FAQs

COST OF SURGERY

The cost of your surgery consists of up to four different fees:
- The Surgical Fee which is the surgeon's and assistant surgeon's fee for your surgery.
- The Anaesthetic Fee which is the anaesthetist's and assistant anaesthetist's fee for your surgery, where applicable (i.e. this does not apply to local anaesthetic procedures).
- The Hospital Fee which covers your room charges, operating room expenses, medications administered during your stay, etc.
- The Implant Fee which is the cost of any implants used for your surgery, where applicable (i.e. breast implants)

Each hospital sets its own fees and some hospitals are more expensive than others. We have tried to include private hospitals that cover the full price spectrum, so that we can accommodate all patients. The prices quoted are for sharing a room with one or two other patients. Private rooms are available upon request and usually incur a surcharge.

The prices quoted should give you an idea of the cost of the various procedures. The cost of your individual surgery may vary depending on the state of your health as well as any particular wishes or needs, on the type of anaesthetic you choose, and finally, the hospital you choose. After contacting us with all the relevant details, we will offer you a personalised quote, that will reflect your individual requirements.

Combining procedures (i.e. having a blepharoplasty and a face lift together) will obviously be more economical than having the procedures separately, as there is only one hospital fee. Some procedures, however, cannot be combined, as this may significantly increase the risk of complications.

Please to not hesitate to contact us directly for more information about combining particular procedures.

BEFORE THE OPERATION

When considering any type of surgery, it is important to optimize all factors and conditions that could affect the outcome of your operation. We will ask you to answer a detailed medical questionnaire, which you should fill in truthfully and completely. Please do not try to hide anything, even if you consider it irrelevant. Even little things can have a profound effect on your outcome.

When you have anything more than a local anaesthetic, we will require preoperative investigations such as blood tests, x-rays or electrocardiograms. Testing is usually performed on the day of your procedure, but, depending on your state of health, your previous medical history and the type of procedure you wish to have, we may ask you to have these investigations performed in advance.

If you are taking either prescribed or non-prescribed medications (over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, homeopathic medications and supplements), it is important for you to let us know so that we can give you specific instructions for each of your medicines.

The basic preoperative assessment includes blood tests, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG), as well as an evaluation by a cardiologist. For certain procedures, additional specialized tests are also required, such as a breast ultrasound, mammography, or breast MRI for breast surgeries; an ultrasound or CT scan of the abdominal wall for abdominal procedures; and possibly other tests depending on the operation you will undergo. Most of these examinations are covered by your insurance provider.

The required preoperative assessment should be completed a few days before your procedure, unless otherwise agreed.
If you are taking any anticoagulants or blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin), Persantine (Dipyridamole), Plavix etc, it is very important that you let us know. You will probably need to stop taking these a few days before your procedure, and have them replaced with something else.
If you are taking anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications such as Sintrom, Panwarfin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Persantine, Plavix, Iscover, Ticlid, etc., it is especially important that we are aware of this. Most likely, you will need to stop taking them a few days before your procedure—with the approval of the doctor who prescribed them—and replace them with other medications whose effects can be more easily and accurately controlled.

Two months before surgery.
• If you are taking birth control pills or postmenopausal hormone supplements (hormone replacement therapy - HRT), it is very important that you let us know. Patients who are on birth control pills or on HRTs have a higher risk of developing blood clots in their leg veins. Depending on the type of procedure you wish to have and the presence of other risk factors, you may be required to stop taking them.
• If you are suffering from thyroid disease, you will need to test your thyroid function, by having a blood test to assess your thyroid levels. An untreated underactive thyroid can lead to difficulties with wound healing, while an untreated overacting thyroid could be tipped off balance by surgery.

One month before surgery.
• QUIT SMOKING and avoid all second-hand smoke. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause significant complications during healing. You will also have to refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

Two weeks before surgery.
• STOP TAKING any Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren, Voltarol, Excedrin, Anadin, Anacin, Advil or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications interfere with normal blood clotting and may cause bleeding during and after your surgery. If you have to take something for pain relief, consider taking plain paracetamol or ask your surgeon.
• Discontinue ALL herbal remedies and medications, ALL homeopathic medications, ALL vitamins (especially Vit. E) except Vit. C, ALL supplements and ALL diet pills, unless you have been otherwise instructed. These may again interfere with your normal blood clotting or otherwise complicate your surgery.
• Stop excessive use of alcoholic beverages, as they can thin your blood and cause bleeding and bruising.
• START TAKING 500mg of Vitamin C once or twice a day. Vitamin C promotes healing and is a free-radical scavenger.

One week before surgery.
• Stop taking any garlic tablets. Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Stop taking St. John's wort. St. John's wort may diminish the effects of several drugs by induction of cytochrome p450 enzymes in the liver.
• Stop taking any supplements that contain ginseng. Ginseng lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Report any signs of cold, infection, boils, pustules, fever or rash.
• Do not take any cough, cold or other over-the-counter medications without permission.
• Get proper nutrition and rest. Do not stay up late or work long hours.

Three days before surgery.
• Stop taking any Ginkgo tablets. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Stop using all skin creams if you are having facial surgery. You may still use cleansers.
• Stop exercising.

The day before surgery.
• Shower and wash and condition your hair as usual. Do not use hair spray, hair gel, or mousse.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Do not chew gum or eat candy. You may have small sips of water during the night.

The morning of your surgery.
• If you are taking steroids, such as Prednisone, on the morning of your procedure continue to take your usual dosage with a small sip of water.
• If you are raking heart and blood pressure medications, on the morning of your procedure continue to take them as directed with a sip of water.
• If you are taking thyroid tablets, on the morning of your procedure continue to take your usual dosage with a small sip of water.
• If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, do not take your insulin on the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed. If you are taking pills to treat your diabetes do not take them on the morning of your surgery unless otherwise instructed.
• Shower on the morning of your surgery. You may brush your teeth, but be careful not to swallow any water or mouthwash.
• Do not eat or drink anything. Do not drink any coffee, not even water.
• Do not use makeup, creams, lotions, hair gels, sprays, perfumes, powder, or deodorant on your skin, hair, or face.
• Do not wear contact lenses to surgery. Wear your glasses and bring their case with you.
• Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you to the hospital.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• If you are having facial surgery, bring a scarf, sunglasses, or hooded sweatshirt to wear after your surgery.
• Make sure someone accompanies you to the hospital and stays with you during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
• Bring your passport or identification card with you.

THE ANESTHESIA

The type of anaesthesia that will be used in your case depends on the type of procedure performed as well as your own preferences.

There are four different types of anaesthesia:
• Local Anaesthesia numbs just the area that the operation is going to take place in. You are fully awake, you can still feel pressure and touching, but you can feel no pain. It is much like the injection you have at the dentist. The initial injection may sting for a few seconds but very soon the area goes numb.
Local anaesthesia is usually administered by the surgeon.

• Regional Anaesthesia numbs a whole region of the body, such as an arm or a leg. You are fully awake but you cannot feel anything in the anaesthetized part of your body. There are several kinds of regional anaesthesia; the two most common are spinal anaesthesia and epidural anaesthesia.
Regional anaesthesia is usually administered by an anaesthesiologist.

• Sedation, otherwise known as "twilight sleep", makes you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are awake and conscious and you can respond to verbal commands, but you may easily doze off. Most patients have little recollection of what happened during their surgery. Sedation is administered by an anaesthesiologist with careful monitoring. Sedation is usually combined with local or regional anaesthesia to provide a more pleasant experience.

• In General Anaesthesia you are unconscious and have no awareness or other sensations. You cannot feel any pain and you have no recollection of your surgery. General Anaesthesia is always administered by an anaesthesiologist under careful monitoring. Once the surgery is over, the anaesthesiologist will reverse the anaesthesia to allow you to regain consciousness. General anaesthesia is usually complemented by local anaesthesia to allow for a more superficial anaesthetic, and help with the post-operative pain control.

Most of our cases are performed as day cases. This means that you do not need to stay overnight in the hospital, and that you will be well enough to complete your recovery at home or in your hotel room. This is also known as Ambulatory Anaesthesia and Ambulatory Surgery. Ambulatory anaesthesia is designed so you can leave the hospital soon after your operation. Short acting anaesthetic drugs and specialized anaesthetic techniques are used to make your experience safe and pleasant.

In general, if you are in good health, you are a candidate for ambulatory anaesthesia and surgery. Because each patient is unique, your health status will be carefully evaluated by your surgeon and your anaesthesiologist, to determine if you should undergo ambulatory anesthesia for the particular procedure.

Read more information from the Hellenic Society of Anaesthesiology (HSA)

THE OPERATION

All the information you need to know about the day of your procedure.

On the morning of your procedure, you should be fasting unless you have been given different instructions. You must not eat breakfast or drink coffee! You are only allowed to take a few sips of water to take any prescribed medications, provided you have been instructed to do so.
Your surgical procedure will take place at the clinic you have jointly decided on with Mr. Zampacos.

Regardless of the type of anesthesia you will receive, it is necessary to have someone bring you to and pick you up from the clinic.
You should arrive at the clinic at least one hour before your scheduled surgery time in order to complete admission procedures and go to your room. Admission takes place at the clinic’s reception desk by simply stating your name.
It is essential to bring your ID card and health insurance booklet, as well as the details of your private insurance if you plan to use it for the procedure.

The required preoperative assessment should be completed a few days before your surgery unless otherwise arranged.
The basic preoperative assessment includes blood tests, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and an evaluation by a cardiologist. For certain procedures, additional specialized tests may be necessary, such as a breast ultrasound, mammography, or breast MRI for breast surgeries; an ultrasound or CT scan of the abdominal wall for abdominal procedures; and possibly other tests depending on the surgery you will undergo. Most tests are covered by your insurance provider.

Do not forget to bring all your test results with you to the clinic! If the preoperative assessment is scheduled to take place at the clinic on the day of surgery, you should arrive at least two hours before the scheduled time so there is enough time for the necessary tests to be performed and for the results to be available.

You only need to bring one set of pajamas, preferably ones that open at the front. You will not need additional clothing—bringing more will only be unnecessary burden. Do not forget to bring your bra or any other special garment if you have been instructed to do so.

In your room, you will be provided with the necessary clothing for surgery. There, Mr. Zampacos will visit you to discuss any last-minute questions and to carry out the preoperative planning. The anesthesiologist will also visit you to examine you and answer any questions you may have. Immediately afterward, you will be asked to read and sign the informed consent form, confirming that you have been adequately informed about the procedure, the anesthesia you will receive, and any possible complications.

Once the preparatory procedures are completed, you will be taken to the operating room, where Mr. Zampacos and his team will be waiting for you. After the procedure, you will remain for a short time in the recovery room until you are fully awake, and then you will be transferred back to your room. Relatives or companions are best to wait in your room, where they can be continuously updated on the progress of your surgery.

If your procedure is a day case, you will leave the clinic once you feel well enough to go home and after we have confirmed that you are in good condition.

If your procedure requires an overnight stay, once you return to your room, the nursing staff will ensure you have the most comfortable recovery possible. Mr. Zampacos will visit you as many times as necessary until you are discharged.

Before leaving, you will receive instructions and medication. After discharge, there will be continuous contact with Mr. Zampacos—both by phone and through follow-up visits at the clinic or office—to closely monitor your recovery. During your recovery period, it is natural to have questions. The doctor will be available to address any concerns, reassure you, and help prevent or promptly manage any postoperative issues. No question is a nuisance, at any time of the day or night. It is better to worry unnecessarily about something minor than to overlook something that could cause a problem.

Best of luck!

AFTER THE OPERATION

All the information you need to know regarding your care after your procedure. We try to provide detailed instructions for your care after your procedure or treatment.

Before your discharge from the clinic, you will receive instructions and medication. After your discharge, there will be continuous contact with Mr. Zampacos, both by phone and through follow-up visits to Mr. Zampacos’ office or the clinic, to closely monitor the progress of your recovery.
During your recovery period, it is natural to have questions. Continuous communication with Mr. Zampacos will help address any concerns, reassure you, and assist in the prevention and prompt management of any postoperative issues that may arise.

No question is a nuisance, at any time of the day or night. It is better to worry unnecessarily about something minor than to overlook something that could cause a problem.
Recovery after plastic surgery varies from person to person and depends on the specifics of each procedure, as well as whether more than one procedure is performed at the same time.
Regardless of the procedure, every patient experiences both physical and psychological changes during recovery. It is important to remember that there is no need to “rush” your recovery.

Below you will find some useful tips for a smooth recovery:
• Reduce swelling by elevating the operated area above the level of your heart. For facial procedures in particular, apply ice to the treated area—even if you have dressings in place (ice is especially helpful during the first 24 hours)—and use an extra pillow while sleeping.
• Plan your recovery time. Depending on the procedure, recovery may last from a few days to several weeks. This will inevitably affect your family life, work, and social obligations.
• Have realistic expectations. Initially, you may look worse before you start to look better. Almost all procedures involve swelling and bruising. The final result will gradually become visible over weeks or even months, so do not panic. Allow nature and your body to guide the healing process.
• Follow the instructions provided. Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not improvise. Remember that we are always available to advise you and support a safe and smooth recovery.
• It is advisable to arrange for assistance during the first 72 hours after surgery. Even if you feel capable of resuming daily activities quickly, having help will reduce unnecessary stress and allow you to focus on your recovery.
• Stay well hydrated. All procedures can cause mild dehydration. Drinking water regularly helps restore your body’s fluid balance. It is also recommended to eat lightly during the first few days and avoid alcohol and heavy, hard-to-digest foods.
• Avoid direct sun exposure. Use sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin-derived products. If you plan to take any over-the-counter medication, it is advisable to consult us first to ensure it is safe.

COMMON QUESTIONS

We have tried to compile a list of the most common questions asked by our patients, and have them answered by our expert doctors. We reserve the right to publish questions sent to our experts with their respective answers, after removing any information that may identify our patients.

Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are individuals in good general health who have reasonable expectations about their appearance. During your initial consultation, it is extremely important to be honest while discussing your goals and concerns so the surgeon can make an informed, realistic assessment about your candidacy for plastic surgery.

What is the right age for plastic surgery?
There are a number of guidelines in place to help surgeons determine appropriate age limitations for plastic surgery procedures. However, many factors may influence the surgeon's ultimate decision regarding your treatment, so it is best to speak personally with a qualified doctor about your goals.

I have private insurance. Can my insurance cover the cost of the procedure?
If the procedure you are undergoing is reconstructive in nature, your insurance should cover it. However, if the procedure you wish to have is cosmetic, it is not covered by your insurance.

How many days will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
Most plastic surgery procedures are performed as day surgeries, meaning you can usually return home the same day.
Exceptions include procedures that take several hours, place greater strain on the body, or involve combining more than one procedure at the same time.
Regardless of the type of surgery, exceptions also apply to patients who live alone, patients traveling from far away, and patients with health conditions that require close monitoring.
Together, we will decide what is best and safest for you.

Are there different kinds of anaesthesia?
There are four types of anesthesia: local, regional, sedation and general.
Please see HERE.

Who will administer my anaesthesia?
Local anaesthesia is usually administered by the surgeon.
Regional anaesthesia can be administered by the surgeon (i.e. a wrist or an elbow block), or the anaesthetist (i.e. brachial plexus block, spinal anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia).
Sedation and general anaesthesia is always administered by an anaesthetist. Anaesthetic nurses and anaesthetic assistants are not allowed to administer anaesthesia in Greece.

Is anaesthesia safe?
Due to advances in patient safety, the risks of anesthesia are very low. Over the past 25 years, anesthesia-related deaths have decreased from 2 deaths per 10,000 anesthetics administered to 1 death per 300,000 anesthetics administered.
To help you understand how small this percentage is, the risk of death from a car accident is approximately 1 in 42,000, and the lifetime risk of being struck by lightning is about 1 in 10,000.

Certain types of illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity, can increase your anesthesia risks. Even so, anesthesiologists routinely bring even very sick patients through major operations safely.

Should I continue to take my medications prior to surgery?
It is important to tell the doctors providing your care what medications you are taking prior to surgery so that they can be involved in making the decision about stopping or continuing these medications.

Some examples of common medications are:
Aspirin, Salospir and Plavix are drugs that are used to prevent blood from clotting. They are used to treat patients with certain disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Because of the way aspirin and Plavix work, they can cause increased bleeding when you get a cut or undergo surgery. If you are taking either of these drugs, you should talk to your primary care physician about stopping them before surgery. The decision to stop them is based on the reason why you need to be on the drugs (your medical condition) and on the risk of bleeding from the surgery.
Diuretics (“water pills”) are commonly prescribed for treating high blood pressure. This class of drugs can cause changes to electrolyte levels, such as potassium. If you take diuretics, your anesthesiologist may perform certain laboratory testing before surgery.
Diabetic patients are commonly treated with insulin or oral agents. Your anesthesiologist may decrease your usual morning insulin dose or discontinue your oral agents before surgery. Always speak with an anesthesiologist or your regular doctor to discuss your particular medications, before any surgical procedure.

Could herbal medicines, vitamins and other dietary supplements affect my anesthesia if I need surgery?
Anesthesiologists are conducting research to determine exactly how certain herbs and dietary supplements interact with certain anesthetics.
They are finding that certain herbal medicines may prolong the effects of anesthesia. Others may increase the risks of bleeding or raise blood pressure. Some effects may be subtle and less critical, but for anesthesiologists anticipating a possible reaction is better than reacting to an unexpected condition. So it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you take before surgery.

Why do I need to have an empty stomach prior to surgery?
It is very important that patients have an empty stomach before any surgery or procedure that needs anesthesia. When anesthesia is given, it is common for all the normal reflexes to relax. This condition makes it easy for stomach contents to go backwards into the esophagus (food tube) and mouth or even the windpipe and lungs. Because the stomach contains acid, if any stomach contents do get into the lungs, they can cause a serious pneumonia, called aspiration pneumonitis.

Can I smoke cigarettes before and after I have surgery?
Smoking is a habit that has significant effects on the body, both in relation to anesthesia and the healing process. Substances found in cigarettes, such as nicotine, reduce blood flow to the skin and can cause serious complications during recovery. In some cases, the impact of smoking can be so severe that it may even lead to skin necrosis.
You should stay off cigarettes a month before and 2 weeks after your surgery. This will help you have the best possible results from your surgery. For example, quitting will reduce the chances you will have problems like a wound infection after the operation. It is especially important that you not smoke the morning of surgery – just like you don’t eat the morning of surgery, don’t smoke.