| Preoperative Instructions » Preoperative Instructions: Laser Rejuvenation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Please read these instructions several times and make sure all of your questions are answered prior to surgery.
Prepare Skin
To prepare your skin for proper healing, start your skin conditioning program using your skin care products as directed. Also take a multivitamin with minerals. AVOID Vitamin E, garlic pills, aspirin, gingko, and fish oil pills. Stop Smoking
Stop smoking at least two weeks in advance, and don't resume for a month or more after surgery because it interferes with healing and cause scaring. Medications
You will be given prescriptions for an antiviral medication (to prevent a herpes viral infection), an antibiotic (to prevent a bacterial infection), a Medrol DosePak (to limit swelling) and two pain relievers. The antiviral medication should be started the day before surgery and will help prevent fever blisters (herpes). The pain prescriptions will include a medication for moderate pain and one for severe pain. You may find that one works better than the other based on your physiology or personal preference. Take the pain medication as prescribed.
The following is a list of common medications which should be avoided: Aleve, Advil, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Anahist, Anaprox, APC, Aspirin, BC, Bromo-Quinine, Bromo-Seltzer, Bufferin, Coricidin, Darvon, Dristan, Ecotrin, Empirin, Excedrin, Feldene, 4-Way Cold Tablets, Ibuprofen, Indocin, Liquiprin, Midol, Motrin, Naprosyn, Nuprin, Pepto-Bismol, Sal-Sayne, Stanback, Theracin, Tolectin, Trigesic Common Herbal Products: How They Can Affect Your Surgery
Escort Arrange for someone to accompany you to our office. We will review the postoperative instructions with them based on your needs. Someone should remain with you during the first 12-24 hours to assist you with medications, suture care, ice applications and bathroom needs. That person should read and be familiar with the postoperative instruction information given to you at your pre-surgery office visit. Hormones
If you are taking birth control pills or estrogen, it may be helpful to discontinue for one month before surgery and not resumed for at least a month after surgery. Discuss this with Dr. McBride. You should consult your family physician or gynecologist for alternate birth control modalities. Makeup
Your skin needs to be completely free of makeup before surgery, so do not use any makeup the day of surgery. Antibiotic wash
The face, neck and hair should be washed with antibacterial soap (such as Hibiclens or Cetaphil) the night before, and the morning of surgery. Driving
You must have someone drive you to the office and take you home. Because of the sedation you will not be able to drive yourself. Diet
You must not have anything to eat or drink after midnight on the night prior to surgery. If you need to take medications, you may have just enough water to swallow the pill. Before surgery, purchase the following items
· Vaseline ointment, medium jar
· Benadryl 25mg capsules - to take after surgery for itching and to help you sleep.
· Cetaphil or other antibacterial liquid soap - to wash your face prior to surgery
· Antiviral medication, Start taking the day before surgery.
· Antibiotic (prescription) Start taking when you get home after surgery.
· Pain medications (prescription) Start taking when you get home from surgery if needed.
· Cotton pads (like those used to remove makeup), 3 packages
. Small bottle of white vinegarHave your medications and a pitcher of water at bedside so it will be easy to take them. Put some cans of protein drinks in the refrigerator for simple no-cook meals after surgery. Read Home Care Instruction Brochure Read the home care instructions pamphlet several times prior to your surgery. The more familiar you are with your home care needs, the easier your recovery will be. Night Before Surgery Do not have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before surgery. You may take necessary medications with a very small amount of water. Remove all remnants of makeup and wash your face, hair and surgical sites with antibacterial soap before you go to bed on the evening before surgery. Reduction of skin bacteria will decrease the risk of infection. Day of Surgery Again, remove all remnants of makeup and wash your face, hair and surgical sites with antibacterial soap on the morning of surgery. Wear loose fitting clothing. Your top should button or zip up the front. Do not wear a pullover top, it may be difficult to put on after surgery. Slip-on shoes are more convenient and comfortable. |