Las Vegas is a destination for plastic surgery. We regularly see patients from out of town and from all over the world. Our office is about 15 minutes from the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Ideally patients should fly in ahead of time for a consultation, to make sure they are a good candidate for their desired procedures. However, in cases where it is not possible, an email consultation may be an option. In that case, Dr Brown will require photos to be sent via email for evaluation. It is important that patients are in good health and free from major medical problems. We recommend preoperative bloodwork, EKG for patients 45 and older, and mammograms for patients interested in breast surgery. This can be performed in your hometown. All patients need to speak with our patient care coordinator well in advance for specific instructions, and to allow ample time to plan and book your surgery.
Patients need to be seen in the office 1-7 days before the surgery date for a preoperative history and physical exam as well as to discuss your procedure in depth including expectations and obtain consents. Supplies such as breast implants are ordered at this time.
Medications that are regularly taken need to be brought to our attention ahead of time. Paperwork from our office can be downloaded from our website and mailed or faxed to us. There are certain medications that need to be stopped weeks in advance of your upcoming procedure. These include all non-essential vitamin and herbal supplements (a mulivitamin and Vitamin C is fine to continue), antiinflammatory medication including ibuprofen, motrin, aleve, and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication, blood thinners, and in certain cases, hormones including birth control pills. Our office has a detailed list of medication to avoid, and please ask us if there any question.
All patients will need a caregiver, family member, or friend. You will not be able to drive after surgery and we cannot send you home in a taxi.
Is is important to avoid periods of immobilization both before and after traveling to avoid a DVT or blood clot. Remember to try to ambulate at least every hour while traveling, and move your legs (like you are pushing on the gas) if you are in your seat for prolonged periods of time. Compression stockings are helpful.
Keep in mind that after you return home, any follow up care that cannot be performed in Las Vegas is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. This means that if you need to see a physician or plastic surgeon for any urgent matter, or if you are unable to return to Las Vegas, you will need to arrange care in your hometown and expect to pay fees for service.
Here are some general timelines when planning your stay in Las Vegas with us:
Breast Augmentation: 6-8 days. We usually see patients one week after their surgery, and then have them follow up 6-8 weeks later.
Breast Lift with augmentation, Breast lift, Breast reduction: 10-20 days. Patients have drains removed in 3-5 days; sutures come out over 1-2 weeks in the office, with care to ensure proper incisional healing. The next follow up is approximately 6-8 weeks later, depending on your situation, but could be more frequent if there are any healing issues.
Facelift, Necklift: 10-20 days.
Blepharoplasty: 5-10 days, all sutures are removed by 5 days.
Abdominoplasty, Brachioplasty: 10-20 days. Drains come out in one week, most sutures out by 10 days.
Liposuction: 6-8 days.
If a procedure you are having is not listed here, please contact us for more information. For patients undergoing abdominoplasty, facelift, or combined procedures, an overnight nursing care facility is required for the first post-operative night. Longer stays at the nursing facility can be arranged, but most patients feel comfortable returning to their hotel on post-operative day one. Depending on your situation and recovery, time frames may be altered on an individual basis.
There are several hotels nearby for your convenience:
The Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas South www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com
The Wingate by Wyndam www.wingatehotels.com
Green Valley Ranch Resort www.greenvalleyranchresort.com
The M hotel and Resort www.themresort.com
Mandalay Bay Hotel www.mandalaybay.com
Dr. Hayley Brown MD, FACS
Plastic Surgeon Las Vegas
Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada