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AAAASF Approved Licensed Surgery Facility

Primera Surgery Center

"Thank You" for choosing to have your surgery performed at Primera Surgery Center. Primera Surgery Center is located at the rear of our building and has a separate entrance marked with a red awning.

Primera Surgery Center is accredited by the American Association of Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). This accreditation gives Primera Surgery Center the highest standards in safety and care for you, our patient.

For any patient that has a medical condition deemed pertinent by Dr. Gross or the Anesthetist, a medical clearance from their attending physician may be requested.

For any questions regarding surgery or testing, please call us at 407-333-3040.

Commonly Asked Questions:

How soon do I start taking pain medicine after I come home from surgery?
You should wait several hours or until the next morning to begin narcotic pain medicine (hydrocodone). This will help avoid nausea and vomiting. It is best to use either Tylenol of Motrin the day and evening of your surgery. Dr. Gross suggests combining Tylenol or Motrin w/ a sleeping pill (lorazepam) and anti- nausea pill (phenergan) for the most relief, the night you arrive home from surgery.

If I have a question after surgery, who can I call?
You will be provided w/ Dr. Gross' personal cell number following surgery, should you a family member have any questions or concerns. Primera Plastic Surgery staff member cell numbers are also provided. This is a great sense of comfort, support, and reassurance to our patients.

If I am awake afterwards, why can't I drive myself home?
Whether you receive a general anesthetic or sedation for local anesthesia, you will be given medications to allow you to tolerate surgery or procedures by relieving anxiety, discomfort, and pain. While current medications allow you to wake up quicker, the total elimination of these medications takes upwards of 24 hours. Thus, your ability to concentrate, make decisions, have normal reflexes, and safely drive will be hindered for about 24 - 48 hours.

Why do I need someone to stay with me the evening of the surgery?
The type of anesthetic and surgery will be different for each patient. The recovery from today's anesthetics is quicker, but may be variable in each patient. You may experience complications arising from your surgery. You may experience nausea after surgery or have pain or other occurrences, which may entail assistance or administration of medications. Thus, your ability to concentrate and have responsible decision-making will be impaired. An adult caregiver, 18 or older, must attend you for a minimum of 24hrs. after surgery. Hospital stays are not required. A post-op nurse can be arranged for you following surgery should you not have an available family member, friend, or caregiver. Please inquire.

I had a severe nausea after a surgery procedure a few years ago; will I have the same problem with Anesthesia now?
Probably not. Newer anti-nausea medications such as Zofran are now available and can reduce the effect of anesthesia-related nausea dramatically. Scopolamine patch used 12hrs. prior to surgery can also be very effective. Our goal is to provide anesthesia in a way that is gentle to your body and letting your Anesthetist know prior experiences can help reduce your potential for this uncommon side-effect.

Will I be completely asleep for my surgery?
Yes, you will be completely asleep for your surgery. This is called a general anesthetic and provides the patient a relaxing experience with reduced stress levels and allows Dr. Gross to perform the surgery with the best possible result. When you arrive in the recovery room, the effects of the sedatives and anesthetics will wear off gently with most patients ready for discharge home in about an hour.

What can I eat after surgery and when?
Dr. Gross suggests simple foods like crackers, apple sauce, mashed potatoes and plenty of fluids. You may start light snacks and non-carbonated beverages upon arriving home after surgery. Wait until the following morning for a bigger meal to avoid nausea.

Why do I have a sore throat after surgery?
Although this is not common, patients may occasionally feel a scratchy throat or minor pain in the throat after anesthesia. This is usually due to the small tube placed in the back of the mouth during anesthesia. Cool fluids, ice chips, popsicles and re-assurance help the patient. The symptom generally resolves in 24hrs.

Do I continue ice packs throughout the night?
Yes. As much as possible in the first 48 hours. However, your caregiver may need some rest too. You should arrange to have your caregiver check on you and apply new ice compresses at least once between Midnight and 6 am.

My face bra / chin strap feels tight. Can I loosen it a bit?
Yes. There is a Velcro strap on the back of the neck, which you may loosen or adjust for comfort. However, the dressing is designed to be tight and snug. This is normal. Do not remove the face bra.