Before the Surgery

• It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is also true for breastfeeding.
• Drug prescriptions will be given prior to the procedure. In this way, the patient can pick them up at the pharmacy a few days before the surgery. This will enable the patient to rest when she returns home.
• It is essential to tell your doctor if you use tobacco of any form (cigarette, patch, gum, etc.). Stopping tobacco use may be indicated before the surgery in order to minimize the risks of complications.
• Alcohol must be avoided before the surgery since it can amplify the effect of pain medications prescribed when the patient returns home. Alcohol use also significantly increases the risk of bleeding.
• Depending on the procedure, the patient may be asked to discontinue blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) one week (7 days) before the surgery. These include all aspirin (ASA) derivatives and anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, etc.). Discontinuation of other anticoagulants will be discussed with the referring physician and the plastic surgeon. The patient will be told when to start taking these medications again.
• Hormone replacement therapy may have to be discontinued one month prior to the surgery and for two weeks after, to avoid any risk associated with coagulation problems. If this is the case, discontinuation will be required during the consultation.
• Any natural product used must be mentioned. These products can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anesthesia medications, and some must be avoided prior to the surgery. The main products to be avoided include garlic (as well as any garlic product), ginkgo biloba, ginseng, ginger, and St. John’s Wort.
• Some laboratory tests may be requested before the surgery to ensure that the procedure carried out is completely safe. If this is the case, the patient will be advised during the consultation.
• If possible, it is recommended not to schedule a surgery during menstrual periods, especially for liposuction, abdominal, and thigh surgeries.
• The patient should take a shower and wash her hair on the morning of the procedure. Creams and makeup must be avoided.
• Depending on the type of procedure, assistance is necessary when the patient returns home and in the days following surgery. These details will be discussed with the physician. To speed up the recovery, clothes, meals, and comfort items will be needed when the patient returns home.
• Dressings will be applied before leaving the operating room. Instructions on dressing maintenance will be given when the patient is discharged.
• The doctor will decide when to start taking a shower or a bath again. Taking a bath is usually prohibited after skin incisions for a few weeks or until all wounds are healed. Showers are usually allowed three days after the surgery, unless drainage tubes are in place.
• The issue of driving will be addressed. A certain level of pain is to be expected after any surgical procedure. This can result in shorter reaction time and potential risks for the patient and others.
• Any scar must be protected from ultraviolet radiation, e. g. from the sun or tanning devices, for a period of 6 months to 1 year. The purpose of this is to avoid a reaction resulting in scars that look darker than usual. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, sunscreen needs to be applied regularly.