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Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Many magazines, books and particularly television tend to oversimplify and sensationalize plastic surgery. It is intricate surgery that should be performed by a highly skilled and trained surgeon after a thorough discussion and examination have been completed. It is important that our patients know Dr. Loutfy and his staff are here to assist you throughout your treatment; to make it a comfortable and positive experience.

Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing.

Take Vitamin C: Start taking 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily to promote healing.

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).

No vitamin E: No supplemental Vitamin E. Vitamin E contained in a brand name mutivitamin is acceptable. (30 units)

Fill your prescriptions: You will be given prescriptions for medications. Please have them filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you.

Confirm surgery time: We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be at home or at your office, please call us to confirm at (505) 299-4900.

Prescriptions: Make sure that you have filled the prescriptions you were given and set the medications out to bring with you tomorrow.

Cleansing: The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with Dial soap. Remove all make-up and mascara from your eyes.

Eating and drinking: Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to surgery – including water.

Special information: Do not eat or drink anything! If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning. *Diabetes: discuss with Dr. Loutfy.

Oral hygiene: You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.

Cleansing: Shower and wash the surgical areas again with Dial soap.

Make-up: Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions, or makeup.

Clothing: Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you.

You should plan to arrive 90 minutes earlier than your scheduled surgery time. Patients less than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

* “Preparing for Sugery” information provided by Inform Solutions, Inc.