General Surgery FAQ

After surgery, it is very common to have lots of questions! In order to help ease your mind, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that will be of great benefit to you. If you can’t find the information that you are looking for please feel free to give me a call (480) 245-6380 on the nurse line.

Dr. Bonillas offers breast augmentation in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, and Chandler, Arizona.

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a big one that should not be approached lightly. Plastic surgery has the potential to greatly improve many areas of your body and provide you with more proportion and increased self-confidence. It is important that you are considering plastic surgery based on your desires and not those of others.

When you decide to have a plastic surgery procedure, choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important considerations. While choosing a plastic surgeon, you will want to ask several questions to help ensure you are comfortable with your surgeon and that you are emotionally and physically prepared for your procedure.

Below are ten questions you may wish to ask your plastic surgeon during your initial consultation. These questions can complement your own list of questions. You should feel free to ask any questions you have, no matter how personal, to guarantee your comfort.

Please read all of your instructions and information provided!!!

Being prepared and well educated will greatly reduce anxiety, uncertainty and will help ensure you have the best outcome possible!

10 Questions to ask your cosmetic surgeon

If you have questions about any plastic surgery procedure and live in the areas of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, or Chandler, Arizona, please contact Robert G. Bonillas MD, PC to schedule an initial consultation today.

  1. Are you board-certified by the ABMS and in what specialty?
  2. How much experience do you have?
  3. What is your complication rate with this procedure?
    Dr. Bonillas can discuss this with you during your initial consultation
  4. Where will my procedure be performed and do you have hospital privileges to perform it there?
    Dr. Bonillas performs all of our procedures in accredited surgical facilities
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used in my procedure?
    Dr. Bonillas will use a combination of local and general anesthesia for your procedure.
  6. Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
    Dr. Bonillas will discuss all risks with you during your initial consultation
  7. Do you offer patient testimonials?
    We have testimonials on our site, additional testimonials can be provided upon request
  8. Do you have before and after pictures?
    Our before and after gallery includes pictures of all of our procedures
  9. Will you see me after my procedure for follow-up?
    Dr. Bonillas will personally work with you from your initial consultation through complete recovery
  10. Do you offer financing?
    We accept cash and credit, and we offer financing through CareCredit.

Breast Surgery patients

  1. If you have a small white band around your chest you only need to wear it for 4 days total, including the day of surgery.
  2. You do NOT have to specifically wear the white bra that we give to you. If it is uncomfortable for you after surgery then you may wear a different bra that is soft and comfortable (no underwire bra unless you have been specifically told to wear one). If you have only had breast augmentation then you do not have to wear it if you are uncomfortable wearing it
  3. Your breasts will likely take 4-6 weeks to settle (be in the proper position) so no bra shopping until then!
  4. If you have had a breast lift please wear some kind of bra for support (again soft and comfortable is what you will want)
  5. Sleep elevated for 4-5 days or as long as you need to, to reduce swelling. You may sleep on your side when you can do so comfortably (a soft pillow between you and the mattress will help until the soreness subsides)
  6. Your breasts always look abnormal at first! Don’t worry this will change as your implants settle and your muscles and skin relax.
  7. It is common to hear a sloshing sound for a week or so after surgery. Dr. Bonillas will irrigate the pocket for the implant with fluid and that takes time to absorb.
  8. It is common to be able to feel the bottom of your implant- that part is not covered by the chest muscle.
  9. Your breasts may go through a phase of hypersensitivity during healing- this is normal.
  10. If you have some numbness after surgery this will most likely resolve with time- the amount of time varies with each individual.
  11. Physical restrictions after surgery: no bouncing of any kind for 2 weeks (no running, treadmill etc. and no chest muscle exercises (flys, bench pressing, push-ups etc.) for 3 months. You may ride a recumbent bike when you feel like it as well as walking outside. Biceps and triceps exercises may be resumed when comfortable. Be gentle here! Think light weight and progress as tolerated. You will be sore for a few weeks so take it slow! You can do leg exercises when you are ready- seated leg press, walking lunges, leg extensions, seated hamstring curls etc. Yoga when you are ready but avoid plank type positions.
  12. If your incisions are under your arms, you may use deodorant (provided it’s not spray deodorant) about a week after surgery. You may then shave up to and down to your steri-strips. Please do not shave directly over your incision for at least 2-3 weeks to allow time for healing.
  13. One breast may settle before the other
  14. You do not need to massage before your post-op appointment. I will discuss this with you then.
  15. You may not sleep on your stomach for 6 weeks.
  16. It is VERY common to feel that your abdomen is bloated for the first week or so after surgery!

Notes for everyone

  1. The antibiotics are the only medication that isn’t optional! Please start these the day of surgery. If your surgery is before 12 noon then you will take your first antibiotic dose the night of your surgery. If your surgery is after 12 noon you may take your first dose the morning after your surgery.
  2. Get your prescriptions filled at least a week prior to surgery! Sometimes pain pills have to be ordered and we don’t want you to be without your pain meds after surgery!
  3. Do NOT drink alcohol while taking pain meds or the Valium!
  4. You may drive when you are off of the medications and are physically able to do so safely (please be advised driving with Valium or Demerol in your system would be classified as a DUI)
  5. Do not ice any area for more than 20 minutes at a time.
  6. If you are taking Arnica and you run out you may purchase more at Sprouts, Whole Foods, or Amazon. Take as directed on the bottle/tube. Arnica tablets are for before and after surgery; arnica gel is for after (don’t get in your incisions)
  7. Everyone can shower after 48 hours. You can remove all dressings except steri-strips.
  8. No scar gel of any kind until your incisions are completely closed. You may use the scar gel until your incisions turn white.
  9. HEALING TAKES TIME! IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR ONE SIDE TO BE MORE SWOLLEN, BRUISED OR SORE THAN THE OTHER-EVEN SEVERAL WEEKS OUT. If there is a significant difference please call!!
  10. Sleep may be difficult for you for several reasons. You may take the Valium and this should help you get rest.
  11. Yes, you may take the Demerol (or other pain med) and Valium throughout the day. Stagger the dosage times to avoid oversedation.
  12. Please remember taking ibuprofen after surgery can be quite helpful with pain and inflammation.
  13. You need someone to stay with you for 48 hours after surgery! No one is allowed to drive themselves home from surgery and you may not take a cab or Uber.
  14. Constipation is VERY common after surgery. Please take some kind of over-the-counter stool softener. If what you are taking is not working please take something else. You will feel much better once your GI tract is working normally. You will need to take this as long as you are on the pain meds and maybe even a few days after you have stopped taking them.
  15. You may resume sexual activity when you feel that you can do so without pain- remember no bouncing for 2 weeks after breast work 😉

Other important information

  1. If you have a drain please try to chart the output at the same times daily! This is important! I need measurements for 24-hour totals and this is difficult if it’s not drained at approximately the same time daily. Please gently clean around your drain insertion site a couple of times a day with a q-tip and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. You should then put a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the insertion site. The drainage will not always turn yellowish.
  2. Nutrition is VERY important while you are healing from any surgery. You will likely have a decreased appetite after surgery so it is important to remember to eat! Foods like quality protein, good carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables will give your body the nutrition it needs to heal. If you have had a bigger surgery such as a tummy tuck you will need extra calories the first few weeks after surgery! Smaller frequent meals make it easier for you to get the nutrition that you need and it will help decrease feelings of dizziness and nausea.
  3. Do not over exert yourself. Gradually increase activity as your restrictions allow. If you feel very low on energy and need a nap—take one! Listen to your body.
  4. Narcotics have their place but please remember that you will feel much better once they are out of your system. Use them when needed but try to get off of them when you can! They have negative side effects such as depression, constipation and dizziness
  5. Pain pill prescriptions can NOT be called into a pharmacy! If you need a refill you will have to come to the office or have someone come for you to pick up a physical prescription. Our office closes at 5 p.m.
  6. All scars change over time- especially the first 6 months.
  7. No submerging in a bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool etc. until all incisions have completely closed. This is to reduce risk of possible infection.
  8. If we have recommended that you go for lymphatic massage, you may go for lymphatic massage after your first post-op appointment. This will be of great benefit to you. It can reduce pain and the time you need to get back to work, exercise and normal activities. Almost all of our patients enjoy the massage and feel much better after they have gone!
  9. If you are wearing a compression garment, you may switch to a Spanx type garment after a couple of weeks. It should provide support but not be so tight that it’s creasing your body.
  10. If you have had a tummy tuck please remember this takes a while to heal! No twisting motions / abdominal exercises for a minimum of 6 weeks! Dr. Bonillas and I will advise you more specifically on this as you are healing.

If you have questions about any plastic surgery procedure and live in the areas of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, or Chandler, Arizona, please contact Robert G. Bonillas MD, PC to schedule an initial consultation today.