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Preparing For Your Surgery at the Georgia Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Augusta and Evans, Georgia

STARTING NOW (OR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED SURGERY):

• STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing.
• DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Such medications can cause bleeding problems during and after your surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
• LIMIT VITAMIN E: Limit your intake of Vitamin E to less than 400 units per day.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SURGERY:

• CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be home or available on your mobile phone, please call us to confirm at (706) 210-2625.
• PRESCRIPTIONS: Please have your prescriptions filled prior to your surgery date.
• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight. This includes water, hard candy and chewing gum.

THE MORNING OF SURGERY:

• SPECIAL INFORMATION: Do not eat or drink anything. If you do take a daily medication, you may take it with a small sip of water early in the morning.
• ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush you teeth, but do no swallow the water.
• MAKE-UP: Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions, or makeup.
• CLOTHING: Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF SURGERY

Since your surery is elective, you should have plenty of time to prepare physically and emotionally. However, this does not mean that you will not feel nervous or even a little scared before surgery. We have put together a few tips to help you prepare and feel more secure.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? To limit your wait time, we ask that you arrive at your scheduled surgery time.

SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING SPECIAL TO WEAR? Wear anything in which you are comfortable. A dark, button-down shirt works well. Sweat pants and slip-on shoes are also recommended. You will be given a gown, socks and robe to wear prior and during surgery.

WHAT ABOUT JEWELRY? Please leave all jewelry at home. If this is not possible, these items should be left with a friend or relative.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE MY SURGERY? We will walk with you into the operating room. Everyone in the operating room will be wearing uniforms, masks, and hats. Remember, everyone in the operating room is there for one purpose–to help you. The room is kept cool, so we will cover you with a blanket. Your IV will be started. During your surgery, your medications will be given through your IV. Electrocardiogram (EKG) sensors will be attached to your shoulders and side so that your heart rate and rhythm may be monitored. A small device is placed on your finger to monitor the oxygen saturation of your blood. A blood pressure cuff will be put on your arm. The cuff will squeeze your arm tightly, then let go at regular intervals. All of these devices will help Dr. Chen and your anesthesia team monitor you during surgery.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID AFTER SURGERY? Do not eat foods with high salt content for at least 48 hours before surgery and five days after surgery.

MEDICATIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• You have been given prescriptions for your comfort and care. It is important that you use the medications as directed unless you experience abnormal symptoms that might be related to medication useage.
• Symptoms such as itching, development of a rash, wheezing, and tightness in the throat may be due to an allergy. Should these symptoms occur, discontinue the medication and call our office.
• Female patients should keep in mind that birth control pills may be less effective or ineffective when taking certain antibiotics. We recommend that you consult with your primary care physician or gynecologist and use a secondary form of birth control until instructed otherwise.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have been prescribed the following medications:

Antiviral Medications: Begin taking your antiviral medication, either Valtrex or Acyclovir, as directed on the label on the day before your procedure until finished. This will help prevent a herpetic outbreak during your healing phase. (For laser patients)

Antibiotic Medications: Begin taking your antibiotic on the day of surgery as directed on the label until finished.

Pain Medication: Take your medication as directed on the label. If the medication is making you nauseated or if you feel it is too strong, you can switch to Tylenol. Avoid products containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Anacin, etc.)

POST-OPERATIVE DIET SUGGESTIONS:

• DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS: sodas, juices, Kool-Aid, tea; citrus juices may irritate your stomach
• Good nutritious food on the first 2-3 days are very important in the healing process. It is best to start with soft foods such as baked or mashed potatoes, jello or pudding, apple sauce, bananas, eggs, oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, soup
• NO SMOKING
• No diet foods, your body needs calories for proper healing
• No aspirin or aspirin-like products such as Motrin, Advil, Exedrin
• Avoid high salt foods
• Avoid foods that are too high in temperature
• Avoid large meals, start with small light meals. Slowly increase as tolerated.

For more information about preparing for a procedure contact The Georgia Center.

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