Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery with Dr. Valdez?

Dr. Valdez performs surgery only on patients who meet specific health requirements, including being a non-smoker with no nicotine use, no recreational drug use, no excessive alcohol consumption, and being at a stable healthy weight.

Can smokers have plastic surgery with Dr. Valdez?

No. Patients must be non-smokers with no use of any nicotine products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or nicotine pouches.

Do I need to disclose GLP-1 medications like Ozempic before surgery?

Yes. Full disclosure of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, and Rybelsus is required, whether currently or previously used.

Can I have plastic surgery if I have diabetes?

No. Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are not considered candidates due to increased surgical and healing risks.

Are autoimmune diseases a disqualifier for surgery?

Yes. Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or use of immunosuppressant medications, disqualify patients due to impaired wound healing and increased surgical risk.

Can I have a facelift if I take psychiatric medication?

Facelifts are performed under IV sedation. Patients taking more than one psychiatric medication for anxiety or depression are not candidates due to increased risk of vivid dreams and excessive movement during the procedure.

Does plastic surgery work as a weight-loss solution?

No. Patients should be at a stable, healthy weight they plan to maintain long-term before scheduling surgery. Surgery is not a weight-loss solution.

Can I have plastic surgery if I've had a heart attack or stroke?

No. A history of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, or heart surgery significantly increases anesthesia risks. A healthy cardiovascular system is essential for safe surgery.

Candidacy Requirements

Psychiatric Medications and Surgical Safety

If you’re considering surgery and currently take psychiatric medications, you need to understand how they affect your candidacy. Dr. Valdez has one clear requirement: patients taking more than one psychiatric medication are not candidates for surgery. This policy exists to protect your safety during and after your procedure.

Why This Matters

Psychiatric medications increase bleeding risk during surgery. They also cause unpredictable reactions under IV sedation—excessive movement, agitation, and involuntary muscle contractions. When you're on multiple psychiatric medications, these risks compound. That's why Dr. Valdez limits surgery to patients taking no more than one psychiatric medication.

What This Means for You

If you're currently taking more than one psychiatric medication, you're not a candidate for surgery with Dr. Valdez. Surgery is not possible under these circumstances.

One Medication Is Acceptable

Taking one psychiatric medication for anxiety or depression does not disqualify you. Many patients successfully have surgery while on a single medication.

Research Behind This Policy

Dr. Valdez's approach is grounded in current peer-reviewed medical literature on the interaction between psychiatric medications, anesthesia, and surgical safety.

Anesthetic Considerations for Patients on Psychotropic Drug Therapies PMC8708655 / Neurology International 2021
"Psychotropic medications can have dangerous interactions with drugs commonly used in anesthesia, some of which can be life-threatening… describes the pharmacology, side effects, and potential drug interactions of psychotropic drug therapies with anesthetic agents."
Serotonergic Antidepressants and Perioperative Bleeding Risk: A Systematic Review PubMed 24717049 / J Thromb Haemost 2014
"Serotonergic antidepressants were associated with an increased risk of perioperative bleeding (odds ratios = 1.21–4.14) and blood transfusions (odds ratios = 0.93–3.71)."
Psychiatric Patient and Anaesthesia PMC3327081 / Indian J Anaesth 2012
"Psychiatric patients are at increased risk for perioperative complications, as their biological response to stress is impaired… highlights the effects of anaesthetics on patients taking antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and lithium carbonate."