General Out Of Town FAQs

How many times will I need to come to Miami?
How does it work if I live out of town? Do I need to plan a trip to Miami just to meet the doctor initially or can I be evaluated by phone/email?
What happens during my initial in-person consultation?
Will I need to have an MRI and/or mammogram before coming in town have my surgery?
Will I have to travel to the hospital and/or Miami Breast Center for all the blood work and tests I'll need before surgery, or may I have them performed by my own doctor?
When do I need to arrive in Miami and how long should I plan to stay after being discharged from the hospital?
How long will I be in surgery?
How long will I be in the hospital?
How long will it take to recover from my surgery?
How far away is the hospital and airport?

How many times will I need to come to Miami?

You will be required to come to Miami a total of three times:

I. Initial visit: You come in the morning and depart in the evening. During this visit you will have an MRI appointment and a visit with Dr. Khouri.

II. Procedure visit: Your surgery will take place on a Saturday morning, so you will have an office visit with Dr. Khouri the Friday before in the afternoon, You will also have a post operative visit Tuesday mid morning. You are required to arrive either Thursday night or Friday morning and you can leave on Tuesday night.

III. Last visit: 5-6 months after your procedure you will need to return to have your last MRI done (requirement).

How does it work if I live out of town? Do I need to plan a trip to Miami just to meet the doctor initially or can I be evaluated by phone/email?

It is best to come to Miami to see Dr. Khouri so he is able to examine you in person to determine where he would need to harvest fat from your body to create the best breast size for you. It is also necessary to be fitted for the BRAVA correctly. Dr. Khouri will also have you try on the BRAVA so you can learn how to use it properly. Most patients fly in the day before their appointment with Dr. Khouri and fly back home that same night.

What happens during my initial in-person consultation?

During your first consultation we will discuss your procedure and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and then make an assessment of what procedure is the correct one for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. We will walk you through the information and provide additional information. If desired we can plan to meet a second time prior to surgery to address any other questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure.

Will I need to have an MRI and/or mammogram before coming in town have my surgery?

Yes. Dr. Khouri requires all his patients to have an MRI performed before surgery. This can be done once you are here in Miami, or you may have it in your home town. However, results of the MRI should be given on a CD to you so you can bring to Miami along with the written report prior to surgery. In some cases a mammogram will also be ordered.

Will I have to travel to the hospital and/or Miami Breast Center for all the blood work and tests I'll need before surgery, or may I have them performed by my own doctor?

No. Most out-of-town patients may have their primary care doctor order their pre-op testing. The patient should provide our staff with their doctor's name, number, and fax so an order can be sent. All pre-op testing results should be performed no sooner than 10 days prior to surgery, and results need to be faxed to Dr. Khouri before surgery.

When do I need to arrive in Miami and how long should I plan to stay after being discharged from the hospital?

Most out-of town patients come two days prior to their surgery, which usually take place on Friday. Pre-registration is required at the hospital at which time you will see the anesthesiologist and complete necessary paperwork required Dr. Khouri requires his patients to return for post-op care 24-48 hours after surgery for removal of drains and/or stitches. Most patients are able to fly back home after that visit.

How long will I be in surgery?

Each case varies. However, most procedures are outpatient and they take between 2-3 hours on average.

How long will I be in the hospital?

After being admitted on the morning of your surgery, you should expect to go home the same day.

How long will it take to recover from my surgery?

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited activity in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. For the most part you will be encouraged to walk but to avoid more strenuous activities such as running, aerobics, and weight lifting. The length of recovery varies with each procedure, and is different for each individual. Some patients bruise more than others, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within four to six weeks. Incisions are strategically placed to minimize visibility, and scars will fade over time but are permanent. When you come in for your consultation we will discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.

How far away is the hospital and airport?

Miami International Airport is approximately 20 - 30 minutes away from all hospitals and hotels.