Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know

The steps you take before surgery can significantly impact your recovery and results. Here’s what you need to do to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming procedure:

Avoid Smoking and Marijuana:
Cease smoking, including the inhalation of marijuana, at least six weeks before and after your surgery. Smoking can greatly increase your risk of complications and slow down the healing process.

Medication Adjustments:

• Blood Thinners: Stop taking aspirin or any blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Asa for 10 days before and one week after surgery, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Avoid medications like ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, and Excedrin for one week before and after your surgery.

• Herbal Supplements: Discontinue any herbal supplements two weeks prior to your procedure.

Monitoring Health Changes:
If you experience any health changes like a fever, body aches, or a severe cough on the day before your surgery, contact your caregiver immediately. These symptoms could impact your ability to safely undergo surgery.

The Day Before Surgery

Fasting:
Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before your surgery. This includes avoiding all foods, beverages, gum, mints, and candies.

Medication and Meal Guidelines:

• Take any prescribed medications with just a sip of water on the morning of your surgery, unless directed otherwise.

• You can eat your regular meals the day before, but opt for a light supper and increase your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol, and prepare to remove all jewelry, switch from contacts to glasses, and avoid any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or makeup.
  

The Day of Surgery

Dress Appropriately:
Wear loose clothing that zips or buttons up the front. Avoid leggings and bring a bag for your personal items along with a pair of socks.

Final Preparations:

• Ensure you have nothing to eat or drink.

• Take your regular medications with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.

• Remove all jewelry and contacts, wear glasses, and skip any lotions, perfumes, or metal hair accessories.

• Confirm that your designated driver is available and close by during your surgery.
  

Immediately After the Procedure

Initial Recovery:
Post-surgery, you'll be monitored in a recovery area until you are awake, stable, and able to take fluids. Expect tenderness, swelling, and some bruising around the surgical area. Nausea from anesthesia or pain medications is also common.

Specific Recovery Tips by Procedure Type

Breast Surgery:

• Avoid raising your arms above your head or lifting heavy objects for six weeks.

• Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days.

• Wear only soft bras without underwires immediately after surgery.

Abdominal Surgery:

• Remain slightly bent forward and use a walker to assist with walking and alleviate back pain.

• Sleep with your knees bent and head elevated at about 30 degrees.

Fat Grafting:

• Wear a compressive garment for the first two weeks.

• Avoid sitting or lying directly on the grafted area for a month.

Thigh and Arm Lift:

• Avoid lifting heavy objects and limit major movements.

• Use compression garments continuously for two weeks, then only at night for another two weeks.
  

Post-Surgery Care

Showering and Driving:

• Avoid showering for the first 72 hours.

• Don’t drive while taking narcotic pain medication and ideally wait 2-3 weeks before driving.

Medications:

• Follow specific instructions for pain management and antibiotic use.

• Resume your regular medications as directed by your surgeon.
  

When to Seek Medical Attention

Be vigilant for any signs of complications such as high fever, persistent vomiting, or unexpected bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these occur.

Conclusion

Successful recovery from surgery requires careful preparation and adherence to specific post-care instructions. At Pearl Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to guiding you through each step of your surgical journey, ensuring you feel supported and informed from start to finish.

Ready to discuss your upcoming procedure?
Contact us today to ensure your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
360-878-9300