International Patient Guide
Welcome to Tampa! We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way.
As a board certified cosmetic surgeon in Tampa Bay, Dr. Manik Bedi works with patients from all over who want expert care in a private, convenient setting. The Tampa Surgical Arts staff is dedicated to making the process positive for our international 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 cosmetic surgery, we hope to provide you with all of the information you need to easily plan and prepare for your cosmetic procedure at Tampa Surgical Arts.
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. Bedi in Tampa 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 Tampa before your surgery for a consultation in our office, Dr. Bedi 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 and meet your surgical team.
Dr. Bedi 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 Tampa leading up to your procedure. There is plenty to keep you entertained while you wait!
Preparing for your virtual consultation with Dr. Bedi
For those who are unable to travel to Tampa 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. Bedi 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.
Planning Your Stay
Once you’ve scheduled your surgery, you will need to make travel arrangements and prepare for your time off work.
All blood work must be done at least 2 weeks prior to you arrival in Tampa.
We will provide a recommendation on where to purchase items for your post-operative care or you may choose to purchase garments directly from us at our facility.
During your consultation, Dr. Bedi 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:
- Breast Augmentation
- Eyelid Surgery
- Chin Augmentation
- Facial Implants (Chin augmentation, custom wrap around implant)
- Liposculpture (Lipo 360, etc.)
- Brazilian Butt Lift
- Otoplasty
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:
- Breast Lift
- Breast Lift with Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Tummy Tuck
- Mommy Makeover
This timeline has you arriving at least two days prior to your surgery and departing at least five days after your surgery.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
If you are flying, the closest major airport to our office is the Tampa International Airport, located just a 20-minute car ride away. Tampa 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.
Rental Cars
Several options to choose from directly at the airport
Housing/Hotels Accommodations
We can provide you with a list of Hotels that have special Rates with TSA
Where to Eat and Explore
- Armature Works
- Sparkman Wharf
- Florida Aquarium
- Busch Gardens
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Glazier’s Children Museum
Sports
Tampa Bay or as recently known as “Champa Bay” is home to many championship teams. 
- MLB Tampa Bay Rays
- NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- NHL Tampa Bay Lightning
- as well as the New York Yankees spring training
