Pre-Op Instructions
Week Before Surgery
You will need to pre-register for your surgery at the surgical register. Please bring the paperwork with you to the facility when you register. Any pre-op labs will be done at this time. You do not have to fast before your blood work. The pre-op nurse from the hospital/facility will give you further instructions for the day of surgery. Do NOT Take Aspirin, Vitamin E or blood thinners (See attached list for other medications to avoid before surgery) for one week before surgery. These medications cause the blood to thin and this could cause bleeding complications during surgery. Bring all of your home medications with you when you preregister. The pre-op nurse from the hospital/facility will instruct you on which medications can be taken the morning of surgery.
Day Before Surgery
Please note that the hospital or facility makes the surgery schedule and the order of cases. In general, cases are placed in age order. The hospital or facility will let you know what time they want you to arrive prior to surgery.
Evening Before Surgery
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK anything after midnight (including water, coffee, juice, chewing gum, medication or breath mints). An outpatient nurse from the hospital/facility will call you prior to the date of your surgery to inform you of what time you will need to be at the hospital.
Things To Remember For Children
Remove all baby bottles from the crib at night. Inform all family members that the child should not be given anything by mouth after midnight for surgery the next day. If appropriate for the
Cosmetic Surgery Post-Op Instructions
Any operation is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues. The amount varies from person to person, but it always seems more prominent in the face. Swelling may be more noticeable after the first post-operative day. It may be more pronounced along the jaw line, and is generally most noticeable in the morning after you first wake up. This swelling is normal. It is not serious and is to be expected after your surgery.
The main thing to remember is that swelling eventually subsides. You can help decrease the swelling in the following ways:
- Sit, stand, and walk as much as you can after you leave the hospital. Staying in an upright position can decrease the tendency for swelling.
- It is always a good idea not to use your back when lifting heavy objects. For at least a week after surgery, bend at your knees.
