Planning for Surgery
There are many factors to consider when planning your next cosmetic procedure. To move forward with a cosmetic procedure you must be generally in good health. All procedures require a pre-op, general lab work, and clearance from a primary physician and/or any specialist providing patient care.
Plan Adequate Healing Time
Healing time varies by patient as well as procedure. It is better to plan for more downtime than less, as stress and anxiety can actually inhibit the healing process. We typically tell our patients they need a week of downtime and two weeks if they don’t want anyone to know they have had a procedure. A week of “downtime” doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything just that you may not want to be in public for at least a week.
Arrangement of Transportation To and From Surgery
Any procedure that requires sedation requires planned transportation. For safety reasons patients may not drive themselves. Many times patients are able to find a friend or family member to drive them the day their procedure. We can also provide you with transportation services if needed.
Medications to Avoid Pre-or Post-Surgery
It is essential that you disclose a full list of the medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you may have, failure to do so puts your safety as risk. Smokers are required to stop 1 month prior to surgery.
The following is a list of items to avoid two weeks before and after surgery:
- No aspirin-containing products
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
- Vitamin E
Arnica Montana is a remedy to reduce bruising and encourage quick healing. This is available at our office for purchase.
Skin Care Regimen
Patients often overlook the importance of skincare. It is a great way to prep the skin prior to treatment and should be used to prevent and maintain results after a procedure. We offer complimentary consultations with our medical esthetician to provide recommendations that fit your personal needs.
Consider Post-Op Care Options
If you feel that you may need a little extra help after your surgery we can help you arrange that service. Patients who have little to no help often find comfort in having an RN help with the first few days post-surgery. The following service will provide you will extra help after your surgery:
Visiting Angels | 913.912.1260
What to Expect at Your Pre-Op
A pre-op appointment is conducted one to four weeks prior to your procedure. Patients who require special clearance need to have completed their pre-op four weeks prior to their procedure.
Your pre-op visit is necessary to confirm and review scheduled procedures. Any changes in procedures need to be determined during this visit. This appointment will give you the opportunity to have any additional questions you may have answered.
During this appointment you can expect the following:
- Review of scheduled procedures
- Pre-and post-care instructions
- Competition of consents
- Review of prescribed medications for the procedure
- Lab work request to take with you (labs are not performed at our office)
- Clearance letter/request to take to your Primary Care Physician
- A take-home bag of items needed for pre-and post-surgery care
- Scheduling of post-op visits
Post-Surgery Care Tips – Cosmetic Procedures
How to Reduce Swelling
- No bending forward for one week post-surgery.
- Use cold compresses up to five days post-surgery as needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Sleep elevated up to five days post-surgery.
How to Reduce Bruising
- No aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or omega-3 post surgery. Tylenol is ok.
- Arnica can be taken orally pre-post-surgery as well as topically applied.
Take Medications as Directed
Antibiotic should be taken as directed and finished to minimize the risk of infection. Pain medication is prescribed as well and taken as needed for pain management.
Communication With Us
It is important to come to all of your scheduled post-op visits to for us to clean the incisions, remove sutures, and monitor your healing. If for any reason, you a experiencing any concerning symptoms or serve pain it is imperative that you contact us immediately. Our staff can speak with you to help determine the best course of action.
How to Reduce Scarring and Promote Healing
- Avoid sun exposure to scars for 6-12 months post-surgery.
- Apply sunscreen and wear hats when outside.
- High quality skincare is an investment worth making as it will improve and maintain the results you have achieved though cosmetic procedures.
Resuming Exercise
Activity should be carefully and slowly resumed post procedure. More complex surgeries require more time before you can resume normal physical activity. Heavy exercise can compromise your healing and results if resumed too quickly.
A good rule to follow is the 2-4-6 Rule: At two weeks you may resume non-strenuous walks on flat surfaces. At four weeks you may resume light cardiovascular exercise, no weight training. Start light and work your way up. At six weeks you can resume all usual physical activities.
