Preparing for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Your plastic surgery consultation is one of the most significant steps toward your aesthetic goals. It’s your opportunity to bond with your surgeon, ask questions and express your goals.

At South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that an amazing consultation is the key to achieving incredible results. Here’s how to prepare — and the questions you need to ask.

Before the Consultation: Steps to Take

1. Thoroughly Investigate

Be knowledgeable about the procedure(s) you want. Look at before/after photos, read the reviews and have a general idea of what you want to achieve.

2. Know Your Medical History

Prepare to provide details about your medical history, current medications, past surgeries, allergies and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol use. Your safety comes first!

3. Bring Inspo — But Be Realistic

Photos can assist in illustrating your preferences, but it’s essential to remember that everybody is unique. Let inspiration be the guide, not the ruler.

Write Down Your Questions in Advance

You’ll be taking in a lot of information. Keep your must-asks written down so you don’t forget anything.

Top Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

Ensure you know the essential questions to ask a plastic surgeon during your consultation.

1. How many times have you done this?

Experience matters. You’d want a surgeon who has performed the procedure numerous times, not just a handful.

2. Do you have before-and-after photos of your previous clients?

This will give you an idea of the “look” they achieve.

3. What kind of results can I expect?

The surgeon should set realistic goals and not over-promise.

4. What are the risks and potential complications?

Every procedure has risks and the clinic needs to be upfront about that.

5. What will recovery look like for me?

Ask about the timelines, the downtime, the necessity of compression garments, pain levels and when you can return to work or hit the gym.

6. What if I’m not ecstatic about the result?

Inquire about the revision policies and how they address any possible concerns.

7. What’s included in the pricing — and are there any hidden costs?

Know what your quote covers (surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, post-op care and so on).

Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague answers or hesitation when asked about their experience.

• Pressure to book on the spot.

• No before/after photos to demonstrate.

• “You’ll look exactly like this celeb!”

What to Bring to Your Consultation

• Your questions (on paper or your phone)

• Photos that reflect your goals

• A list of medications and medical conditions.

• Support person (optional but helpful!)

• Wear comfortable clothing if a physical exam is required.

After Your Consultation: How to Decide

The decision to choose a surgeon is personal. After your visit, ask yourself:

• Did they truly listen and grasp what I was aiming to achieve?

• Did I feel safe, respected and informed?

• Do I trust them to knock it out of the park for me?

Feel Empowered to Book at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery

We’re proud to offer expert surgeons and guidance from consult to recovery.

The Ultimate Guide for Tummy Tuck Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is among the most empowering body contouring surgeries, but the recovery process requires meticulous planning and wholehearted dedication.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after a tummy tuck, week by week, including common symptoms, healing milestones, tips to recover faster and FAQs we hear at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. Women often opt for the procedure after significant weight loss, pregnancy and as part of the mommy makeover.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1: Prioritize Rest but slight movement and activity is recommended, Minimize Swelling and Embrace Compression

• What to expect: Bruising, tightness, discomfort and feeling tired. You’ll be walking slightly hunched over.

• You may have drain tubes in place.

• Pain level: Moderate (controlled by prescribed medication)

• Tips:

• Cherish your body by always wearing your compression garment.

• Walk slowly to prevent blood clots.

Week 2: Drain Removal & Gentle Movement

• Look forward to: The potential removal of drain tubes. Swelling persists but diminishes.

• Pain level: Mild to moderate

• Tips:

• Keep wearing your compression garment.

• You may return to light, non-strenuous activities.

• Don’t drive while you’re still on pain medications.

Weeks 3–4: Back to Normal (Sort of)

• What to expect: You’ll feel more like yourself. Swelling starts to subside, and bruising begins to vanish.

• You can: Return to work (depending on your job), keep up with the walks and movement.

• Avoid: Lifting heavy, intense cardio, core workouts.

• Tips: Stay in top shape by drinking plenty of water and eating wholesome foods. Keep your incisions clean and dry.

Week 5–6: Unleashing Mobility

• What to expect: Feel the rush of vitality as it starts flowing back into your body, empowering you to embrace more of your everyday activities.

• You might: Start exercise (as cleared by your surgeon)

• Tips: Start focusing on posture and slow stretching.

• Note: Some swelling can persist — this is normal!

Week 7–8+: Back to the Gym & Final Healing

• What to expect: Most of the swelling is gone. You’ll notice improved contour and results.

• Feel free to: Resume workouts (even light ab exercises), engage in intimacy and embrace the joy of travel.

• Tips: With your surgeon’s approval, implement scar massage and other tips for better scar healing.

Common Tummy Tuck Recovery FAQs

Most people feel 80–90% healed by week 6–8, but full healing and final results can take up to 6 months to a year depending on the extent of surgery and individual factors.

When can I go back to work after a tummy tuck?

If your job is desk-bound, you might be able to return within 2 to 3 weeks. If your job is physically demanding, you might need a leave of 4–6 weeks.

Typically, at weeks 6–8. Always get your doctor’s ok first, especially for core exercises.

Will I have scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, but your surgeon places the incision low enough to be hidden by underwear or bikini bottoms. With time and proper care, the scars will typically fade significantly.

Will a tummy tuck cause pain?

There is moderate pain during the first week, but it’s manageable with medication. Most patients state that the self-esteem and confidence gained make it entirely worthwhile.

Empowering Recovery Tips from Our Team

• Never skip your doctor’s appointments.

• Devoutly wear your compression garment

• Prioritize ample rest during the initial two weeks.

• Enlist support at home — especially if you have children.

• Believe in the journey – the swelling will fade, and the results are permanent.

Snapchat Dysmorphia: How Social Media Filters Influence Cosmetic Surgery Decisions

Have you ever looked at a filtered photo and thought, “Why can’t I look like that in real life?” You are not alone. Welcome to the age of Snapchat Dysmorphia, where filter-enhanced beauty is sending people in droves to plastic surgeons.

What Is Snapchat Dysmorphia?

“Snapchat Dysmorphia” refers to a persistent pursuit of the “perfected” self that social media filters, particularly Snapchat, portray. The hyper-smooth, sculpted and lifted faces in our photos set an entirely new standard of beauty.

Most Common Features Patients Now Request:

• Better-defined jawlines

• Narrower noses.

• Plump lips

• Elevated brows

• Flawless, poreless skin.

And many patients bring in filtered selfies as examples.

Why It’s Affecting Cosmetic Surgery Trends

Thanks to the rise of TikTok, Instagram and face filters, we are now more visually driven than ever. Surgeons noted a lasting shift in what people were asking for – from looking like celebrities to resembling their own filtered photos.

Our Approach: Realistic Results, Natural-Looking Beauty

We strive to improve what makes you unique at the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery. We collaborate with you to ensure the results actually express who you are and what you feel confident in—not what an algorithm thinks is perfect.

Pointers to Consider Before Booking “Filter-Inspired” Surgery:

• Meet with a board-certified surgeon who understands your goals.

• Bring reference photos but listen to the artist’s suggestions.

• Focus on how you want to feel, not just on how you want to look.

• Your beauty is real; we’re just here to amplify it.

BBL vs. Lipo 360: Which Body Contouring Procedure Is Right for You?

Are you looking for ways to boost your body’s curves and contours? Then you’ve probably heard of or researched the terms “BBL” and “Lipo 360.” While both are excellent for body contouring, the goals of each procedure differ. Let’s break it down.

A BBL is short for “Brazilian Butt Lift,” which is a cosmetic surgery designed to improve the fullness and roundness of the buttocks.

During a BBL, a surgeon removes fat from your abdomen, flanks and back (a procedure known as liposuction), refines the fat and then strategically injects it into your buttocks to improve their shape, size and symmetry.

Ideal for: Patients who desire to improve the volume, roundness and lift of their buttocks.

What exactly is Lipo 360?

Lipo 360 targets the entire midsection, including the back, sides and front. It’s designed to snatch the waist and flaunt your curves from all sides.

Ideal for: Patients wanting to achieve a snatched waist look by eliminating torso fat and enhancing their natural curves.

Which One Is Right for You?

• Go for BBL if you desire a fuller, rounder butt and a snatched waist.

• Opt for Lipo 360 if your goal is to achieve a snatched waist and a seamless silhouette without the necessity of enhancing your buttocks.

Need assistance? Many of our patients do combine the procedures — and Dr. Burnett will help you decide during your consultation.

Ready to Transform?

And while you consider the subtle or drastic transformation of your silhouette, our team at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery stands ready to assist.

Supporting Your Recovery

As you prepare for your surgery, here is a list of recommended products that can support your recovery, so that you can get the best results and a smooth recovery.

Juven® Therapeutic Nutrition Powder

Juven contains a unique blend of key ingredients to help support wound healing. Begin using two days before surgery and continue until finished.
Shop from Amazon

A homeopathic medicine used to temporarily relieve muscle pain & stiffness and reduce swelling & discoloration from bruises. Begin taking 2 days prior to surgery and continue until bruising is gone.
Shop from Amazon

Dr. Shape garments are surgeon designed to help support and contour your body comfortably during recovery. Available in office or online.

Used code Floridacenter10 for 10% OFF all orders.

Softens and minimizes the appearance of red or pink scars. Centelline® is a synergistic complex comprising Centella asiatica, Bulbine frutescens and Oleuropein that helps minimize the appearance of scars. Apply in the morning and evening after the wound has healed. Use should continue until the scar appears flat without redness.

Pre-Pay Online and Pick-up at Pre or Post-Op ($85)

Our Myers’ formula IV treatment is an intravenous (IV) blend of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and calcium mixed with sterile water designed to replenish, boost energy, rehydrate, and support immune function during recovery. One treatment recommended at one-day post-op, can continue throughout the first week of recovery.
Pre-Pay Online

One Treatment ($225)
Package of Three ($600)

Dr. John Pinnella & Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh named Top Doctors 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. John Pinnella and Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh have been recognized as Top Plastic Surgeons for 2024 by Boca Magazine. This prestigious award highlights the exceptional skill and dedication of our esteemed surgeons, who consistently deliver world-class care to our surgery patients.​ ​​​​​​This distinction reflects the commitment of our entire team to providing patients with unparalleled service and personalized attention throughout their surgical journey. We celebrate this achievement with immense pride and congratulate Drs. Pinnella and Elnekaveh on this well-deserved recognition!​​​​​​

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Breastfeeding with Implants

Is 30 really the new 20? Perhaps when you consider the current pregnancy trends, it just may be. Parents are waiting on average six years later to have their first child than they did 20 years ago—the average age of a first-time mother in 2020 was 27 years old. So, it’s very reasonable that a new mom may have already had or may start to consider cosmetic surgery not long after giving birth.

Continue reading Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Breastfeeding with Implants