Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest, practical answers about consultations, surgery, recovery, and traveling to see us, gathered from the questions our patients ask most.
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What happens during my first consultation?
Consultations & Candidacy

Your first visit is an unhurried one-on-one with Dr. Fabio himself, not a coordinator standing in for him. He listens to what you want to change, examines you in person (or reviews photos closely for virtual consults), explains which techniques genuinely fit your anatomy and goals, and gives you an honest read on what surgery can and cannot do. You'll leave with a written quote, a recommended recovery timeline, and no pressure to book on the spot.

Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?
Consultations & Candidacy

Good candidates are in stable overall health, have realistic expectations, and are having surgery for themselves rather than to satisfy someone else. Certain conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, active smoking, certain blood thinners) may need to be addressed before surgery is safe. Dr. Fabio will review your health history at consultation and, when appropriate, coordinate with your primary care physician to clear you for surgery.

Do you offer virtual consultations for out-of-town or international patients?
Consultations & Candidacy

Yes. Many of our patients travel from across Latin America, the rest of the U.S., and abroad. A virtual consultation lets Dr. Fabio review your goals and photos, discuss options, and provide a preliminary quote before you travel, so your in-person pre-op visit can focus on final planning rather than starting from scratch.

Is surgery performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center?
Surgery & Anesthesia

Most procedures are performed at our accredited on-site surgical facility in Aventura, under the same safety standards as a hospital operating room, with certified anesthesia providers monitoring you throughout. More complex or combination procedures may be scheduled at an accredited hospital, which Dr. Fabio will discuss with you during planning.

What type of anesthesia will I have?
Surgery & Anesthesia

Depending on the procedure, we use local anesthesia with sedation, IV sedation ("twilight" anesthesia), or general anesthesia. Dr. Fabio and your anesthesia provider select the safest option for your specific surgery and health profile, and will walk you through exactly what to expect before your surgery date.

How long does surgery take?
Surgery & Anesthesia

It depends entirely on the procedure and whether it's combined with others, anywhere from under an hour for a straightforward case to several hours for combination surgery like a mommy makeover. You'll receive a specific estimate once your surgical plan is finalized.

How long is recovery, and when can I return to work?
Recovery & Results

Recovery timelines vary by procedure: some patients return to desk work within a week, while more extensive body procedures may need two to four weeks off. Dr. Fabio will give you a personalized recovery timeline at consultation, including when you can resume exercise, driving, and normal activities.

When will I see my final results?
Recovery & Results

Swelling and bruising typically improve significantly within the first two to four weeks, but final results continue to refine for months as deeper swelling resolves and tissues settle, commonly 3 to 6 months for most procedures, and up to a year for some, like rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck.

Will I have visible scarring?
Recovery & Results

Most procedures do involve some scarring, but Dr. Fabio plans incisions to fall along natural creases or in easily concealed locations whenever possible, and provides scar-care guidance for the healing period. Scars fade and soften considerably over the first year.

How much does a procedure cost?
Cost & Financing

Cost depends on the specific procedure, whether it's combined with others, anesthesia and facility fees, and your individual surgical plan, so an accurate quote can only be given after a consultation. We provide a detailed, itemized quote before you commit to anything.

Do you offer financing?
Cost & Financing

Yes. We partner with CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that offers flexible monthly payment plans for qualified applicants, and our patient coordinator can walk you through applying during your consultation. Visit our Financing page for details on how it works.

I'm traveling from out of town or another country: how should I plan my trip?
Travel & International Patients

Plan to arrive a day or two before surgery for your final pre-op visit and stay locally through your first follow-up appointment, typically about a week for most procedures. Dr. Fabio will confirm the exact window for your surgery. Our office is happy to recommend nearby hotels used to accommodating recovering patients, and Aventura is minutes from Miami and Fort Lauderdale international airports.

What if I need a follow-up or revision?
Revisions & Follow-Up

We schedule follow-up visits throughout your recovery so Dr. Fabio can track your healing and address any concerns early. In the rare case a revision is recommended, he'll discuss the reasons, timing, and options with you directly and honestly.

Will my visit and photos be kept confidential?
Privacy & Confidentiality

Yes. Your medical records, consultation details, and any before-and-after photos are kept strictly confidential in accordance with HIPAA privacy protections, and are never shared or used publicly without your explicit written consent.

Still have a question?

If you don't see your answer here, Dr. Fabio and our patient coordinator are happy to talk it through, in person or by phone.

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