WHAT IS A D.O.?

D.O. is a Doctor of Osteoapathic Medicine. When choosing a doctor for your family, it’s important to know all of your options, including the type of physician you see. Many people don’t realize there are two types of physicians: MDs and DOs, or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are fully licensed physicians and surgeons who practice in all areas of medicine. They may be certified to specialize in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, and all other specialties, including plastic and reconstructive surgery.

DOs obtain the same type of training that MDs do: four years of college, four years of medical school, followed by three to six years in internships and residencies to prepare for their chosen specialties. Both MDs and DOs must pass comparable exams to gain their state licenses. In California, DOs are licensed and regulated by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

DOs bring something extra to medicine. DOs practice a “whole person” approach to health care-instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they regard your body as an integrated whole. A strong focus on preventive health care is undertaken.

Dr. Arnold Almonte is proud of his background as an osteopathic physician. He has integrated his knowledge in osteopathic medicine with his extensive and rigorous training as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His approach to your care will be one of competence as well as compassion.

In addition to being a member of several professional organiziations, Dr. Almonte is a longstanding member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Hospital affiliations include Mercy Hospital of Folsom in Folsom, CA.

Dr. Almonte is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery which is governed by the American Osteopathic Association.

WHY IS IT CALLED “PLASTIC” SURGERY?

The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning “to mold or to shape.” This is the origin of the word plastic. Many objects we use in everyday life are made from plastic, the material of choice since it can be molded or shaped into any desired form.

The term “plastic surgery” refers to surgery that molds or shapes the human body. What plastic surgeons try to achieve is balance, proportion, and symmetry, because with those come beauty and harmony.

Dr. Almonte’s specialization in facial surgery, along with his extensive training and experience, enables him to examine, evaluate, and create a plan to reshape or sculpt one’s face in order to achieve that balance. Using state-of-the-art surgical techniques, he can tighten skin and muscle, remove fat, and sculpt the face, restoring what he likes to call “the true face”, what you get when all the excess skin (or fat) is pulled away.

What makes the field of facial plastic surgery so challenging and exciting is that Dr. Almonte recognizes that so much can be done to improve the appearance of the human face. These enhancements go a long way in making a difference, emotionally and physically, in the lives of his patients.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY PRE-OP VISIT?

Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important personal decision, especially for your face. Now that you’ve decided to proceed, it is normal for you to feel anxious before surgery. At the Almonte Center, we will do everything we can to help you understand exactly what to expect so that you can approach your surgery with confidence and peace of mind. Dr. Almonte will answer all your questions at your pre-op visit, but feel assured that even on the day of surgery, there will be time to ask any questions you may have forgotten.

Expect Dr. Almonte to review the procedure in detail, describe the anesthesia, and go over potential risks and complications. He will also prescribe the medications for you to bring to surgery. The surgical tech will go over pre-op and post-op home instructions, take “before” pictures, and answer questions.

WILL I BE ABLE TO TOLERATE THE PAIN POST-OPERATIVELY?

Each patient tolerates post-operative pain differently. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for all patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial-cosmetic operations have minimal postoperative discomfort, with many patients taking only Tylenol within a few days.

WHEN ARE MY POST-OP VISITS AND WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after facial plastic surgery varies depending on the patient and procedure performed, but ranges from 7-14 days. Generally, patients will require some assistance for the first 24 – 48 hours. After that, most patients are able to care for themselves although some may still need assistance.

Patients are seen the day after surgery for a post-op check. This 24-hour visit is routine, but also the most important, as it is the time we will evaluate for any bleeding or unusual swelling you might have after surgery. The next visit is in 7-10 days to remove sutures for facelifts or brow lifts. After that, the “Reveal” visit is in two to three months to review results and take “after” pictures. This will be the time to provide feedback and discuss your thoughts and critiques about the results with Dr. Almonte. These appointments are our standard points in the process to check in with you, but we are always available if anything comes up or if you need to come in at any point in between these scheduled appointments. No fees are ever charged for follow up visits.

It is important to note that this will be the first experience with facial surgery for many of you, but the several thousandth one for Dr. Almonte. He has truly “seen it all”. He will always do his best to explain all your issues, answer your questions, and reassure you of the best outcome.

Most patients can return to work in 1-2 weeks.