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Pre- and Post-Plastic Surgery Guide Reno, NV

Pre- and Post-Plastic Surgery Guide

When undergoing plastic surgery, patients can do their part to help achieve the best possible results. At Avance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dayan and our team will do our best to create the desired results for your procedure, but we depend on you to follow the pre- and post-surgery recommendations. We have put together a general guide to prepare you for your plastic surgery procedure and our recommendations for post-surgery care. This is meant to give you the tools to help improve your results and reduce any risks for a faster recovery.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Beginning three weeks before your scheduled plastic surgery, you will want to start preparing for your procedure. This includes completing necessary doctor appointments, lab work and financing for your surgery, as well as preparing your body and home. Please review the following preparation checklists to ensure you know what to expect in the weeks before your procedure.

Three Weeks Prior to Surgery

At three weeks before your surgery, you should be ready to begin the final preparation for your procedure. This is when you need to get your final medical clearance for surgery and begin restricting certain activities to prepare for your procedure.

  • See your primary care physician. We will instruct you on what lab tests are needed to medically clear you for surgery. We will need the lab results and confirmation of your physical and clearance from your primary care physician and specialists two weeks before your surgery.
  • Talk to your insurance company. If your procedure is covered by insurance, make sure final approval is secured.
  • Payments. Call our office to make payments for your procedure. Your surgery could be canceled if payment is not received.
  • Stop smoking. It is vital to quit smoking three weeks or longer before your surgery.
  • Limit or quit consuming alcohol. If you drink alcohol, abstaining from or limiting consumption is highly recommended three weeks before surgery to decrease health risks and improve healing.
  • Take a pregnancy test. Women will want to ensure they are not pregnant and use birth control to prevent pregnancy before surgery.
  • Abstain from tanning. Stop sunbathing, tanning products or using tanning beds three weeks prior to surgery.
  • Limit facial treatments. If you are having facial plastic surgery, avoid facials and facial cosmetic treatments for the weeks prior to surgery.

One Week Before Surgery

In the week prior to your procedure, you want to ensure you are prepared for surgery. This means taking care of your personal needs to allow you to rest and recover after your procedure. Pay bills, get your hair/nails done, clean the house, arrange for pet/child care, prepare post-surgery meals and arrange for transportation home after your surgery. You will also want to prepare for your at-home care. Some items you will want to have on hand post-surgery include:

  • Chapstick, throat lozenges, eye drops and throat spray
  • Skin moisturizer and sunblock
  • Baby shampoo and a shower cap (for facial or scalp surgery)
  • Heating pad
  • Tylenol, milk of magnesia and a laxative or Metamucil
  • No-spill cups

Three Days Before Surgery

In the final 72 hours, you will want to quit drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages. You should wash your entire body with an antibacterial soap in the days before surgery. For patients having breast surgery, do not shave the armpits three days prior. Facial plastic surgery patients should clean their ears and use wax removal products.

One Day Before Surgery

This is the final day to sign all consent forms and ensure you are ready for your procedure. No food should be consumed after midnight for those having morning surgery, but a light protein snack the night before is recommended. No food or beverages should be consumed within six hours of surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On the morning of your surgery, you should not be eating or drinking. You should take your regular medications, but only with a sip of water. Recommendations include:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing
  • Bring contact, glasses or denture cases
  • Do not apply deodorant, moisturizer, makeup or anything else to the skin unless directed
  • Remove all jewelry and leave at home
  • Bring your medications with you for review at the surgical center
  • Do not use hairspray or other hair products

Home Post-Surgery Care

You will be well cared for at our surgical center after your procedure. Once you have recovered enough to go home, you will be released into the care of a relative or adult caregiver to ensure you get home safely. During the hours and days after surgery, you should be aware of any signs of complications, including:

  • Fever of 101 degrees
  • Vomiting – persistent episodes
  • Excessive bleeding that does not stop with 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Excessive swelling

First Day After Surgery

You will want to plan to rest and relax after your procedure. You should not be caring for others during this time, including pets. Post-surgery recommendations include:

  • Take Tylenol every four hours for managing inflammation and discomfort
  • Relax and sleep. When awake, move your feet and legs to encourage blood flow. Do not exert yourself during the first days after surgery
  • You may be dizzy or lightheaded – be careful getting up and down to avoid falls
  • Do not wash the surgical area – follow your post-op surgical site cleaning instructions
  • Remove compression garments for about 15 minutes every two hours when awake to allow for blood circulation
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially those with electrolytes added like Gatorade
  • Start with a clear fluid diet, such as broths and juices, and gradually add soft foods as tolerated

Two+ Days Post-Surgery Care

After the first day, follow the post-surgery care instructions provided by our care team at Avance Plastic Surgery. Keep up with fluids and nutrition to help your body heal and minimize exertion. Replace bandages as recommended and use the prescribed medications as instructed. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol for at least two weeks. Our team will discuss the best options for reducing scarring and caring for skin for the best recovery results.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pre or post-surgery preparation, please contact our team at Avance Plastic Surgery in Reno, NV.

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