Traveling to us
Out-of-Town and Out-of-State Patients | West Palm Beach, FL
Patients travel to BellaNova from across Florida, from out of state and from abroad — particularly for jaw surgery, custom skeletal implants and revision work. Here is how the process runs when you are not local.
How the process works
1. Virtual consultation
Submit standardized photographs and a medical history, then meet Dr. Carlotti by video. He performs the analysis, discusses options and risks, and gives you a plan and a written quote. For jaw surgery and custom implant cases, imaging is arranged near you and reviewed before you travel.
2. Planning and scheduling
Surgery is scheduled with enough lead time to arrange travel, accommodation and any pre-operative testing, which can generally be done locally. For custom implants, CT imaging, virtual design and manufacture are completed before your arrival.
3. In-person examination
You are seen in person before surgery — usually the day prior. Nothing is finalized on photographs alone.
4. Surgery and recovery here
Surgery at our state-registered Level III facility, then recovery locally for the period appropriate to your procedure, with in-person follow-ups while you are here.
5. Follow-up at home
Scheduled video follow-ups, direct access to the practice, and coordination with a local provider where in-person care is required.
How long to plan for
| Procedure | Typical stay |
|---|---|
| Facial surgery (facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelids) | 7–10 days |
| Facial implants / genioplasty | 7 days |
| Orthognathic jaw surgery | 14 days |
| Breast surgery | 5–7 days |
| Abdominoplasty or combined body | 10–14 days |
| Revision surgery | Case by case |
Getting here and staying here
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is roughly 15 minutes from the facility, with direct service from most major US cities. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is about 50 minutes and Miami (MIA) about 75. Brightline connects West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando.
Practical notes
- Bring a companion. It is a safety requirement for the first 24–48 hours.
- Book flexible or refundable travel. Clearance to fly is a clinical decision.
- Ground-floor or elevator accommodation matters after body procedures.
- Pack loose front-opening clothing and any garments we specify.
- Do not schedule the return flight tightly against the last follow-up.
Questions from traveling patients
Can I have a virtual consultation first?
Yes. Traveling patients begin with a video consultation with Dr. Carlotti after submitting standardized photographs and a medical history. Most of the planning is complete before you arrive.
How long do I need to stay near BellaNova?
It depends on the procedure. As a general guide: facial surgery 7–10 days, breast surgery 5–7 days, abdominoplasty and combined body procedures 10–14 days, jaw surgery 14 days. Your specific plan is confirmed before you book travel.
When can I fly home?
Generally not before clearance, and never before the risk window for clot formation has been assessed — particularly after abdominoplasty and combined body procedures. Book flexible tickets. Flying too early is a genuine risk, not an inconvenience.
Do I need someone with me?
Yes. You will need a responsible adult to accompany you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. This is a safety requirement, not a preference.
How is follow-up handled once I go home?
In-person follow-ups while you are here, then scheduled video follow-ups afterwards, with direct access to the practice for questions. Where local care is needed, we coordinate with a provider near you.
Start with a virtual consultation
Send photographs and a history, and meet Dr. Carlotti by video before you book anything. Our state-registered Level III surgical center is at 1261 S Congress Ave in West Palm Beach, minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and I-95, serving patients from Jupiter to Boca Raton and beyond.