What to do before and after surgery?
When someone is planning to undergo an important cosmetic procedure, the process of preparation is as important as the postsurgical care. Dr. Castillo Yermenos wants you to achieve the best results and for you to have the most comfortable recovery possible. To follow all the preparation and the postop instructions will minimize the risk to suffer complications and will guarantee that you recovery will be smooth. Below, you will find detailed instructions about how to plan your next surgery.
PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS
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Avoid smoking and second hand smoke one month before the surgery.
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Don’t take aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen or any other NSAID 2 weeks before the surgery.
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Do not take a multivitamin, Gingko-bilova, vitamin C or D 2 weeks before the surgery.
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Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills 6 weeks before the surgery.
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Inform your doctor if you suffer from allergies or any other diseases.
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Find the person that will accompany you the day of your surgery. He or she must be an adult that can assist you in any situation.
DAY OF THE SURGERY
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Do not ingest any solid foods 8 hours before a surgery with general anesthesia or sedation. Some liquids may be consumed 4 to 6 hours before the surgery in some cases, but only with the approval of the anesthesiologist.
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If the surgery is performed with local anesthesia, consume soft foods, avoid eating dairy or grains. Fasting is not necessary.
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Do not apply any type of lotions on the skin.
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Take your medication for any pre-existing diseases, like blood pressure medication, but with little water.
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Attend with your adult companion to the surgery. He or she may stay in the clinic during the entire procedure.
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Wear comfortable clothes, easy to change and store in a locker. Don’t wear high heels or jeans.
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Take a shower with chlorhexidine soap the day of your surgery. This soap should not get in contact with your face or eyes and it should not be used for washing your genitals or mucosae. This applies only for body surgeries, not for face surgeries.
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
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The use of antibiotics during and after the surgery is mandatory. This prevents unwanted infections.
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Avoid the ingestión of alcoholic beverages during recovery and rest in order to avoid unwanted complications.
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The patient must wear surgical compression belt for as long as the doctor says. This will help in the recovery of the patient.
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The time of recovery will depend on the surgical procedure performed. This time may vary between 20 and 30 days. All this depends on the procedures performed, the evolution and how the patient takes care.
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Go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be long or strenuous one but don’t stay in bed.
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Have a soft, nutritious and healty diet. Drink plenty of liquids.
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Patients who undergo liposuction or an abdominoplasty: the lymphatic drainages are mandatory. At least 5 sessions. This will help with the swelling caused by the procedure.