients to research plastic surgeons in Miami.

Plastic Surgery Vacation, Done Right!

It’s not all bad news! The weeks leading up to surgery is a special time, where patients should take the time to focus their energy inward, break all bad habits like smoking, eat well, exercise, all in preparation for recovery. At Eres Plastic Surgery we want our patients to take advantage of their time with us in Miami, and take in the sites, relax on the white sand beaches, and relax in our fair city. Plastic surgeons in Miami are accustomed to treating patients from all over, and the surgical team at Eres is no exception.

Patients from out of town should travel with a companion, and prepare to be in recovery for at least seven days before being cleared for takeoff by the surgeon. Rest and recovery services such as XANADU, THIS ONE exist to offer the best care for patients after their procedures. Take a look around our gallery and consider Miami, Florida, the home of the top plastic surgeons, for your procedure.

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Beyoncé is pregnant, we’re SCREAMING!

Queen Bey shared big news earlier this week, she’s expecting twins! She announced the news via Instagram with the following caption, “We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over. We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes. - The Carters", on February 1st. The beyhive immediately went wild with and the good news quickly spread all over social media and celebrity news sites. The very next day the pop diva shared the rest of the series of photos shot by 28 year old artist Awol Erizku. Beyoncé looks angelic throughout the series, pregnancy definitely suits her!

Carrying twins can wreak havoc on a woman’s body. Large pregnancies can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, a condition called diastasis recti, as well as leave behind excess skin in the lower abdomen and breasts. Irreversible damage caused by pregnancy cannot be worked off at the gym; it can only be corrected by a skilled plastic surgeon. Cue the mommy makeover. A combination of a tummy tuck and a breast lift or breast augmentation, the procedures combined are the most effective way to store the body to its pre-pregnancy state; especially when carrying multiples!

At Eres Plastic Surgery, each mommy makeover is tailored to the needs and goals of the individual. During a consultation, one of our top plastic surgeons evaluates the damage caused by pregnancy or fluctuations in weight in order to make a plan which will work well for the particular patient in question.

Beginning with the tummy tuck, the surgeon can restore strength to the midsection for patients suffering from diastasis by sewing the abdominal muscle at the point of separation. Patients often experience the feeling of a tighter, toned mid-section, as well as an improvement in posture, since strength is restored to the core allowing for better support of the spine. During the tummy tuck, the excess skin of the lower abdomen or “pooch” is also removed, resulting in a much narrow waist and a flatter tummy. As much of the damaged skin is removed as possible, leaving behind taught, firm skin in the mid-section.

In a similar technique to the tummy tuck, the excess skin of the breasts can be removed to restore a youthful appearance to the breasts. Some patients miss the fullness their breast had during pregnancy or breast feeding and choose to have breast implant surgery as well.

Every mother is different; therefore every mommy makeover is different. The skilled team of surgeons at Eres takes the time to evaluate the needs and goals of each patient and consistently deliver stunning results. To find out more about Mommy Makeovers at Eres, contact us using our online chat feature, or give us a call.

Celebrities are under a lot of pressure to “bounce back” from pregnancies, and Beyonce is sure to have more pressure than most once the babies arrive. Only time will tell if Beyoncé decides to undergo mommy makeover surgery. One thing is certain, ‘Yonce always slays, even while carrying twins, the queen is FLAWLESS.

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