Many parts of Pacific Northwest can be remote and there can be a limited selection when searching for a plastic surgeon who is right for you. Dr. Tregaskiss has many patients from northern BC, Yukon and Alberta who have travelled to Vancouver for his specialist care and surgical excellence.
Whilst there are a number of additional considerations for our ‘out of town’ patients travelling to Vancouver, our office is able to provide assistance to these patients to make this process easy, relatively stress-free and (as is always our top priority), to ensure the safety of all patients.
The cosmetic coordinator will work with you every step of the way. If you have any questions our staff will be very happy to assist. Start the process now by submitting your details.
Process for Out of Town Patients
Step 1
Our Cosmetic Coordinator is the initial contact. After submitting your details here she will contact you to arrange a suitable time to discuss your concerns and which procedures you are interested in.
Step 2
Once your consult has been scheduled you will receive an email to complete the online Intake Form. You will need to submit photos for your virtual consultation (not necessary if you plan to travel to Vancouver for your consult). Please refer to the guidance for how to take the required photos:
Photo Directions
The photos you provide need to be of adequate quality for Dr. Tregaskiss to be able to make a thorough assessment and provide you with the best treatment options for you.
Here are some tips:
Tip #1 – Use your cell phone. Cell phones all have cameras which are suitable for the photos we need and they also make it easy to send the photos to us by email
Tip #2 – Look at the photos before you send them. If you can’t clearly see what you’d like to show Dr. Tregaskiss then he won’t be able to see it either.
Tip #3 – Avoid bright lights. Take the photo with a neutral background. Stand in front of a blank wall. Use the flash on your cell phone.
Tip #4 – No backlighting. Don’t shoot with a bright light or sunlight behind you. Don’t shoot with you in front of a window.
Tip #5 – Show both sides and a front view. If you have concerns about one side, it’s helpful to see the other side.
Step 3
The face-to-face or alternatively the telemedicine consultation with Dr. Tregaskiss. If you are able, or would prefer to meet Dr. Tregaskiss in person, he would be very happy to consult with you personally at his office in Vancouver, BC. Dr. Tregaskiss also reserves the right in select, complex cases to insist on a face-to-face consultation, well in advance of the proposed surgical date.
The majority of patients can also opt for a telemedicine consultation that can be undertaken, by telephone/skype/whatsapp (depending on your personal preferences) from the comfort of their own home. This obviously omits the requirement to travel to Vancouver for consultation in advance of surgery.
After your consultation the Cosmetic Coordinator will be able to provide you with a quote for the procedure(s) discussed with Dr. Tregaskiss.
The consultation fee of $150 + GST is payable at the time of consultation scheduling. This is deducted from the cost of surgery should you decide to proceed.
Step 4
If you wish to move forward and book surgery the Cosmetic Coordinator will liaise with you to find a surgical date that works best for you, taking into consideration your travel plans, recovery and work demands. To secure a surgical date a non-refundable $2000 deposit is required. Prior to any payment being made the Cosmetic Coordinator will review our office financial policies with you.
After a deposit has been taken the Cosmetic Coordinator will provide you with the paperwork for the surgical centre and explain how to complete them. This includes a Physician medical clearance form that must be completed by a family doctor or a walk-in clinic doctor.
If Dr. Tregaskiss requests any blood work or other tests these must be done at least 4 weeks prior to your surgery.
Step 5
Those patients who elected to have a telemedicine consult with Dr Tregaskiss must arrive in Vancouver at least 2 days prior to the date of their surgery. This is primarily to allow Dr Tregaskiss enough time to meet you in person and make any final adjustments to the surgical plan based on the face-to-face examination findings (e.g. order different breast implant sizes). Patients who have previously met Dr. Tregaskiss in person need only arrive the day before surgery.
Step 6
Surgery is performed at either False Creek Surgery Centre in Vancouver, or YES surgery centre in Langley.
Step 7
Remain in Vancouver for 3-10 days after your procedure to enable post-surgery appointments with Dr. Tregaskiss. The amount of time Dr Tregaskiss will want you to stay in Vancouver will vary depending on the procedure as well as personal circumstances such as any significant medical history. He will discuss this with you during your consultation so you will have plenty of time to make plans.
We recommend:
- Breast Augmentation: 3 to 4 days
- Liposuction: 3 to 4 days
- Gynecomastia: 4 to 7 days
- Breast Lift/Breast Reduction: 5 to 7 days
- Face Lift/Neck Lift/Forehead Lift: 5 to 7 days
- Arm Lift/Thigh Lift: 5 to 7 days
- Tummy Tuck: 7 to 10 days
- Mommy Makeover: 10 to 12 days