Preparing For Your Procedure

“Success depends upon previous preparation…”

Confucius

Planning for elective surgery can seem overwhelming at times. Our primary goal is to make sure you are fully prepared for surgery. You will receive a very specific set of guidelines prior to your pre-operative visit to help you adequately prepare ahead of time. Your nurse will go over all the instructions with you and your loved ones, and you’ll receive a copy to have at home. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What medications do I need to stop taking? 

2 weeks prior to surgery you are to stop taking Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen. If you take a prescription blood thinner, your primary care physician will make recommendations.

Do I have to stop smoking?

YES! Smoking cessation is vital to proper healing. You must stop smoking 2 weeks prior to surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. It is a great time to break the habit for life.

What about alcohol?

Alcohol can thin your blood and increase your chance of bruising and bleeding. We ask that you refrain from alcohol 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your surgery.

Will I need a nurse to care for me?

You will need a caregiver that can safely drive you home and get you settled. An adult will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours to assist you with medications, dressings, and drains. Often, the caregiver is awake through the night. We strongly recommend nursing care for the first night. This prevents caregiver burn out. We have professional as well as personal experience with a number of agencies and are happy to make a referral.

How do I reach Dr. Prysi after hours?

Anytime there is a question or concern, call the office. After hours, over the weekend, or on holidays, the office number is answered by the answering service. Let them know you need to speak with Dr. Prysi and they will forward your message to him.

Should I make changes to my skin care routine before surgery?

Quality skin care is important before and after your surgery. You should use a Clarisonic brush every day with the cleanser of your choice. Stop all cleansers that have glycolic, salicylic or exfoliating properties 1 week before your surgery. Stop any Retin A or retinol products 1 week before surgery. Avoid sun and wind exposure. Apply TNS Recovery Complex twice daily to build collagen. Sunscreen EVERY day; SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 prior to planned outdoor activity. Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides UVA, UVB and infrared protection.

There will be ample opportunity for you to meet with the nursing staff to have your questions answered.

We believe the better prepared you are for surgery, the better your outcome will be.  We look forward to working with you to maximize your surgical result.

 

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