Cosmetic Surgery in the USA for International Patients

Why international patients choose a US cosmetic surgery practice

Choosing to travel abroad for surgery is a serious decision. International patients often seek a practice that combines high surgical volume, facility accreditation, and a team experienced in complex and revision work. Those are reasonable criteria. They are also the criteria we hold ourselves to every day.

Tulsa Surgical Arts is an AAAHC-accredited surgery center. Our team of six cosmetic surgeons is led by Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and a past president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The practice focus spans rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift, complex revision surgery, and total-body contouring.

Our nationally recognized cosmetic surgery fellowship trains the next generation of surgeons here. That teaching culture means every technique is examined, refined, and held to evidence. It shapes the care every patient receives, whether they drive five miles or fly five thousand.

The consultation: where your plan begins

Every surgical journey at our practice starts with a consultation. During that visit you meet your surgeon, discuss your goals, review your anatomy, and receive a specific surgical plan. We encourage international patients to contact our team early so we can outline the steps involved and answer questions about timing.

You can reach us by phone at 918-392-7900, by text, or by booking online. Our hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are happy to discuss your situation and help you understand what the process looks like before you commit to travel.

Surgery day and recovery for out-of-town patients

On the day of surgery, you arrive at the time confirmed by the surgical team. After check-in and pre-operative preparation, you have a final review with your surgeon and anesthesia provider. You wake in recovery under one-to-one observation.

After anesthesia, a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for the first twenty-four hours. You may not take a rideshare alone or leave unaccompanied. For patients traveling in, our practice has a private overnight guest suite. Ask the consult team about it when you schedule.

We provide detailed written instructions covering what to bring, what to wear, and what to watch for while you heal. When any written instruction differs from what your surgical team tells you directly, their spoken guidance wins. Our address is 7322 E 91st St, Tulsa, OK 74133, with free on-site parking.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring photo ID, your completed paperwork, a written list of every medication and supplement you take, glasses and a case — no contact lenses. Wear loose, front-opening clothing and slip-on shoes. No makeup, lotion, deodorant, or fragrance on surgery day. Leave jewelry, piercings, and valuables at your hotel or at home.

Patient forms are available as PDFs on our website. You can print and fill them out before you arrive, or complete them with the team in person. Reading them ahead of time helps you prepare questions and makes the consultation more productive.

Experience and recognition behind the care

Dr. Cuzalina holds dual degrees — MD from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry. He completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at UAB, serving as chief resident, followed by a general cosmetic surgery fellowship. He has performed over 18,000 procedures.

He received the SRC Master Surgeon designation in Specialized Cosmetic Surgery for both Face & Neck and Trunk, Breast & Extremities in 2021. He was named Physician Surgical Innovator of the Year at THE Aesthetic Show in 2018. He is a textbook editor and fellowship director. These facts are part of his published profile — we share them so international patients can evaluate credentials before traveling.

Our approach to cosmetic surgery is straightforward: prioritize safety, preserve what makes you uniquely you, and create natural-looking results with careful attention to every detail. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your goals. Consult a qualified surgeon to determine whether a procedure is right for you.

Individual results vary. This article is general education, not medical advice.