Our process begins on the day of your initial consultation. Once a surgical procedure is scheduled, patients undergo a 45-60 minute, education session with Dr. Parker’s Nurse Educator. During this session, a thorough review of a printed information packet specifically designed for the patient and procedure they are having is done. It includes a discussion of what to do in preparation for surgery, details about the day of surgery itself, and what to expect after surgery. It’s a nuts and bolts session that really educates our patients about the entire surgical process here at Parker Center. Most of our patients lead active lifestyles and desire as little downtime as possible following their procedures. Accordingly, Dr. Parker along with his team of trained professionals, have developed a protocol to return patients back to full activity as quickly as possible after their surgery. This includes: -The use of limited incisions and medical tissue glue to speed wound healing -Short-acting anesthetic agents and anti-emetic medications to hasten the recovery from anesthesia -A tailored regimen of drugs to minimize postoperative pain -A combination of oral medications given pre and postoperatively to minimize swelling and bruising -Topically applied skin creams and postoperative medical manual lymphatic drainage massage to accelerate healing On the day of surgery, patients are made to feel comfortable by our nurturing staff when they arrive in Surgiplex, LLC, our onsite fully certified, ambulatory facility. Dr. Parker then carefully draws an anatomic diagram on the area to be operated upon and reviews the operative plan with the patient in front of a full length mirror. Our anesthesiologist discusses the anesthesia plan with the patient as well. During the surgical procedure, while Dr. Parker is busy operating, one of his nurses keeps the family informed of the progress to help allay any anxieties. Following surgery, our patients recover in the Surgiplex, LLC Recovery Area. Most patients are able to leave the facility within an hour after surgery. Patients undergoing more lengthy and extensive procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, lipoabdominoplasty, abdominoplasty, large volume liposuction or those patients with special concerns may require home nurse care for 24 hours post surgery. Prior to discharge from Surgiplex, LLC our nurses review again all patient aftercare instructions and then follow up by telephone with the patient over the next 24 hours. Patients return to see Dr. Parker within 4-7 days of surgery for a routine follow up examination. Typically, at this visit, our patients are having very little pain, very little bruising and some expected postoperative swelling. The first of 3 post surgical manual lymphatic drainage massages occur within the first 7 to 10 days after surgery in our onsite Parker Center Medi-Spa. Patients find these relaxing, soothing and immediately notice their benefit in rapidly getting rid of postoperative swelling.