Considerations for out of town patients

It is the goal of our office to make the details and planning of your surgery a smooth process. 

Patients can plan their surgery in two ways:

Many patients prefer to come in for a consultation, and book their procedure for a later time, typically 1-3 months minimum in advance.  Your exact fees and the detailed nature of the recommended procedures are discussed at that time.

Often, patients traveling from afar schedule a preliminary internet consultation, discuss their goals and email pictures with Dr. Moelleken, and fly in for a final consultation with surgery the next day.  Tests are typically done at the patient’s hometown doctors, and emailed or faxed to our office.  All appropriate medical tests are arranged in advance.  An estimate of fees and an estimated schedule of procedures is arranged.  The final surgical plan—almost always very similar to the estimated plan—is then finalized at a face-to-face meeting.  Patients whose travel schedule is very demanding or who travel from afar often choose this option.

_____Discuss your surgery needs with a consultant after submitting photos via email (or regular mail).  A patient packet can be emailed or sent via regular mail. 

_____Decide on a date for surgery.  $1000 non-refundable deposit holds your surgery date with balance of fees due two weeks prior to surgery.

_____One week prior to surgery, all of discussed medical requirements must be in office.  These all vary per patient. 

_____Accommodations are arranged according to patient needs.  Aftercare facility (for larger cases, or if traveling alone) vs. nearby hotel stay (for smaller cases, or if accompanied with someone).  We can assist with all reservations, as some hotels offer our patients special rates.  Private duty nursing arrangements can be made for anyone traveling alone, or requiring some assistance.  Special privacy concerns are arranged in advance.

_____A 5-12 day stay is recommended in the Los Angeles or Santa Barbara area.  This is customized to the patient’s needs on an individual basis.

_____Meal planning:  patients are encouraged to stock up on water and soft foods, i.e.- applesauce, yogurt, Jell-O, for the first 24-48 hrs after surgery.

_____Pts are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing, (jogging suits, etc), and dark glasses, hats, scarves (for facial surgery) if trying to conceal their appearance.