Before The Operation
Preparing for surgery.
When considering any type of surgery, it is important to optimize all factors and conditions that could affect the outcome of your operation.
We will ask you to answer a detailed medical questionnaire, which you should fill in truthfully and completely. Please do not try to hide anything, even if you consider it irrelevant. Even little things can have a profound effect on your outcome.
When you have anything more than a local anaesthetic, we will require preoperative investigations such as blood tests, x-rays or electrocardiograms. Testing is usually performed on the day of your procedure, but, depending on your state of health, your previous medical history and the type of procedure you wish to have, we may ask you to have these investigations performed in advance.
If you are taking either prescribed or non-prescribed medications (over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, homeopathic medications and supplements), it is important for you to let us know so that we can give you specific instructions for each of your medicines.
If you are taking any anticoagulants or blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin), Persantine (Dipyridamole), Plavix etc, it is very important that you let us know. You will probably need to stop taking these a few days before your procedure, and have them replaced with something else.
Two months before surgery.
- If you are taking birth control pills or postmenopausal hormone supplements (hormone replacement therapy - HRT), it is very important that you let us know. Patients who are on birth control pills or on HRTs have a higher risk of developing blood clots in their leg veins. Depending on the type of procedure you wish to have and the presence of other risk factors, you may be required to stop taking them.
- If you are suffering from thyroid disease, you will need to test your thyroid function, by having a blood test to assess your thyroid levels. An untreated underactive thyroid can lead to difficulties with wound healing, while an untreated overacting thyroid could be tipped off balance by surgery.
One month before surgery.
- QUIT SMOKING and avoid all second-hand smoke. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause significant complications during healing. You will also have to refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Two weeks before surgery.
- STOP TAKING any Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren, Voltarol, Excedrin, Anadin, Anacin, Advil or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications interfere with normal blood clotting and may cause bleeding during and after your surgery. If you have to take something for pain relief, consider taking plain paracetamol or ask your surgeon.
- Discontinue ALL herbal remedies and medications, ALL homeopathic medications, ALL vitamins (especially Vit. E, except Vit. C), ALL supplements and ALL diet pills, unless you have been otherwise instructed. These may again interfere with your normal blood clotting or otherwise complicate your surgery.
- Stop excessive use of alcoholic beverages, as they can thin your blood and cause bleeding and bruising.
- START TAKING 500mg of Vitamin C once or twice a day. Vitamin C promotes healing and is a free-radical scavenger.
One week before surgery.
- Stop taking any garlic tablets. Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Stop taking St. John's wort. St. John's wort may diminish the effects of several drugs by induction of cytochrome p450 enzymes in the liver.
- Stop taking any supplements that contain ginseng. Ginseng lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Report any signs of cold, infection, boils, pustules, fever or rash.
- Do not take any cough, cold or other over-the-counter medications without permission.
- Get proper nutrition and rest. Do not stay up late or work long hours.
Three days before surgery.
- Stop taking any ginkgo tablets. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Stop using all skin creams if you are having facial surgery. You may still use cleansers.
- Stop exercising.
The day before surgery.
- Shower and wash and condition your hair as usual. Do not use hair spray, hair gel, or mousse.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Do not chew gum or eat candy. You may have small sips of water during the night.
The morning of your surgery.
- If you are taking steroids, such as Prednisone, on the morning of your procedure continue to take your usual dosage with a small sip of water.
- If you are raking heart and blood pressure medications, on the morning of your procedure continue to take them as directed with a sip of water.
- If you are taking thyroid tablets, on the morning of your procedure continue to take your usual dosage with a small sip of water.
- If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, do not take your insulin on the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed. If you are taking pills to treat your diabetes do not take them on the morning of your surgery unless otherwise instructed.
- Shower on the morning of your surgery. You may brush your teeth, but be careful not to swallow any water or mouthwash.
- Do not eat or drink anything. Do not drink any coffee, not even water.
- Do not use makeup, creams, lotions, hair gels, sprays, perfumes, powder, or deodorant on your skin, hair, or face.
- Do not wear contact lenses to surgery. Wear your glasses and bring their case with you.
- Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you to the hospital.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- If you are having facial surgery, bring a scarf, sunglasses, or hooded sweatshirt to wear after your surgery.
- Make sure someone accompanies you to the hospital and stays with you during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
- Bring your passport or identification card with you.
