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What to Expect

Day of Surgery:
On the day of your surgery you should arrive at the surgery center 2 hours prior to the surgical start time. During this time you will complete paperwork, change into a surgical gown, receive intravenous fluids and pre-operative medications. You will have an opportunity to review any questions with your doctor and the anesthesiologist.

What to bring/not to bring:

  • Please leave all valuables at home, including body-piercing jewelry.
  • To reduce infection, do not wear makeup, lotions, or deodorant on the operative area.
  • To simplify anesthetic monitoring, do not wear nail polish on either hand.

Surgery Center Recovery:
You will stay in the recovery area for approximately 1-2 hours. Typically, it takes this amount of time until your pain is well controlled, you are alert, and you can drink without being nauseated.

In-home recovery:
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the patient. Most patients require assistance for the first two days. Then, most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. Your surgeon will discuss the specific lengths of your disability.

Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for post-operative patients to help minimize discomfort.

Follow-up:
Your first post-operative visit should be scheduled within the first week after your surgery. This appointment should be scheduled on the day of your pre-operative appointment.