Getting Ready For Surgery

Our office has an outpatient surgical facility accredited by the Institute of Medical Quality of the California Medical Association. Our facility complies with California law AB 585 which regulates office based surgery.

The surgical procedure

Successful cosmetic or reconstructive surgery depends on a number of factors, some of which can be controlled and others that cannot. These variables include age, race, heredity, and individual tissue reaction. Our goal – like yours - is to achieve as much improvement in your appearance as possible.

You will receive instructions from us detailing your responsibilities for medical care before and after surgery. To achieve optimum results it is important that you follow these instructions very carefully.

Your consent

We can proceed with surgery only with your full cooperation and understanding. If you agree with our recommendations, you will be asked to sign a statement authorizing the discussed and recommended treatment. It is important to read the consent form carefully. Ask any questions prior to signing for surgery. Your signed consent is an agreement to proceed.

Preparing for surgery

The steps you take to prepare for surgery will depend somewhat on the procedure you will be undergoing. However, the following are a few general rules:

Two weeks before surgery

  • Now is the perfect time to quit smoking for good. Among other problems, it delays healing. Even if you cannot quit permanently, stop at least two weeks prior.
  • Cease taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products which may cause bleeding during surgery. Stop taking cousin drugs to aspirin such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve which have similar effects. You may take Tylenol without limitation.
  • Red wine may promote bleeding and should be avoided.
  • Begin taking Vitamin C to promote healing.

One week before surgery

See your medical doctor and have any required lab work performed five to seven days before surgery. Contact our office immediately if you develop any signs of infection.

The night before surgery

Go to bed at your usual hour. Do not eat or drink after midnight unless we have told you otherwise. You may, however, take your usual medications with a small sip of water in the morning.

After surgery

Be certain that you have a ride home after surgery. You will not be permitted to drive. We prefer that someone stay with you until the morning following surgery.

Questions

Contact our office for more information at (650) 964-9600

Drugs to avoid preoperatively

Aspirin and its cousin drugs may be beneficial in treating arthritis, heart disease, and pain. However, even one baby aspirin can encourage bleeding that interferes with surgery. Stop these drugs at least 10 days before your operation. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Commonly Found Products to Avoid: Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Bufferin, Nuprin, Naprosyn, Naproxyn, Pepto-Bismol, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Anacin, Ecotrin, Aleve, Excedrin, Ibuprofen. Speak with us if you are taking Plavix, Coumadin or Warfarin.