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.
Post-Op
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.