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Your Complete Experience
This page provides a snapshot of what you can expect from your first consultation with us until your recovery is complete. If you have questions about the surgical process that aren't answered here, we encourage you to contact us online or call the office nearest you.
- Your Initial Consultation
- Computer Imaging
- Pre-Operative Visit
- The Day of Your Surgery
- Recovery from Surgery
- Post-Operative Visit
Your Initial Consultation
At an initial consultation your specific needs will be discussed and Dr. Castillo will want to examine the conditions you would like to change. No matter how long most people have thought about cosmetic surgery, most are a little nervous at their first appointment. We want you to rest assured that our examinations are painless and your comfort is always foremost in our minds.
During the consultation, Champaign cosmetic surgeon Dr. Castillo will carefully listen to your concerns and entertain any questions you have. All questions will be answered and none should be considered too insignificant to ask. At this meeting, Dr. Castillo will also share his opinion as to what can realistically be accomplished by surgery for your particular situation. Cosmetic surgery can help you recapture a more youthful appearance or change something specific about your looks, but your expectations should be realistic. It will not improve a failing marriage, secure you a promotion or enhance your social life.
Computer Imaging
Photographs and computer imaging are an important part of your examination. At a pre-operative visit, one of our staff will accompany you to our on-site photo studio where Dr. Castillo will take your picture. This is important to the process because it allows you and Dr. Castillo to see and discuss refinements about your particular feature that you may not have previously considered. Additionally, Dr. Castillo may refer to the photographs during surgery to address specific modifications in technique that may be necessary in your case.
In some instances, computer imaging is useful. With the aid of the most technologically advanced computer imaging and digital photography system, Dr. Castillo uses specially designed software to show you the types of changes you may expect with certain procedures. For example, an area of the face such as a large nose can be erased and replaced with a computer generated picture of what the face would be like with a nose of a different shape or size. Computer imaging is available in many cases; however, it is not always necessary.
As with other patient information, computer generated images are not stored on our computer system assuring you of total confidentiality in your cosmetic surgery.
Pre-Operative Visit
The week before surgery you will be scheduled to visit our office to meet again with Dr. Castillo. At your pre-operative visit he will answer any remaining questions you may have. It is not unusual for a patient to be somewhat nervous a few days before surgery and develop "last minute jitters." We encourage you to discuss your concerns so that we can reassure you honestly and sincerely. Remember that any matters of concern to you should be answered to your satisfaction.
Laboratory specimens for routine testing, such as a complete blood count, may be obtained and you might be given a prescription for antibiotic medicine. An overview will be given of your pre-operative instructions that were mailed or hand-given to you at the time you scheduled your surgery. This office visit should be viewed as another opportunity to meet with your surgeon and have all of your questions answered to your satisfaction prior to your surgery.
Dr. Castillo will encourage you to try to enjoy a quiet, relaxed evening and to abstain from alcoholic beverages the night before surgery. A mild sedative may be taken for a peaceful night's sleep. Finally, the date and time of your surgery will be confirmed and you'll be given a "pre-operative instruction sheet" which gives general instructions.
The Day of Your Surgery
On the day of surgery, plan on arriving at our Champaign cosmetic surgery facility at the appointed time to allow enough time for necessary preparations. Our nurse will escort you to the surgical suite.
A urine specimen may be obtained, after which you will be asked to change into a hospital-type gown. A locker is available to stow your clothing and personal items. A mild sedative may be administered while you are the pre-anesthesia area.
After Dr. Castillo has made any necessary surgical markings, you will be taken to the operating room where Dr. Castillo and his surgical staff will administer the appropriate anesthesia. Your surgical case will then begin. Following the surgery, dressings and/or surgical garments will be placed prior to the surgical team gently ushering you into the recovery area.
Recovery from Surgery
When the surgery has been completed, you will spend 1 to 3 hours in recovery. Specially designed recliners, warm blankets and the caring attention of our trained registered nurse helps to ease your transition from surgery. During your stay in recovery, she'll routinely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety and comfort. When your condition has stabilized, you will be permitted to return home. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult, usually a friend or relative. It is advised that a companion remain with you for the first 24 hours.
Before leaving the facility we will explain what to expect during your recovery and how best to contact us. In addition, you'll be handed written instructions confirming this information, including our telephone numbers where we are reachable 24 hours a day. You are urged to call us if there is excess pain, swelling, a temperature over 100 degrees or at any time you are concerned and need to be reassured.
When you leave our facility after your operation, you will be quite sleepy. Much of the same day and night will be spent sleeping on and off. Later that same evening, Dr. Castillo will telephone you to check on your condition and answer any questions you may have.
We consider serving our patients to be a privilege and are available to assist you before, during as well as after your surgery.
Post-Operative Visit
An appointment will be set for you to return to our office at some point after your surgery. Dr. Castillo will want to examine the surgical area and answer any questions you may have. It's possible you will be asked to return the next day following surgery. Additional post-operative visits may be scheduled in the future as well.
Patients may be concerned if others will notice or remark about changes in their appearance following cosmetic surgery. Often the change may not even be noticed by close friends. Most comments made by others will relate to changes in your appearance from presumed weight loss or a change in hair style. Some may comment that you simply look well rested. Seldom will they guess the real reason you look so wonderful.
