Surgical Travel & Recovery

Neighbor Island & Out of Town Patients

Patients travel from Maui, Kauaʻi, the Big Island, and beyond to receive care from the only female fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Hawaiʻi. Dr. Tan’s team has built a complete concierge recovery infrastructure — so that the quality of your surgical outcome is never limited by the logistics of traveling to Honolulu.

ABFPRS Board Certified Fellowship-Trained · University of Toronto Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu

Why Patients Choose to Travel for Surgery

Honolulu Is Already Your Hub — and Dr. Tan Is the Only Specialist of Her Kind in the State

For patients from Maui, Kauaʻi, the Big Island, or Molokaʻi — and for patients traveling from the U.S. mainland or internationally — choosing where to have facial plastic surgery is not simply a matter of convenience. It is a matter of who is performing it.

Dr. Susan Tan is the only female fellowship-trained board-certified facial plastic surgeon practicing in Hawaiʻi. Her board-certification through the ABFPRS and her fellowship at the University of Toronto represent a standard of training that is not available on the neighbor islands — and is rare even in Honolulu. For many patients, traveling to O’ahu for surgery with Dr. Tan is not a compromise. It is the reason they chose to have surgery at all.

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery has developed a complete concierge recovery infrastructure specifically designed for out-of-town surgical patients — with private nursing support, physician-directed recovery infusions, hotel coordination with the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, and direct access to Dr. Tan throughout the recovery period.

7–10
Recommended days on O'ahu for most surgical procedures
1
The only female ABFPRS facial plastic surgeon in Hawaiʻi
RN
Private registered nurse support available Surgery Day through recovery
IV
HFPS Recovery IV Infusion — physician-directed postoperative wellness

“Choosing a surgeon is the most important decision you will make. The logistics of getting to that surgeon should never be the reason you settle for less. We built our recovery program so that nothing stands between you and the result you deserve.”

— Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS · Founder, Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery

Your Recovery Experience

Your Surgical Journey — From Arrival to Departure

Every out-of-town surgical patient receives a coordinated recovery plan tailored to their procedure, timeline, and needs. This is the standard experience — from the moment you arrive in Honolulu.

01

Virtual Consultation & Planning

Every out-of-town patient begins with a virtual consultation with Dr. Tan. Surgical plan, recovery timeline, hotel coordination, and concierge package selection are confirmed before you book your flights.

02

Private Transport & Hotel Transition

Your recovery nurse meets you at the surgical center. Private wheelchair-assisted transport to the Renaissance Honolulu. Initial hotel setup, medication review, first postoperative assessment, and direct communication with Dr. Tan.

03

In-Hotel RN Visits & Recovery IV

Your recovery nurse visits daily — vital signs, drain and dressing assessment, medication guidance, hydration support, and surgeon communication. HFPS Recovery IV Infusion administered. Dr. Tan reviews your recovery personally.

04

In-Office Visits & Healing

Post-operative appointments at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery. Suture removal, progress assessment, wound care. Optional CO₂ Lift healing enhancement treatment at Dr. Tan’s discretion. Most patients are comfortable resting at the hotel between visits.

05

Clearance & Return Home

Final post-operative visit. Medical clearance for travel. Detailed written care instructions, direct text access to Dr. Tan, and a clear timeline for follow-up — whether by virtual visit or in-person if you return to Honolulu.

HFPS Off-Island Recovery Concierge

Recovery Concierge Packages for Out-of-Town Surgical Patients

Designed for patients traveling from the neighbor islands, the U.S. mainland, or internationally. Private nursing support, physician-directed recovery infusions, hotel transition assistance, and direct access to Dr. Tan throughout your recovery.

Off-Island Surgery Recovery

Concierge Recovery Package

Contact for Pricing

  • Surgery Day pickup from surgical center & hotel transition — nurse escort, wheelchair assistance, private transport
  • Surgery Day evening RN visit — first postoperative assessment, medication review, drain and dressing check
  • HFPS Recovery IV Infusion — physician-directed postoperative wellness infusion.
  • Choose from Recovery, Myers’ Cocktail, NAD⁺, or Longevity IV based on your recovery goals and Dr. Tan’s recommendation
  • POD 1 & 2 in-hotel RN visits with direct Dr. Tan communication — vital signs, drain assessment, ambulation, hydration and nutrition guidance
  • Direct text access to Dr. Tan throughout the recovery period

All concierge recovery services are subject to availability. Additional travel fees may apply depending on hotel location, valet access, and timing of requested services.

Most Comprehensive

VIP Recovery Package

Contact for Pricing

  • Everything included in the Concierge Recovery Package
  • Overnight RN Recovery Care on POD 1 — 10 to 12 hours of continuous observation, medication reminders, drain care, mobility assistance, sleep positioning, and monitoring for hematoma, bleeding, and nausea
  • Follow-up transportation for all in-office appointments
  • Surgery Day transportation & hotel transition coordination included

For patients who prefer maximum support and continuity of care through the first and most critical night of recovery. Overnight RN care is also available as an à la carte service.

À La Carte Recovery Services

Build Your Own Recovery Plan — À La Carte Services

For patients who prefer to select specific services rather than a full package. All à la carte services are available to both package and non-package patients subject to availability.

Service What Is Included Rate
Surgery Day Transport & Hotel Transition Nurse pickup from surgical center, wheelchair/escort assistance, transport to hotel, initial setup, medication review, first postoperative assessment, surgeon communication if needed Included in packages
Standard In-Hotel RN Visit 60–90 minutes. Vital signs, drain assessment, dressing assessment, ambulation assistance, medication guidance, ice/compression assistance, hydration/nutrition check, surgeon communication Contact for pricing
Extended Recovery Visit 2–3 hours. All standard visit services plus mobility assistance, meal assistance, bathroom assistance, anxiety reassurance and support, and additional monitoring Contact for pricing
Overnight RN Recovery Care 10–12 hours of continuous observation, medication reminders, drain care, mobility assistance, sleep positioning, monitoring for hematoma/bleeding/nausea, and surgeon communication if concerns arise Contact for pricing
HFPS Recovery IV Infusion Physician-directed postoperative wellness infusion. Choose from Recovery IV (hydration, electrolytes, anti-nausea), Myers' Cocktail (high-dose vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium), NAD⁺ (cellular energy and tissue repair support), or Longevity IV (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blend). Tailored to your recovery stage and Dr. Tan's clinical guidance Included in packages
CO₂ Lift Healing Enhancement Circulation-boosting therapy supporting tissue oxygenation — may help reduce swelling and bruising during early recovery. Available Day 1 or Day 2 at Dr. Tan's discretion as an add-on Available on request

Physician-Directed Recovery Support

HFPS Recovery IV Infusion — Designed for Surgical Recovery

The HFPS Recovery IV Infusion program offers physician-directed intravenous therapy specifically designed for postoperative recovery after facial surgery — addressing the dehydration, nausea, inflammation, and physiological stress that commonly accompany the immediate post-operative period.

Choose from four physician-curated infusion protocols based on your recovery stage, goals, and Dr. Tan’s clinical recommendation. Each infusion is administered during your in-hotel or in-office recovery visits by your recovery nurse under Dr. Tan’s framework.

The optional CO₂ Lift Treatment is a circulation-boosting therapy available as a healing enhancement add-on — supporting tissue oxygenation and potentially reducing swelling and bruising during early recovery. Available at Day 1 or Day 2 at Dr. Tan’s discretion.

Available IV Protocols

Recovery IV

Hydration, electrolytes, anti-nausea support, and comfort-focused nutrients. Ideal for the first 48 hours post-operatively.

Myers’ Cocktail

High-dose vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and electrolytes — a classic immune-supportive and energy-restoring infusion that supports healing and reduces post-operative fatigue.

NAD⁺ Infusion

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — a coenzyme that supports cellular energy production, DNA repair, and tissue recovery. Increasingly used in surgical recovery for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Longevity IV

A comprehensive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blend — glutathione, vitamin C, zinc, and restorative micronutrients — designed to support healing at the cellular level and promote skin vitality during recovery.

Optional add-on: CO₂ Lift healing enhancement treatment available at Day 1 or Day 2 at Dr. Tan’s discretion.

Preferred Recovery Hotel

Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa — Our Preferred Recovery Partner

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery has negotiated a preferred corporate rate at the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa for surgical recovery patients. The Renaissance offers spacious, well-appointed rooms designed for comfort — exactly what is needed during a 7–10 day postoperative stay.

Preferred Recovery Partner · Corporate Rate Available

Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa

A luxury Marriott property ideally located in Honolulu — spacious rooms, attentive service, and the comfort and privacy your recovery requires. Our nursing team is familiar with the property and coordinates directly with hotel staff to support our patients’ needs during their stay.

LocationKapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu — close to Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery
RatePreferred corporate rate negotiated for HFPS surgical patients — contact our office for the booking link
Stay7–10 nights recommended for most major surgical procedures
RN AccessOur recovery nursing team is experienced with in-hotel patient care at this property

Starting Your Journey

Virtual Consultations — Your First Step, From Anywhere

The surgical consultation process begins virtually for all out-of-town patients. Dr. Tan conducts virtual consultations by video — reviewing your concerns, examining photographs, discussing your goals, and providing an honest assessment of candidacy and surgical recommendations before you commit to travel.

A final in-person consultation in Honolulu — typically scheduled the day before surgery — allows Dr. Tan to examine your anatomy directly, confirm the surgical plan, and answer any remaining questions. Most out-of-town patients find the combination of virtual planning and a brief in-person confirmation visit works seamlessly.

After surgery, follow-up care is managed through a combination of in-person visits during your recovery stay in Honolulu and virtual follow-ups once you have returned home. Dr. Tan provides direct text access throughout the recovery period — so you are never without clear guidance regardless of where you are.

Recommended Planning Timeline
6–8 Weeks Out Virtual consultation with Dr. Tan. Surgical plan and candidacy confirmed. Recovery package selected.
4–6 Weeks Out Flights booked. Hotel reservation made at corporate rate. Pre-operative bloodwork arranged with your local physician.
Day Before Arrive in Honolulu. In-person pre-operative consultation with Dr. Tan. Concierge recovery schedule confirmed with your nurse.
Surgery Day Surgery. Private transport to Renaissance. RN visit. Recovery begins.
Days 7–10 Final post-op visit. Travel clearance. Return home. Virtual follow-ups continue with Dr. Tan.

Preparing for Your Stay

What to Plan for Your Recovery Stay in Honolulu

Most patients are surprised by how manageable a Honolulu recovery stay is — particularly with concierge nursing support. Here is what to plan for.

Length of Stay

Most major procedures (facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty) require 7–10 days in Honolulu before travel clearance. Dr. Tan provides individual guidance based on your procedure and healing. Plan to book open-ended or refundable return flights where possible.

What to Pack

Comfortable, front-opening clothing that does not go over your head. Loose, breathable fabrics. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses for protection during any outdoor time. Audiobooks and podcasts — you will want screen-free entertainment during early recovery. Your regular prescription medications plus any supplements Dr. Tan advises to stop.

Nutrition During Recovery

Soft, easy-to-eat foods during the first several days — soups, smoothies, protein shakes. The Renaissance offers room service; your recovery nurse can assist with meal ordering and nutrition guidance. Staying well-hydrated is essential and supported by your HFPS Recovery IV Infusion.

Activity During Your Stay

Short, gentle walks are encouraged from Day 2 or 3 — activity aids circulation and healing. Sun exposure must be avoided during recovery. No beach time, no pool, no strenuous activity for four weeks. Honolulu’s hotel environment — with room service, garden walks, and easy access to the practice — is ideal for a restful recovery.

Flying After Surgery

Travel clearance is given at your final post-operative visit — typically at Day 7–10 depending on your procedure and healing. Interisland flights are generally cleared sooner than mainland travel. Dr. Tan will give you specific guidance based on your procedure. Compression garments may be recommended for longer flights.

Ongoing Follow-Up Care

After returning home, follow-up care continues virtually. Dr. Tan conducts video follow-up appointments at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-operatively. Neighbor island patients are encouraged to return to Honolulu for the 3-month in-person visit when possible. Dr. Tan remains directly accessible by text throughout the healing period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neighbor Island & Out of Town Surgery — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about traveling to Honolulu for surgery with Dr. Tan.

Yes. Dr. Tan conducts virtual consultations by video for all out-of-town patients. You can discuss your concerns, review your photographs, and receive a surgical recommendation — including candidacy assessment and proposed surgical plan — before you book a single flight. A brief in-person consultation the day before surgery is typically required for final anatomical assessment and surgical plan confirmation.

Most major procedures require 7–10 days before travel clearance is given. This allows for suture removal, the most critical recovery visits with Dr. Tan, and confirmation that healing is progressing appropriately. Interisland flights are typically cleared sooner than mainland travel. Dr. Tan provides individual guidance based on your specific procedure and healing.

The HFPS Recovery IV program offers four physician-directed infusion protocols tailored to your recovery stage: the Recovery IV (hydration, electrolytes, anti-nausea support), Myers’ Cocktail (high-dose vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium), NAD⁺ Infusion (cellular energy and tissue repair support), and Longevity IV (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blend including glutathione). Dr. Tan recommends the protocol that best matches your recovery needs. All infusions are included in both concierge recovery packages and available as à la carte services.

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery has negotiated a preferred corporate rate with the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa for surgical recovery patients. Contact our office for the booking link — we provide it directly to confirmed surgical patients. The rate is available for the duration of your recovery stay.

Not necessarily — that is one of the purposes of the concierge recovery package. The RN recovery support, private transport coordination, and direct access to Dr. Tan are designed specifically for patients recovering without a family caregiver present. Many of our out-of-town patients travel alone and recover comfortably with the support of the concierge program.

Yes — and many patients choose to do exactly this. Once Dr. Tan gives travel clearance, most patients are comfortable for light sightseeing, hotel dining, and gentle exploration of Oahu. Sun exposure and strenuous activity must still be avoided for four weeks post-operatively — but a relaxed extended stay in Hawaii is entirely compatible with recovery and many patients find it makes the experience feel less purely medical.

Dr. Tan provides direct text access throughout the recovery period — including after you have returned to your home island or the mainland. Virtual follow-up appointments are scheduled at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. If a concern arises that requires in-person evaluation, Dr. Tan will advise you clearly on whether it can be managed remotely or requires a return visit.

Begin with a virtual consultation.

Your surgical journey begins with a conversation — wherever you are. Request a virtual consultation with Dr. Tan and find out what is possible before you book a single flight.

Stay Connected with Dr. Tan.

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About

Facial Plastic Surgery

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1150 S King Street, Suite 504
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96814
Parking: Young St · Eleven50 · Atlas Building
(808) 636-9084
By Appointment Only

Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS
Board Certified · Fellowship Trained
Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026

© 2025 Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS · NPI: 1457731358