General Pre-Operative Care Instruction

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Instructions

The pre-operative instruction booklet has been created to prepare you for your cosmetic surgery procedure. Following these instructions will maximize your opportunity for uncomplicated wound healing and optimize the likelihood of an excellent cosmetic outcome. It is important that you read this information from our plastic surgery clinic carefully and completely.Two Weeks Before Your SurgeryMedications:Do not take any aspirin-containing products (see the attached list), anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, advil, motrin), blood thinners (e.g. coumadin, warfarin, anacrot), or vitamin E for 14 days prior to your operation. These medications thin the blood and greatly increase the risk of bleeding. Tylenol can be taken safely.Stop taking any herbal, natural, diet, or alternative drugs 14 days prior to your surgery (e.g. ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort)We recommend stopping birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy 4-6 weeks prior to surgery, particularly for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction. These drugs increase the risk of blood clots in the leg.All other medications may be taken, but please make sure your surgeon and the anesthesiologist are aware of any medications you take.Please notify our office prior to your surgery if you develop a cold or infection.Smoking:Smoking should be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to your operation, and you should refrain from smoking at least 2 weeks after the operation as well. Smoking greatly increases the risk of poor wound healing and even skin loss.Night Before & Day Of SurgeryYou must arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you on the first night after your procedure. If you are staying overnight, someone should drive you home the next morning.You can take all your regular medications (for example, cardiac or blood pressure pills) on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water (except those mentioned below). Please check with Dr. Edelstein if you are unsure.Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before, and morning of surgery. If you do eat or drink, your surgery will likely be cancelled.Remove all make-up and nail polish the night before surgery.If you are having facelift or browlift surgery, wash your face with soap and shampoo your hair the night before surgery.If you are having breast surgery, make sure you have a wireless bra available and bring it into the operating room.

For breast reduction patients, an old bra will do.
For breast augmentation patients, a bra will be provided for you at your
second appointment.Do not bring any money, jewelry, or other valuables with you.Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off (e.g. sweat pants, button or zipper shirt). All patients having facial surgery should not wear any pull-over type garments, but rather clothes that do up with buttons or a zipper.You should not operate a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery for 24 hours following your procedure.Be prepared to take time off work. In general, at least 5-7 days (this varies quite a bit depending on the procedure). Try to avoid strenuous work or exercise during this period. It is helpful to have someone at your home that can assist you.

We recommend that patients discontinue use of the following at least two weeks prior to surgery: