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Preparing for Surgery

Home / Patient Resources / Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Preparing For Your Procedure

  • Consultation: Discuss goals, expectations, and risks with your doctor.
  • Medical History: Disclose all medications, supplements, and medical conditions.
  • Stop Smoking (if applicable): Quitting well in advance improves healing.
  • Lab Tests (if required): Complete any blood tests or other tests your doctor requests.
  • Medications: Adjust or stop certain meds as directed by your doctor to avoid complications.
  • Fasting (if applicable): Follow instructions on food and drink restrictions before surgery.
  • Arrange Transportation: Plan for a ride home after surgery (anesthesia might be used).
  • Loose Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes after surgery.
  • Valuables: Leave valuables at home on the day of surgery.
  • Questions: Prepare any questions you have for your doctor or nurses.
 

Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack For The Hospital or Plastic Surgery Recovery Center

Essentials:

  • ID, insurance card, and registration forms (if not already submitted)
  • Payment method (credit card or cash) for any copays or unforeseen charges
  • Medications in their original containers (with doctor’s approval)

Comfort Items:

  • Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for going home (button-down shirts, sweatpants, zip-up sweatshirts)
  • Fresh underwear and socks
  • Robe or dressing gown
  • Slippers with good grip
  • Phone and charger
  • Entertainment (books, magazines, headphones)

Toiletries:

  • Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Lip balm (helps prevent dryness)
  • Deodorant (avoid strong scents if applicable)
  • Basic makeup (optional)

Optional Items:

  • Eye mask and ear plugs for better sleep
  • Neck pillow for comfort
  • Pain medication (if not provided by the facility)
  • Water bottle (easy to sip from)
  • Healthy snacks (granola bars, crackers)
  • Cash for vending machines or gratuities (optional)

How Do I Prepare For My Aesthetic Procedure?

Pre-Consultation:

  • Research Procedures: Gain a basic understanding of procedures that address your concerns.

Consultation:

  • Choose a Qualified Professional: Opt for a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience in your desired procedure.
  • Discuss Goals and Concerns: Be open and honest about what you want to achieve and any anxieties you have.
  • Medical History Disclosure: Reveal your medical history, including medications and supplements you take.
  • Realistic Expectations: Discuss realistic expectations for the outcome and potential risks involved.

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

  • Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Meticulously follow any pre-operative instructions like stopping certain medications, adjusting your diet, or avoiding blood thinners.
  • Lab Tests or Imaging (if required): Complete any blood work, x-rays, or other tests your doctor requests.
  • Fasting (if applicable): Follow specific instructions regarding food and drink restrictions before surgery (if applicable).
  • Arrange Transportation: Plan for a ride home after the procedure, as anesthesia might be used.
  • Prepare Your Home (optional): Consider stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals and comfortable pillows for recovery.

The Day Before or Of (Depending on Clinic):

  • Wear Loose Clothing: Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t irritate the treatment area after the procedure.
  • Shower or Shave (if instructed): Follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding showering or shaving the treatment area.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Certain Substances: Refrain from alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24-48 hours before the procedure, as they can hinder healing.
  • Valuables: Leave valuables at home on the day of surgery.
  • Questions: Prepare any questions you have for your doctor or nurses.

Preparing For Your Aesthetic Procedure & Recovery Checklist

Day Before/Of Procedure:

  • Wear Loose Clothing: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for after the procedure.
  • Shower or Shave (if instructed): Follow specific instructions for showering or shaving the treatment area.
  • Avoid Alcohol/Substances: Refrain from alcohol or recreational drugs for 24-48 hours beforehand.
  • Valuables: Leave valuables at home.
  • Questions: Prepare any questions for your doctor or nurses.

What to Pack:

  • Essentials: ID, insurance card, registration forms (if not submitted), payment method.
  • Comfort Items: Loose-fitting clothes, fresh underwear/socks, robe, slippers, phone/charger, entertainment (books, etc.).
  • Toiletries: Travel-sized toiletries, lip balm, deodorant (avoid strong scents), basic makeup (optional).
  • Optional Items: Eye mask, ear plugs, pain medication (if not provided), water bottle, healthy snacks, cash (for vending machines or gratuities).

What Can I Expect The Day Of My Procedure?

Arrival and Pre-Procedure:

  • Check-in: Complete any necessary paperwork or registration processes upon arrival.
  • Changing Area: You might be provided with a gown, cap, and shoe covers to change into.
  • Medical History Verification: A nurse or doctor might review your medical history and confirm details about the procedure.
  • Anesthesia Consultation (if applicable): If anesthesia is used, an anesthesiologist will discuss the plan and answer any questions you have.
  • IV Insertion: An intravenous (IV) line might be inserted in your arm for delivering fluids and medication during the procedure.

The Procedure:

  • The doctor will perform the procedure as planned and discussed during your consultation.
  • Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity, local anesthesia (numbing the treatment area), sedation, or general anesthesia (causing sleep) might be used.
  • Monitoring: Your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure.

Post-Procedure:

  • Recovery Area: After the procedure, you’ll be transferred to a recovery area for monitoring until the anesthesia wears off and your condition is stable.
  • Pain Management: Medication will be administered to manage any pain or discomfort.
  • Discharge Instructions: The doctor or nurse will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, medication use, and follow-up appointments.

Leaving the Facility:

  • Recovery Support: You’ll likely need someone to drive you home after the procedure due to the effects of anesthesia.
  • Plan for Rest and Recuperation: Focus on getting plenty of rest and following your doctor’s recovery instructions upon returning home.

Source: Information adapted from theaestheticsociety.org