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As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver, Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO works with patients from all over the world who want expert care in a private, convenient setting. The BEAUTY by BUFORD staff is dedicated to making the process positive for our out-of-town patients, and we will work with you every step of the way to ensure your travels and surgical experience are safe, successful, and convenient.
While there are a few extra factors involved in traveling for plastic surgery, we hope to provide you with all of the information you need to easily plan and prepare for your cosmetic procedure at BEAUTY by BUFORD. To that end, we have created an out-of-town patient guide that comprehensively covers what you need to know before traveling for surgery.
About Your Consultation
Depending on your location and willingness or ability to travel frequently, you will have two options when it comes to your consultation: either visiting Dr. Buford in Denver for an in-person consultation or meeting with him virtually via live video chat.
Scheduling Your Consultation at Our Office
If you are able to travel to Denver before your surgery for a consultation in our office, Dr. Buford will meet with you to listen to and evaluate your concerns, review your options, and make personalized recommendations for achieving your goals.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your procedure(s) of interest, review before and after photos of previous patients, and meet your surgical team.
Dr. Buford or one of his patient care coordinators will also take this opportunity to speak with you about the surgical process and safety information related to your travels. You will be provided with a fee quote for your procedure, information about how to prepare for surgery, and prescriptions for medications if necessary.
Depending on your availability, you may choose to schedule your surgery soon after your consultation and stay in Denver leading up to your procedure. There is plenty to keep you entertained while you wait!
Preparing for Your Virtual Consultation With Dr. Buford
For those who are unable to travel to Denver for an in-office consultation, we welcome you to submit your information and schedule a virtual consultation here. To get the most out of this type of consultation, there are a few things we will need from you:
- Patient forms, including medical history.
- Pictures of your areas of concern.
- An hour of uninterrupted time.
Dr. Buford will review all of your information prior to your consultation and will be ready to discuss your options and his recommendations during your virtual consultation.
How to Take Your Pre-consultation Photos
To best provide you with personalized information and to ensure Dr. Buford understands your concerns, it's important that you provide us with pictures of your main areas of concerns. Here are some tips for getting your photos right:
- When setting up your personal photo shoot, ensure you are in a well-lit room with a solid-colored or non-busy background. Set your camera to take photos at a large size and use high-quality settings. While most smartphones can take images that are high enough quality, we recommend using a digital camera to ensure your photos are clear.
- If your area of concern is on your body or breasts, now is not the time to be shy! You'll need to disrobe and ensure you are taking unobstructed photos. Your privacy is our first priority and if you are uncomfortable sending photos with nudity through email, we can work with you to come up with another solution.
- Take a picture directly facing the camera.
- Turn so your left side is facing the camera and take a picture. Enlist the help of a friend if necessary.
- Next, take a picture with your right side facing the camera.
- Now, angle your body 45 degrees to the left and snap a picture.
- Then, angle your body 45 degree to the right for your next picture.
Please upload your photos on our virtual consultation page.
Take a Virtual Tour of our Lone Tree Office
Scheduling & Paying for Surgery
Once your consultation is complete, you'll review the provided price quote and information to decide if BEAUTY by BUFORD is a good fit for you. If you are ready to move forward, the next step is scheduling your surgery. One of our friendly staff will work with you to find the perfect surgery date that fits in with your travel plans and time off of work.
To secure your surgery date, you will be required to put down a deposit. The amount due will be reviewed with you during your consultation. Cash, major credit cards, and cashier's check are all acceptable forms of payment.
Here at BEAUTY by BUFORD, we want to make sure that achieving your aesthetic goals does not break your budget. That's why we also offer patient financing through trusted third-party providers. Click here to learn more about our financing options and review our special discounts and incentives.
Preparing for Your Surgery & Recovery
For your safety and success, advanced planning is a necessity of traveling for surgery. Luckily, Dr. Buford and his team will work closely with you throughout the planning process. A thoughtful and well-planned surgical and recovery experience can help ensure the process is safe, comfortable, and stress-free for you.
The specifics of your recovery will depend on your chosen procedure, overall health, and personal healing ability, though some swelling, bruising, and discomfort should be expected. We will speak with you about proper aftercare and will prescribe the appropriate medications to help keep you comfortable.
Safety & Precautions
In the days or weeks leading up to your surgery, it is important to follow certain pre-surgery guidelines. You will be provided with specific instructions, but here are a few standard precautions to take prior to your surgery:
- If you are a smoker, it is also imperative to avoid nicotine for at least a few weeks before and after your procedure.
- Cease taking vitamin supplements for around 10 days before and after your surgery.
- Avoid supplements, foods, and drinks that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin or green tea.
- Discuss any supplements or medications you are currently taking, including dosages, with Dr. Buford.
It is critical that you openly communicate with Dr. Buford about your health, habits, and lifestyle to ensure a safe experience.
Surgery Center Quarantine & Testing Requests
For those patients that live outside of Colorado and will fly commercial airline to Colorado for surgery:
Quarantine for 1 week leading up to your trip to Colorado and then take a COVID-19 test before you depart and provide us with your negative results.
For those who travel outside of Colorado via commercial airline within 10 days of surgery:
Ideally, surgery should be delayed at least 10 days from return date. A COVID-19 test with negative results is acceptable, but cannot test sooner than day 5 upon return from travel.
Please understand that guidelines change, and situations vary. We try to take each situation that falls outside of the above protocol on case-by-case basis. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Aftercare
After your procedure, we will take every precaution to ensure your comfort. Soreness is to be expected after your procedure, and Dr. Buford will prescribe oral pain medication to manage your discomfort.
If possible, we recommend that you travel with a friend or loved one, particularly if your surgery requires general anesthesia. You will need transportation back to your hotel, in addition to a bit of extra care the first evening while the effects of anesthesia wear off. We will provide you with detailed instructions for your procedure when you are discharged.
Planning Your Stay
Once you've scheduled your surgery, you will need to make travel arrangements and prepare for your time off work. During your consultation, Dr. Buford will discuss your specific recovery timeline with you, but here is a general idea of what to expect with some of our most popular procedures:
We recommend a five to seven day stay for the following procedures:
This timeline has you arriving at least two days prior to your surgery and departing at least two days after your surgery.
We recommend an eight to ten day stay for the following procedures:
This timeline has you arriving at least two days prior to your surgery and departing at least five days after your surgery.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
If you are flying, the closest major airport to our office is the Denver International Airport, located just a 40-minute car ride away. As one of the largest airports in the United States, the Denver International Airport is a hub to most major national and international airlines—and, depending where you live, you will likely be able to find a non-stop flight to help keep things easy and convenient.
Getting Around Denver
Once you have landed, there are a number of options for getting to our office from the airport and getting around Denver and Lone Tree.
Renting a Car
If you are traveling with a companion, renting a car for the length of your stay may be the most convenient and affordable option. This will enable you to travel to and from our office, explore the area, pick up dinner, and make your way back to the airport. Denver International Airport has multiple car rental companies able to serve you right from the airport. A free shuttle will pick you up at the terminal and deliver you right to your car!
Shared Transit & Commuter Shuttles
A variety of commuter shuttles also operate from the Denver International Airport. These shuttles transport visitors from the airport to locations all over the greater Denver metro area, so you can relax and enjoy the ride to your hotel.
Taxi Services
If you prefer a solo ride, there are a number of taxi services available to and from the Denver International Airport. Fees may vary between the companies, though you can expect to pay between $2-$3 per mile.
- Denver Yellow Cab
- Freedom Cabs Inc.
- Metro Taxi / Taxi Fiesta
- Mile High Cab, (303) 337-2222
- Union Taxi Cooperative
Many out of town patients also use Uber, as this option can be more cost-effective than traditional taxi services.
Where to Stay
A comfortable place to relax after your procedure is an essential part of your visit to BEAUTY by BUFORD, and both Denver and Lone Tree boast a number of convenient and well-appointed hotels.
Lone Tree-Area Accommodations
If you'd like to stay close to our office and don't mind a bit of a drive to explore Denver, one of the following Lone Tree-area hotels will be a great place to rest your head at night.
Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
10345 Park Meadows Dr,
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone: 303-925-0004
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 0.3 miles, 2 minute drive. Directions.
Hilton Garden Inn, Denver South Park Meadows Area
9290 Meridian Boulevard
Englewood, Colorado 80112
Phone: 303-824-1550
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 1.6 miles, 7 minute drive. Directions.
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver/South-RidgeGate
10030 Trainstation Circle
Lone Tree, Colorado 80124
Phone: 303-790-4100
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 0.6 miles, 4 minute drive. Directions.
Element Denver Park Meadows
9985 Park Meadows Drive
Lone Tree, Colorado 80124
Phone: 303-790-2100
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 1.3 miles, 4 minute drive. Directions.
Denver Accommodations
Enjoy all the conveniences of downtown Denver at one of these wonderful hotels.
Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
321 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-297-3111
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 14 miles, 20 minute drive. Directions.
The Oxford Hotel
1600 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-628-5400
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 14 miles, 20 minute drive. Directions.
The ART Hotel
1201 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-572-8000
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 14 miles, 20 minute drive. Directions.
The Crawford Hotel
1701 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 720-460-3700
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 16 miles, 23 minute drive. Directions.
The Westin Denver Downtown
1672 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 888-627-8435
Proximity to BEAUTY by BUFORD: 16.1 miles, 20 minute drive. Directions.
The Comforts of Home
If you'd prefer to stay in an inn, bed and breakfast, or a vacation rental, there are a multitude of options for you as well! Be sure to check out Airbnb for both Lone Tree and Denver, Patterson Inn, and the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
Things to Do, See, & Eat*
After your procedure, you'll likely need to rest and relax for a few days as your body begins to heal. But that's why choosing BEAUTY by BUFORD for your plastic surgery is a great option: during this time, you get to enjoy the many conveniences of Denver and Lone Tree. From delicious and healthy takeout options to things for your traveling companion to explore while you're resting, there are a variety of things to do, see, and eat in the area.
Note: Some of these locations may be affected by COVID-19. Please check their websites and hours of operation before visiting.
Where to Dine
You may find you won't want to venture far from your hotel room for a day or two, so it may be worth keeping our local takeout and delivery options on speed dial:
- Order Up, Doorstep, and Grub Hub are delivery companies that can bring your favorite dishes from some of Denver's best restaurants right to your hotel.
- Denver Pizza Company is a great choice for comfort food. We recommend the Boulder Pie for a hefty dose of healthy vegetables to go with all that cheese and dough!
- Pho95 is a noodle house specializing in traditional Vietnamese food. Is there anything more comforting than fresh soup when you're not feeling your best?
Once you've recovered a bit, you may feel up to exploring some of the fine dining the area has to offer before you head home. Here are some of our patients' favorite local eateries:
Wondering what to eat while you recover? Dr. Buford's book Eat, Drink, Heal empowers patients to make smart nutritional decisions that will help them heal optimally.
Things to Do & See
We're sure you'll be ready to get out and about as little as you are able, so be sure to check out some of the great things the area has to offer.
Great Places to Walk
While most of your time will be spent relaxing after your procedure, we recommend getting up and walking multiple times throughout the day as you recover. Check out these great places to stroll at your own pace:
Shopping & Sight Seeing
If you've scheduled your trip to allow a little bit of fun after you've started feeling more like yourself, Denver and Lone Tree have a lot to offer. Your travel companion may also want to explore the area while you are resting. Below are a few popular options.*
*Some of these locations may be closed due to COVID-19.
**We do not endorse any of the restaurants or businesses presented in the above section. We present this guide as a resource to help you as you plan your trip.
Scheduling a Consultation with Dr. Buford
If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Buford today, please contact our office. BEAUTY by BUFORD is located in Lone Tree, Colorado, but we absolutely love working with out-of-town patients and will work hard to ensure your experience is positive and stress-free.