PRE- AND POST-OP GUIDELINES

Pre-Op

General Pre-Operative Instructions

Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (call us for a list of OTC medications to avoid).
If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 2 weeks pre-op (and anticipate no smoking during recovery).
Make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from the operation.
Arrange for someone to care for you the first 24 – 72 hours after surgery.
Fill prescriptions (especially pain medications and antibiotics) before surgery.
Set up a comfortable home recovery area.
Prepare ice packs to reduce post-op swelling.
Use moisturizers, scar reducing creams, and petroleum jelly for incisions.
Have laxatives on hand (pain medications are often binding).
Purchase eye drops (after any surgery, eyes can be dry).
On the day of surgery, wear loose clothing that will be easy to get off and on after the operation.
Follow Dr. Sessions’s directions carefully regarding medications, eating, and drinking, etc.

General Post-Operative Instructions

Apply ice packs or compresses to minimize swelling.
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
Do not smoke or be exposed to secondary smoke during recovery.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Use a sunblock (minimum 15 SPF) to protect your skin.
Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments to reduce the possibility of complications.
Upon your first visit following surgery, bandages are usually removed.
Stitches that are not absorbable will be removed after 3 – 10 days.
You can expect to return to work between 3 days to 3 weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure.
Purchase eye drops (after any surgery, eyes can be dry).
Exercise: 2 weeks after facial surgery, 4 weeks after body work.

You will receive thorough instructions specific to your cosmetic procedure from Dr. Sessions.