About the Procedure

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When flying in for surgery with Dr. Schafer, your stay here will be divided into three parts: the pre-op appointment, the day of surgery, and recovery. Because Dr. Schafer uses state-of-the-art techniques, recovery is much faster than with more traditional methods and you will only need to be in San Diego a few days after your surgery. This page discusses the basic itinerary for Fly-In Procedures.

Day One: Pre-op appointment

All patients must arrive at least 24-hours in advance of their scheduled surgeries for a pre-op appointment. At the Pre-Op Appointment we will take a few needed medical tests. We will also give you your prescriptions, allowing you to purchase them beforehand (you can use the pharmacy in our medical building). The rest of the day is yours to do with how you please -- and being located in beautiful San Diego there is plenty to do.

Day Two: Surgery

Your surgery will be scheduled on the day after your pre-op appointment. Surgery typically lasts less than two hours but may vary depending on the person and the procedures involved. A limousine will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the surgery center as well as bring you to your hotel after your surgery so you won't have to worry about transportation. An after-care specialist will also be able stay with you for the first few hours following your surgery. You will want to rest the remainder of the day.

Following Days: Recovery and Follow Up Appointment's

You will probably want to take it easy the two days following your surgery. It is important that your body has the time to recover and resting will help you recover more quickly. Light walking and movement is important though, too. Your follow up appointment's typically happens one and/or two days after your surgery, depending on the procedure you had performed. At this point Dr. Schafer can evaluate your healing progress. After the follow-up appointment's you are free to fly back home or stay in San Diego to enjoy the sun, sea, sights and shopping.

Because each person is unique and different procedures come with their own requirements, this time line could change depending upon your needs.

Feel free to bring a family or friend with you on your trip. Many people find comfort in the support of having a person they care about stay with them before and after the surgery. Your traveling companion can often be accommodated in your hotel room and can accompany you to and from your appointments.