Pre-Operative Guidelines

• Pre-operative tests, such as blood work, x-rays, or an electrocardiogram (EKG) may be required to obtain information pertinent to your procedure. This needs to be scheduled and completed well in advance.

• Certain medications will need to be stopped prior to surgery. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

• Be sure to have any prescription orders filled prior to surgery so the medication will be readily available upon your return home.

• Be aware that smoking may interfere with healing.

• Usually you will be asked not to eat or drink anything before receiving anesthesia. This includes water, mints, gum and candy. Your doctor will discuss these details with you before the day of surgery.

Anesthesia

Because the comfort and safety of our patients are primary concerns, we administer total intravenous sedation to ensure that patients are completely asleep and pain-free throughout the duration of the procedure. Our operating rooms are equipped with the same monitors and equipment used in hospitals for safe anesthesia. All of our anesthesia providers are Board-certified and have had extensive training and experience in the administration of anesthesia and sedation. They are also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. One of our anesthesia providers will call the night before your procedure to answer any questions you might have regarding anesthesia or surgery.

Post-Operative Transportation

To ensure your safety, driving or taking a taxi immediately after a procedure is prohibited. If you are undergoing outpatient surgery in our Aesthetic Surgery Center, please arrange to have a responsible adult take you home after the procedure.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Not all patients need a lengthy stay in the recovery room after surgery. Since all patients, all operations, and all anesthetics are different, it is not always possible to ascertain in advance exactly how much time you may spend in the recovery room. It is important that your caregiver stay in close contact with the office so you are able to return to the comforts of home as soon as you are ready for discharge. Please make sure a responsible adult is available to assist you for the first 24 hours, at a minimum. Depending upon your procedure, you may need assistance for a longer period.

Because you may not feel like going out in public, plan for your needs in advance. If your diet will be restricted in any way, shop accordingly so you will have everything you need as you recover.

You will receive specific post-operative instructions based on the procedure you undergo. You may be advised by your surgeon to stay out of the sun and avoid sports and strenuous activity for several weeks following your procedure. This gives your body a chance to heal.

Your plastic surgeon will continue to see you for regular follow-up visits to ensure that healing is progressing as anticipated. The frequency of visits will depend on your own rate of recovery. The success of your outcome depends on your close and careful adherence to all instructions you are given.