Once you schedule your procedure specific pre and post operative information and instructions for your procedure will be given to you but following is some general information to be aware of two weeks prior to your procedure.
- No aspirin or aspirin containing compounds should be taken 2 weeks prior to your procedure because they can interfere with normal blood clotting.
- Also, no ibuprofen or naproxen (Advil, Aleve, etc)
- A multi vitamin is fine but no extra vitamin E
- Please stop taking any herbal medications or supplements.
- If you do have minor aches or pains in the 2 weeks prior to surgery you may take Tylenol.
- For some, not all, procedures Dr. Platis requests that you stop smoking
- Fill your prescription from Dr. Platis so you have it at home after your surgery and don’t have to send someone out for it.
A few other planning tips
- Please make sure to arrange someone to pick you up from the surgical center and stay with you the first night
- If you have small children or animals that need walks/attention please have someone who can help you for the first few days (Dr. Platis will let you know how long you should plan on having assistance).
- Some items on high shelves (food, medication, etc) might be easier to get to if you put them on the counter or a lower shelf.
- Have foods on hand that are easy to prepare and a bit bland – spicy or rich foods might not appeal to you after surgery.
The night before surgery and Day of Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes gum, candy, mints, coffee.
- Dr. Platis recommends not drinking alcohol the night before your procedure.
- If you are on regular medications please clear these in advance with Dr. Platis and he will let you know when you should take them.
- You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery but do not drink/swallow anything.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on – pull on pants, zip up/button up top, slip on shoes, etc.
- Do not bring or wear anything valuable – no jewelry.
- Do not wear contacts to your surgery.
- If you are having facial surgery please be sure to have all of your make-up completely removed.
The day of and week after surgery
- Dr. Platis requires that you have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. If you need assistance with a driver or home care nurse please let us know in advance and we will be happy to arrange it for you.
- The effects of anesthesia can linger until the next day so expect to feel a little sleepy and take things slowly. If you have been lying down for a while then sit up first and stay there for a bit and then slowly get up.
- Drink plenty of fluids when you get home and you can follow your normal diet but you may find bland, soft foods are the most appealing for the first day or so. Also, have foods on hand that are easy to prepare.
- If you have a prescription for pain medicine from Dr. Platis make sure to take it with some food and take it before any discomfort sets in. You may want someone else to keep track of when you have taken your last pill in case you fall asleep then they can wake you for your next dose. This is generally only necessary during the first 24 hours.
- If you experience any itching, rash or upset stomach, stop taking the pain medicine and call Dr. Platis so he can call in something else for you.
- After the first day or two most patients can switch from their pain medication back to their regular pain reliever (Advil, Aleve, Tylenol).
- If the pain medication is taken for more than a few days you may experience difficulty in having a bowel movement and will need to take an over the counter laxative.
- Dr. Platis is on call 24 hours a day so if you have any severe discomfort, fever, abnormal swelling or anything you feel uneasy about call our office.
- Keep any dressings on until your follow up and keep all incisions clean and dry unless otherwise instructed. Depending on your procedure you may have some leakage or drainage during the first night so plan your clothes and sheets accordingly.
- The first week after surgery you must bathe/shower in such a way that you do not get any of your incisions wet unless otherwise instructed.
- Make sure to take it easy but also get up a move around some to keep from getting too stiff.
- For some procedures, generally those from the waist up, you may want to have some extra pillows to assist in elevating your head slightly for the first few nights after your surgery.
- You may drive two days after your procedure as long as you are off your pain medicine and do not feel any pain with it because you may need to react quickly.
- All surgeries involve some scarring which can take several months to fade. You must be very careful in the sun and wear a good sunscreen at all times. For facial surgery it also may be necessary to wear a hat and sunlight can even reach scars under a bathing suit and some clothing so please apply your sunscreen to all areas.
- Most patients can return to work within a few days to a week after surgery but it will be closer to 2-4 weeks before you can return to your workout routine. Dr. Platis will give you specific instructions based on your procedure and how you are healing.
- Hot tub should be avoided for at least four weeks after surgery. In the case of tummy tuck surgery possibly longer.
There is never any reason to worry or wonder if some part of your healing is “normal” just call us so we can make sure your recovery is as comfortable as possible.
