Pre-Op Instructions for Plastic Surgery
Several Weeks Before Surgery
- Arrange for a companion to drive you to and from your surgery. This person should also help you settle in at home and ensure you take your medications.
Two Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop taking Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve (Naproxen), or other NSAIDs. Also discontinue all herbal medications, vitamins, diet pills, and alcohol. Use Tylenol instead of Advil for headaches or cramps.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun and prevent sunburn.
One Week Before Surgery
- Notify us if you develop a cough, fever, or any other illness, or if you notice any skin changes or infections. Do not take over-the-counter medications without consulting us.
- Collect your medications from the pharmacy. Also pick up the recommended Hibiclens soap and low-compression, above-the-knee ted-hose.
Two Days Before Surgery
- Wash your body thoroughly with Hibiclens soap to minimize infection risk. Shave or remove hair around your surgery site.
- Maintain a light diet to avoid bloating.
Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight. If you have high blood pressure medication, take it with a sip of water on the morning of surgery.
Day of Surgery
- Do not use makeup, creams, lotions, hair gels, sprays, perfumes, powder, or deodorant on your skin, hair, or face.
- Leave all valuables or jewelry at home.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.