emily'smommymakeover

Up until today, every visit that I have had with Dr. Hynes and/or his staff has been, what I would describe as "warm." Everyone has been so friendly and always happy to see me or talk to me over the phone. It's one of the reasons I chose Hynes Cosmetic Surgery. Not that it's been like I imagine Julia Roberts' character felt in Pretty Woman the second time she went shopping on Rodeo Drive, but I have felt "comfortable" with each encounter.

Today, I got a letter from St. Joseph Medical Center, where Dr. Hynes performs his surgeries. There's certainly nothing wrong with this letter. It's just very official, and it reminded me that in about a month, I'll be getting surgery done on my body. I am going to the hospital where I will get anesthesia and I'll be put under while a surgeon cuts me open, does his thing, and then sews me up.

I've undergone two cesarean sections that went fine, and I'm not particularly scared of doctors, hospitals or surgery. Even so, this letter was a little reminder, that my dream-come-true-mommy-makeover is still, after all, a hospital visit – which we more often than not, do not do by choice.

In the spirit of this blog – which is to arm women who are considering plastic surgery with as much knowledge as possible, I have chosen to include the letter. So here it is:

Dear Emily McBee

Your surgeon, Dr. Michael Hynes, has scheduled you for Cosmetic surgery on 10/06/2009 at 07:30 AM.

You should plan to be in the health center 2 hours before your surgery. Check in at Patient Registration past Patient Information desk on left. Some patients may be scheduled to visit with an Anesthesiologist before surgery. If you are scheduled for one of these visits it is: at .

(not a typo)

Your surgeon has informed us he/she will be responsible for collecting all OR and Anesthesia fees for your surgery. If you are a female between the ages of 10 & 58 undergoing a general or regional anesthetic, there will be an additional charge of $25.00 for a UCG pregnancy test to be collected no later than the day of surgery.

After surgery, you may remain in the Health Center until 7 pm. At that time, you will be expected to go home. If you are unable to go home you may remain overnight. The flat rate fee for the overnight bed is $924.00. This should be paid to the cashier in the Emergency Department at 7 pm. Check out time is NOON the day after surgery. The flat rate will not be prorated if you choose to go home prior to noon.

Please contact your doctor's office if you have questions regarding your surgery.

Well, like I said, very "official" and very "hospital." I guess if you choose a doctor who doesn't work in a hospital, you may never get a letter like this. But I'm comforted that the emergency room is right around the corner . . . just in case. :)

Comment by Dawn:
Go Emily! I say life is too short! You know my experience. I am not a mommy with plastic surgery, just a woman with plastic surgery. But I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Comment by Marlene:
Okay, so here's a question that I may have missed the information about in your previous posts ... your surgery begins in the morning, and you're expected to go home the same day???? Really????

If so, what have they told you to expect when you get home?

Response by Emily:
Marlene,
Here's the answer to your question directly from Dr. Hynes' Patient Coordinator, Kim Shannon.

From Emily:
A reader posted a question on my blog and I thought you might be the best person to answer her question. I mean, I think the answer is as simple as "go home and rest", but I figured your response would be more enlightening. Can you help? Thanks! -Emily

From Kim:
You are correct. There is a certain protocol that they use to determine when a patient is ready to go home. You can stay at the hospital until 7pm that evening without an extra charge. Most people are ready to go mid afternoon following tt/aug.

Once you are home, you will have pillows behind your knees and back. Some patients prefer to sleep in a recliner. You do need help getting in and out of bed for the first day or so, but Dr. Hynes won't want you to be completely "bedridden". You need to get up every so often and walk a little. You will have anesthesia in your system for the first few days, so you will be a little foggy from that. We will see you the day following surgery for the "reveal" of the breasts. And then a few days later for the tummy.

Hope that helps-

Kim Shannon

Patient Coordinator

Hynes Plastic Surgery Center, PC

http://www.HynesCosmeticSurgery.com