CER Hospital
Leaders in Patient Care

Frequently
Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for Plastic Surgery?

The best candidate for Plastic Surgery is an patient in good general health who has reasonable expectations about his or her appearance. During your consultation (or Virtual Consultation instead) with Dr. Luis Suarez, we will be discussing your goals and concerns to make a realistic assessment about your expectations for Plastic Surgery or Bariatric Surgery.


Is a Plastic Surgery safe?

All surgical procedures involve risk. At CER Hospital our licensed surgeons have the experience and expertise to help you highlight your natural beauty with minimal (or none) complications. It is important to follow all doctor's pre-op and post-op instructions carefully to be sure that you are prepared for getting the results your expecting.


What can I expect about a consultation with Dr. Luis Suarez?

During your consultation with Dr. Luis Suarez be prepared to discuss:

  • Your goals for your appearance
  • Your complete medical history
  • Your current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
  • Evaluate your general health status and any risk factors
  • Discuss your options
  • Examine and measure different parts of your body (depending which procedure are you looking for)
  • Take photographs
  • Recommend a course of treatment
  • Discuss likely outcomes of surgery and any potential complications


What should I expect before surgery?

In preparing for your surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and other supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising
  • In some other procedures, you may have to reduce your Body mass index (BMI) before you have your surgery

You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery to assure your safety.


Do I need to lose some weight before my surgery?

The body mass index (BMI) is the relationship between your height and weight expressed as an number. BMI is used to determine whether a person is a healthy weight for their height.

The higher your BMI is the more likely you are to have health problems that are related to your weight, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. The ideal range for BMI is from 20 to 25. A BMI over 25 is termed as being overweight and over 30 is termed as being obese.

There can be a higher risk of surgical and anesthetic complications if you have a BMI over 30. If you lose even 5 to 10% of your weight, this could reduce some of the risks associated with anesthesia.


Can I lose some weight with Plastic Surgery?

Generally, body contouring Plastic Surgery procedures such as Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, and Lift procedures (thigh lift, body lift, arm lift) are reserved for people who are within 15% to 20% (or 20 to 30 pounds) of their goal weight. These procedures are not intended as Bariatric Surgery. If you have these surgeries and later lose a lot more weight, you may have to redo the surgery.

Plastic Surgery is NOT a substitute for losing weight through other means, such as diet and exercise or Bariatric Surgery. Generally, a person with a BMI over 30 (obese) is at greater risk during any surgery. There is a greater chance of a complication from the procedure and from the anesthesia. As noted before, obesity is often linked to diabetes, circulatory problems, and other health issues, which are further complications for surgery.


Is there transportation services available to take me from San Diego Airport?

Yes. Every of our patients have transportation service available, just let it know to your Patient Coordinator, so we can organize your transportation from the San Diego Airport to CER Hospital. If you need transportation from Los Angeles International Airport you will have an extra charge.


How long does it takes to get a Plastic Surgery done?

It depends on the procedure but an average time of a Plastic Surgery is between 2-4 hours, sometimes the doctor has to extend the time of surgery with specific patients that have a certain health condition.

Face ProceduresSurgery TimeRecovery TimeResults
Brow Lift2 h7-10 days3-6 months
Cheek Lift1:30 h7-10 days3-6 months
Chin Augmentation1 h1 month1 month
Chin Liposuction1 h5 days1 month
Othoplasty2 h14 days6 months
Blepharoplasty2 h7 days2 months
Bichectomy1 h2-4 days6 months
Face Lift4-5 h14 days6 months
Neck Lift4-5 h14 days6 months
Rhinoplasty2 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Submental Liposuction1 h5 days1 month
Body ProceduresSurgery TimeRecovery TimeResults
Arm Lift2 h3 days3-18 months
Liposuction2-4 h per area14 days6 months
Lipoinjection (Brazilian Butt Lift)2 h14 days6 months
Thigh Lift2 h14-21 days6 months
Tummy Tuck3 h14-21 days6 months
Back Lift2:30 h21 days6 months - 1 year
Labioplasty2 h7 days6 months
Vaginoplasty2 h7 days6 months
Bladder Suspension2:30 h21 days6 months
Body Lift3-6 h21 days1 year - 2 years
Mommy Makeover5-6 h28 days6 months - 1 year
Breast ProceduresSurgery TimeRecovery TimeResults
Breast Augmentation3 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Breast Lift4 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Breast Lift with Implants4 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Breast Reduction4 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Breast Reconstruction3-4 h7 days6 months - 1 year
Mastectomy2:30 h14-21 days6 months
Male ProceduresSurgery TimeRecovery TimeResults
Gynecomasty2:30 h14-21 days6 months
Bariatric ProcedureSurgery TimeRecovery TimeResults
Gastric Sleeve2 h5 days1 year
Gastric Bypass2-3 h5 days1 year
Gastric Lap Band2-3 h5 days1 year
Duodenal Switch2-3 h5 days1 year
Cosmetic InjectionsApplication TimeFull EffectDuration of Effects
Botox20 m5 days4-6 months
Fillers30 m3-5 days4-6 months


Will I be able to return home the same day?

Most of our patients that undergo Face or Breast Surgeries are able to return to their homes in the same day of the procedure, although there are body procedures that need more time for the patient to recover, in those cases it is recommended to stay at least 1 night at the hospital.


In how many days will I be able to get back to work?

The ideal time of recovery before getting back to work is at least two weeks, in some cases, when your job doesn't need a lot of physical effort or movement, you could get back to it in one week but with certain restrictions and special care indications.


How long will I have to wait to see the final results?

All bodies are different so recovery time varies depending on the natural features of the patient body, but in most of the cases you could see the final results in a period of 6 months.


Can I eat before my surgery?

Your last meal and beverage before surgery should be approximately until 10 pm, after that time we recommend not to eat or drink anything else.


How long will I have to stay at Tijuana?

As long as you feel is the right time to go. We often suggest our patients to stay in the area for enough time to get their post-op appointment with Dr. Suarez seven days after. However, you may go back home once you’re discharged from the hospital and keep in touch with your Patient Coordinator so she can answer all you questions or concerns.


What type of clothing do I have to wear the day of surgery?

The most comfortable clothes that you have available will be perfect for this day, you could wear comfy pants, buttons or zipper tops and sweaters with sneakers or flip flops.


After my surgery, how much pain and recovery time should I expect?

Every patient is different and responses to Plastic Surgery may vary. Your doctor will advise you of how much pain to expect and provide you with medication to minimize discomfort. Also he will inform you about reasonable expectations for recovery time and scarring concerns for your procedure type during your consultation. If you have any concerns you may also ask your Patient Coordinator to help you as soon as possible.


What should I expect immediately after surgery?

After your surgery is complete, once the anesthesia has worn off, the business of recovering truly begins. You will remain in the recovery room for approximately one hour before being transferred to the post surgical care area. If you are an outpatient, you will be discharged by the nurses when your condition is stable, usually about two to four hours after your procedure is completed. You must be accompanied by someone who can drive you home.

It is very important that you limit your activities for the first days after having your surgery and do not forget to taking the pain medications and antibiotics prescribed.


What warning signs should I watch for in the days and weeks following surgery?

When recovering at home, it is important to know when to notify your Patient Coordinator of any complications that may arise after surgery. The following signs and symptoms are warnings of possible complications and should be reported to your Patient Coordinator immediately:

  • Sudden increased pain in the area of surgery
  • Sudden persistent swelling at the surgical site
  • Numbness in any extremity
  • Fever greater than 101.5 degrees
  • Redness of incision or surgical area
  • Wound separation or infection
  • Poor scarring of the area
  • Drainage or bleeding from the incision
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Inability to urinate after surgery
  • Any other unusual symptoms that concern you

Be sure to contact your Patient Coordinator if you have any unusual symptoms or other concerns.


Am I a good candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

To qualify for Bariatric Surgery, patients must have a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with a weight-related health condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea. Patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 with a weight-related health condition also qualify, but have in mind that some insurance may not provide coverage. Our patients must be at least 18 years old and typically not older than 70.


Is a Bariatric Surgery safe?

All surgical procedures involve risk. At CER Hospital our doctors are certified in Bariatric Surgery and constantly improving their skills and techniques, guided by the safest and most effective standards for Bariatric Surgery.


How can Bariatric Surgery help my life?

Bariatric Surgery has been shown to help resolve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Frequently, individuals who improve their weight find themselves taking less and less medications to treat their obesity-related conditions.


What should I expect before surgery?

After we see you for your initial consultation, there are a few additional steps required to prepare you for surgery:

  • Follow our pre-op liquid diet before surgery
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and other supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising
  • In some other procedures, you may have to reduce your Body Mass Index (BMI) before you have your surgery


Is there transportation services available to take me from San Diego Airport?

Yes. Every of our patients have transportation service available, just let it know to your Patient Coordinator, so we can organize your transportation from the San Diego Airport to CER Hospital. If you need transportation from Los Angeles International Airport you will have an extra charge.


How long does it takes to get a Bariatric Surgery done?

It depends on the procedure but an average time of a Bariatric Surgery is between 5-6 hours, sometimes the doctor has to extend the time of surgery with specific patients that have a certain health condition.

  • Most Gastric Sleeve Surgeries take less than an hour
  • Most Gastric Bypass Surgeries take about 2-3 hours
  • Stop smoking
  • Most Switch Duodenal Surgeries take about 1-2 hours
  • Most Lap Band Surgeries take about 30 minutes


How do Lap Band, Sleeve and Bypass surgery differ?

The Lap Band does not require cutting, stapling or rerouting of the gastrointestinal system. The Lap Band is adjustable and reversible. Weight loss with Lap Band is typically 1-2 lbs per week.

Sleeve removes 80% of the stomach with the goal of reducing appetite. Sleeve is irreversible. With a Sleeve the intestines are not involved so digestion is normal. Weight loss is 2-3 lbs per week.

Bypass involves cutting the stomach and rerouting the intestines. The goal is reduced consumption and absorption of nutrients. Weight loss is often 3 lbs or more per week.


Can I eat before my surgery?

Patients are on a low calorie liquid diet ten days prior to Bariatric Surgery. Your last meal and beverage before Bariatric Surgery should be approximately until 10 pm, after that time we recommend not to eat or drink anything else.

While your are staying in the Hospital, you will receive a liquid diet such as juice, Jell-O and chicken as your first meal after the surgery. Juice and Jell-O are high in sugar content, but your portions will be very small at this stage. Gradually you will be able to increase the amount of meal as you can tolerate it.


How long will I have to stay at Tijuana, Mexico?

We often suggest to our Bariatric Patients to stay at least 2 days after surgery (depends of which procedure you performed) or if they stay one night at the hospital and the next night they could spend it in a hotel, to assure that they are in the best condition to go back home.

  • If you have a Gastric Sleeve surgery you will stay 2 nights at hospital
  • If you have a Gastric Bypass surgery you will stay 3 nights at hospital
  • If you have a Switch Duodenal surgery you will stay 3 nights at hospital
  • If you have a Lap Band surgery you will stay 2 nights at hospital


When can I start exercising again after Bariatric Surgery?

Right away! You will take gentle, short walks even while you are in the hospital. The key is to start slow. Listen to your Bariatric Surgeon or Patient Coordinator and follow the post-op indications. If you lift weights or do sports, stay “low impact” for the first month. Build slowly over several weeks.


After my surgery, how much pain and recovery time should I expect?

Every patient is different and responses to Plastic Surgery may vary. Your doctor will advise you of how much pain to expect and provide you with medication to minimize discomfort. Also he will inform you about reasonable expectations for recovery time and scarring concerns for your procedure type during your consultation. If you have any concerns you may also ask your Patient Coordinator to help you as soon as possible.


How long after Bariatric Surgery will I have to be out from work?

After Bariatric Surgery, we recommend our patients to take off two weeks from work, particularly if their jobs require manual labor. Some patients return to work sooner depending on the nature of their jobs, do not worry, your Bariatric Surgeon will give you clear instructions about how to take care at work.


Can I drive after Bariatric Surgery?

Yes, most patients are comfortable driving just a day or two after Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve surgery.


Can I eat normally after I have the Lap Band or the Gastric Sleeve?

After having a Bariatric Surgery, you will need to change some feeding habits if you want to achieve your goals. Patients are on a high protein liquid diet for two weeks after surgery. Then, patients can resume eating most foods they normally eat.

In order for the Bariatric Surgery work properly it is important for patients to eat their food in small bites and chew each bite thoroughly. Bariatric Surgery Patients typically should avoid fibrous foods such as asparagus, pineapple and celery.

Some patients have difficulty eating certain types of meat, especially if it is not chewed thoroughly. The Lap Band and the Sleeve are most effective when people do not drink with their meals, and refrain from drinking high calorie liquids, such as milk shakes.


How much weight will I lose and how quickly??

While weight loss varies from patient to patient, most Lap Band patients lose 1-2 pounds per week in the first year. Sleeve patients often lose 2-3 lbs per week. It will depend on how you take care of yourself and how you body responses to Bariatric Surgery.


Will I need Plastic Surgery?

You will have a lot of change between 6 and 18 months after surgery, most patients have some loose or sagging skin. Your individual appearance depends upon several things, including how much weight you lose, your age, your genetics and whether or not you exercise or smoke. Many patients wear compression garments, which can be found online, to help with appearance.

Some patients will choose to have Plastic Surgery to remove excess skin. Most Plastic Surgeons or Bariatric Surgeons recommend waiting at least 18 months, but you can be evaluated before that.