If you
smoke – stop or
at the very least stop for at least two weeks prior the surgery and no
smoking during recovery. It is very important to listen to your surgeon
regarding his policies with smoking, as there is a potential risk of
increase complications.
Stop taking any and
all aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications. Your plastic surgeon
will provide you with a list of medications to stay away from. You can
view the
list here.
Your plastic surgeon
will give you a list of his policies or pre and post operative care. It is
very important you adhere to everything your surgeon has told you.
Make arrangements for
an adult to be with you for the first 24 – 72 hours after surgery.
Someone will need to
drive you to and from the surgery center.
Your plastic surgeon
will give you prescriptions to be filled for antibiotics, pain medication,
anti-nausea medication,
etc.) before surgery.
Ask your surgeon if
you can use Bromelain and Arnica Gel for swelling and bruising. Do not use
these without prior approval from your own plastic surgeon.
Clean your home or
have your home cleaned by a cleaning service.
Shop for recovery
food, such as jell-o, pudding, soup, yogurt, juice and or crackers and
(purchase flexible straws for easier drinking)
Ask
your surgeon about low sodium foods to help reduce swelling.
Prepare and freeze
meals for 2 weeks.
Make sure you have
enough pillows, magazines, books, videos or dvds, television, remote
control, laptop computer, wet wipes, video games, to help occupy your time
recovering.
If your room gets a
lot of sunlight during the day, make sure you have blinds or drapes to help
black out the room so you can sleep.
Have a whistle, bell,
intercom, or walkie-talkie so your spouse or family member can help you if
you need assistance.
Telephone with a
speaker near your bed.
Icepacks
– either prepare them ahead of time or you can buy packs of frozen fruit to
help reduce post operative swelling. Frozen fruit works better than
frozen vegetables, because the smell is not as bad when it is thawing out.
You will probably have
drains.
Purchase a “drain apron”
which will help support the drains so that they will
not tug on your incision area.
Thermometer
so you can check your temperature periodically during recovery. If you
are running a low grade fever after surgery, make sure you contact your
plastic surgeon immediately.
Mouthwash
Eye-drops
– your eyes might be dried out from having the surgery
Laxatives
– you will need to make sure you take these with your medication each day,
as narcotics can be constipating.
Hand-held shower head
and chair, incase you are too weak to stand up on your own.
Scar creams or
treatments. More than likely you will be advised against
putting anything on the incisions for 6 weeks or more. Ask your surgeon
when you can start scar therapy, as every plastic surgeon is different with
their instructions regarding this timeline.
Day of surgery wear
something comfortable and loose fitting, such as a running suit (with pull
on pants) or a button down shirt.
Most important
“Follow your surgeon’s directions”
regarding medication, eating and drinking. More than likely, your physician
will be calling and checking on you the night of surgery. If you feel you
need to talk to your physician at anytime, he will have an emergency on call
number for you to contact him.
