Preparing for Plastic Surgery
- Don’t plan on doing anything taxing for a week because you may become tired and want to close your eyes sooner than you normally do. You may find that watching TV is also a strain. You may also experience some facial pain during the first couple of days.
- You can count on some bruising, swelling, and being tired. You can count on some discomfort for the first couple of days, but if you don’t have that, what a nice surprise!
- Make sure you have a positive companion taking care of you for the first few days following your surgery. Dr. Howard requires his patients to not be alone for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Make sure your caretaker is someone who will be supportive of your decision to have cosmetic surgery. The emotional stages patients experience following surgery affects the caretaker too.
- Dr. Howard requires his patients stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to facial surgery. Tobacco replacement products should be finish two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery date as well due to the nicotine in these products being equivalent to the nicotine in tobacco. For more information about Smoking & Plastic Surgery, read Dr. Howard's Blog.
- Dr. Howard recommends his patients consider a daily vitamin regimen prior to surgery. Patients may purchase a vitamin regimen appropriate for them at the Wellness Medical Pharmacy next door to Dr. Howard’ office, or, if you prefer a liquid vitamin regimen you may order “Nutrition” from Genesis Pure. Do not take additional Vitamin E products other than the recommended daily allowance. Large doses of Vitamin E prior to surgical procedures has been proven to actually inhibit the body’s ability to heal.
- In conjunction with daily vitamins, Dr. Howard strongly recommends the use of two herbal supplements that help reduce bruising and swelling: Bromelain and Arnica. These products can be purchased from the Wellness Medical Pharmacy. Do plan to have plenty of food that will be easy for you and your caretaker to prepare. Extra movies and books on tape have been very popular with previous patients.
- Two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery date, you need to make sure you avoid medications that contain aspirin.
- If you have any specific health concerns, you should consult with your family medical doctor before having any surgical procedure.
The following is a detailed listing of aspirin containing medications to avoid prior to surgery:
4-Way Cold Tabs |
5-Aminosalicylic Acid |
Acetilsalicylic Acid Amigesic Argesic-SA Arthritis Foundation Products Arthropan Ascriptin Products Axotal B-A-C BC Powder Bufferin Products Butal/ASA/CAFF Carisoprodol Compound Choline Salicylate Cortisone Medications Darvon/ASA Doan’s Products Duragesic Empirin Products Fiorgen PF Genprin Halfprin Products Lanorinal Magnaprin Products Marnal Mesalamine Mobidin Mono-Gesic Norwich Products Oxycodone Pain Reliever Tabs Pepto-Bismol Pink Bismuth Rowasa Salflex Salsitab Sinutab Soma Compound Supac Talwin Trilisate Ursinus-Inlay Willow Bark Products |
Ibuprofen Medications to Avoid Two Weeks Prior to Scheduled Surgery Date:
4-Way w/ Codeine |
A.C.A. |
A-A Compound |
Other Medications to Avoid Two Weeks Prior to Scheduled Surgery Date:
4-Way w/ Codeine |
A.C.A. |
A-A Compound |
If you are taking any medications listed above, they should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery and only Tylenol should be taken for pain. All other medications that your are currently taking must be specifically cleared by your doctor prior to surgery. It is absolutely necessary that all of your current medications be specifically cleared by your doctor and the nursing staff.
Please Contact Dr. Howard's Nurse, Mona Leith if you have any questions prior to your surgery date.
205-871-3361
205-877-PAUL
800-734-LIPO
Mona@paulhowardmd.com
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