information for
out-of-town patients
information
Finding the right plastic surgeon is challenging, but it is worth putting extra effort into this important decision. Your results depend on the doctor and will be with you for years to come. We encourage you to choose a plastic surgeon that has proven experience in treating your concerns and provides results you admire, even if they are in another city. Patients who prefer a female plastic surgeon have even more reason to consider traveling for a procedure: there are less than 400 female board certified plastic surgeons in the country.
Dr. Flint has treated a larger number of patients from outside of Arizona, including many from Canada and Europe, who are drawn to her 16 years of experience, board certification in plastic surgery, and practice location in “The Valley of the Sun.”
Boasting a temperate climate for eight months out of the year, Scottsdale is a sunny resort destination that offers patients a comfortable, convenient, and private setting for their procedure and recovery. Accommodations ranging from opulent to affordable are available within five miles of our office and the accredited surgicenter where Dr. Flint performs surgery.
Should you choose to travel to have surgery with Dr. Flint, we’re ready to assist every step of the way. Following is our guide to each step of the process.
1
ABOUT YOUR CONSULTATION
We can provide an informative, comprehensive consultation process, no matter where you happen to reside. Depending on your individual circumstances, Dr. Flint and our Patient Care Coordinators will work with you to determine the best plan.
2
IN-OFFICE CONSULTATION
For patients who choose to visit for an in-office consultation, Dr. Flint will meet with you to discuss your areas of concern and help develop a treatment plan that best suits your unique anatomy and individual goals. As a traveling patient, there are some additional requirements and precautions you will need to consider. Dr. Flint and our Patient Care Coordinators will walk you through any necessary aftercare or recovery guidelines that are pertinent to your ability to travel.
3
PHONE CONSULTATION
If you are unable to travel to meet with Dr. Flint in person, your first step to having plastic surgery in Scottsdale is to schedule a phone consultation with one of our knowledgeable Patient Care Coordinators. This will help us to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on your goals and medical history. If so, we may also request that you share “before” photos of yourself with our team ahead of arrival to assist in communication and planning.
To aid in making the process efficient and timely, you can download all patient forms from the website and submit them in advance. Dr. Flint will review them to determine if you are a candidate for your desired procedure(s). Generally, you can schedule your consultation and surgery to occur during the same trip, if desired.
4
TIPS FOR TAKING “BEFORE” PHOTOS
If Dr. Flint has requested “before” photos, take your photos from the following angles for each area of interest:
- Facing the camera
- Left side towards the camera
- Right side towards the camera
- Body angled 45 degrees to the left
- Body angled 45 degrees to the right
Depending on the procedure you are seeking, Dr. Flint may suggest additional angles or areas of focus for you to photograph.
Contact us today to schedule your initial phone consultation. We look forward to working with you.
5
SCHEDULING YOUR SURGERY
If you are traveling from out of state or out of country, Dr. Flint encourages you to contact her to arrange procedures well in advance of your desired treatment date. In order to guarantee we can schedule your procedure during your preferred travel window, please allow two to three months lead time.
The length of postoperative stay in the area will depend on the procedures performed. During your consultation, Dr. Flint or a patient care coordinator will provide you with specific information for your chosen procedure(s).
Follow-up appointments are arranged on a flexible schedule.
6
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Taking the time to properly prepare for your surgery can make a world of difference, particularly when you are undergoing a procedure away from home.
7
PRECAUTIONS & SAFETY
Patient safety and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to Dr. Flint. Providing a full list of medications and supplements is crucial for a safe surgery and smooth recovery period. Although specific instructions may vary based on patient and procedure, there are some standard things you should do prior to surgery:
- If you are a smoker, you will need to cease smoking at least two weeks in advance
Avoid taking vitamin supplements for at least 10 days before and after surgery - Do not take supplements or ingest food or drinks that contain ingredients that slow blood clotting or thin the blood, such as aspirin or green tea
- Create a comprehensive list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you regularly take, including dosages to share with Dr. Flint
Your procedure and healing time will determine when it is safe to resume normal daily habits.
8
AFTERCARE & RECOVERY
Dr. Flint takes every precaution to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible after surgery. Some postoperative soreness, bruising, and swelling are normal. Wound care, nutrition, and medication can all contribute to the healing process.
We generally recommend traveling with a spouse, friend, or family member for most surgeries, particularly for any procedure requiring general anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you back to your hotel and stay with you for the first evening while the effects of anesthesia wear off. If you are traveling alone, inform one of our patient care coordinators, who will help arrange postoperative care and assistance for you.
We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions appropriate to your procedure.
9
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
In order to get the most out of your visit to Scottsdale, we recommend making plans in advance. Our staff is glad to offer help with your arrangements so that you can focus on preparing for your surgery.
10
COMMON PROCEDURE & RECOVERY TIMELINES
Although your personal procedure and recovery timeline will vary based on your circumstances and chosen procedure(s), you can review average recovery times to get a rough idea of how long you should plan to stay:
- Facial procedures: most facial surgery patients are allowed to travel within 7 days of surgery
- Breast surgery: most patients are able to travel within 7 days of breast shaping procedures
- Body contouring: we typically ask patients to stay for 10 days after a body contouring procedure
Follow-up appointments are arranged on a flexible schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to travel more than 5 hours it is important to communicate your plans to Dr. Flint. Extended air travel may pose additional risks. You may need to follow special instructions to minimize the risk of complication and ensure comfort during the trip. For most procedures, you will need to walk for at least 5 minutes per two hour period and ensure proper circulation by flexing and pointing your toes and bending and extending the knees as well.
Getting Around Scottsdale
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix, ArizonaAll out-of-town patients should book flights into Sky Harbor International Airport:
3400 E Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ, 85034
General Info: (602) 273-3300
Website: www.skyharbor.com
Approximately 15 minutes from our office.
What to Do*
If you or your traveling companions are looking for activities to enjoy before or after your procedure, Scottsdale boasts a wide variety of things to do.
Shopping
Once you are ready to be out and about, you may want to enjoy some of our excellent retail areas. Just be sure to keep your pace leisurely. With plenty of places to rest and restaurants available between stores, browsing one of Scottsdale’s shopping districts will allow you to walk at your own pace and keep circulation up as you recover. Be sure to check out these local favorites:
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Waterfront
Biltmore Fashion Park
Museums, Galleries, and Performance Arts
Once you’re ready, strolling through a museum or gallery is great way to get out of the hotel room and stretch your legs post-surgery. With more art galleries per capita than almost any other US city, Scottsdale has much to offer a lover of the arts.
Downtown Scottsdale Arts Districts & ArtWalk
Right in the heart of downtown Scottsdale you can find an array of galleries. If you happen to be out and about on a Thursday night, you can experience the ArtWalk: a long-running Scottsdale tradition and one of the best ways to see all downtown has to offer.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
If you’re ready to get out of the hotel room but still need to take it easy, be sure to check in with the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. With a variety of quality shows year-round, you are sure to find something to enjoy.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
It’s easy to while away a relaxing afternoon amongst thought-provoking art exhibits from both local and national artists. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art offers a sophisticated range of compelling modern and contemporary art.
Golf Courses
Golfing is a popular Scottsdale pastime and our abundance of golf courses reflects that. Below are some of the local favorites; the Arizona Golf Courses directory has additional information regarding other excellent courses.
Camelback Golf Club
7847 N. Mockingbird Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-596-7050
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-444-1234
Grayhawk Golf Club
8620 E. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-502-1800
Legend Trail Golf Club
9462 E. Legendary Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
480-488-7434
*We do not endorse any of the information presented above. We present this guide as a resource to assist with your travel plans.