Preoperative Preparation
List of Medications and
Supplements to Avoid
- Avoid medications which can thin the blood (blood thinners). To ensure the least possible “black and blue” discoloration following the operation, do not take any of the medications 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Avoid herbal medications which can thin blood.
- Alcohol is a potent blood vessel dilator and, in the post-operative condition, can promote swelling of the surgical area and even bleedings. It is best to avoid Alcohol intake for at least one week following surgery.
- Avoid caffeine containing beverages for 48 hours before surgery or 1 week after surgery. slowly reduce your intake the week before surgery to avoid a headache
- Avoid Viagra and Viagra like medications (Cialis) 2 weeks prior to surgery and one week after surgery.
- You must remain in the Chicago area for at least one week following surgery. We will help make arrangements for out-of-state and foreign patients if you have no local residence..
- Getting a suntan before surgery is not a problem. However, it would not be advisable to operate if you have a severe sunburn.
- It is essential that someone be available to drive, or accompany you home, and that person is able to spend the day and night of surgery with you. This person does not have to have any nursing experience, just an interest in your welfare. While you spend the day at rest, your helper will fix soft food for your lunch and dinner, assist in applying the cold compresses to your eyes, walk you to the bathroom and just be near if you should require anything.
- Please arrive on time. If unavoidably delayed, please telephone my office. Surgical days are structured carefully, with a studied measure of time set aside for your case and those cases that follow.
- Remove all make-up the night before surgery and wash with Dial or Safeguard. It is best to have the hair washed and free of hair sprays. lf you are having facelift surgery, just comb it back and wear a scarf to the office or hospital. Do not wear any perfume, cologne or aftershave. Tinting or hair coloring may be done up to three days before the procedure, but should be avoided for one month after facelift. There is no problem with any type of hair care before a procedure.
- Clothing- Bring a scarf that is large enough to cover the puffy soft bandage that surrounds the cheeks, ears and upper face, if you are having facial surgery. This, and a pair of sunglasses for eyelid surgery, provide the required camouflage. The sunglasses should be of a type that can be opened or spread to accommodate the one-two inch thickness of a facial bandage. Wrap around glasses provide extra coverage, but are not necessary. Wear a loose dress, or slacks and a blouse. You must not wear anything that pulls over the head or face.
- Men must shave morning of surgery