What to expect before and after surgery?

Prior to surgery, you may be really excited or somewhat apprehensive. These are normal feelings. It is normal to feel a little nervous before surgery. We, at Adler Facial Plastic Surgery will do all we can to make you feel comfortable about your decision to have surgery. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will do our best to assist you in any way we can. We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please rest assured, we will be in contact with you throughout this process. We do stay in contact with you before and after surgery via telephone calls and br house calls depending on the type of surgery you are having.

What to do the night before surgery? Try to get a good nights rest. If you need to take a Valium, please do so before midnight. Please review your instructions for your post-operative care for the surgery you are having. Please call us with any questions you may have or even if you just need to talk, we will be there for you. Please do not eat or drink ANYTHING, even water, after midnight unless instructed otherwise.

The day of surgery. You should arrive at the center at your scheduled time; you do not need to be here earlier. Please bring one pain pill with you to the center, in case you need it after surgery. If you are on routine medications for blood pressure, heart problems, gastro esophageal reflux disorders (heartburn), please take these the morning of surgery, with a SIP of water. No other routine medications are to be taken, unless instructed to do so. You will take your other routine prescription medications at home! hotel after surgery. If you are insulin dependent, please bring your glucose monitor and insulin with you the day of surgery. If you use inhalers for asthma on a routine basis, please use them as normal and bring them with you the day of surgery. We will do our best to allay all of your fears. Please wear something loose and comfortable, with a shirt that buttons down the front. Please DO NOT WEAR HIGH HEELED SHOES. Please bring a pair of socks to keep your feet warn. The person or persons you bri

ng with you the morning of surgery will not be allowed into the operating room. They may wait in the lobby until the surgery is finished. We can also get a phone number to call when you are almost ready. The person or persons you have picking you up need to be available within 30 minutes of our call. You will not be discharged, unless we are fully comfortable with your post-operative condition. Please rest assured we will be with you the entire time of your surgery.

ARRIVING HOME AFTER SURGERY, DAY ONE. Please get into bed or a recliner. If you are using a bed to recover, you will need two or three pillows behind your head and a pillow on each side of your body. The pillows next to your body are to prevent you from rolling over. You may actually feel better than expected. Please be sure to rest. You are only to get up to use the bathroom on this day. REST, REST, and REST. Take medications as prescribed. Use cold compresses over your eyes, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off. Cold compress (bucket of water, ice cubes added to water and a plain white washcloth). Please put washcloth in the ice water and wring it out, then apply it to face I eyes. Please do not reuse or let wet washcloths lay on your face, if you have had a chemical peel, laser or a resurfacing procedure. Please use washcloths that have been washed in regular detergent, with no softeners or bleach. YOU WILL NOT DO ANY CLEANING OF INCISIONS AND WOUNDS ON THIS DAY.

THE DAY AFTER SURGERY, DAY TWO. Your dressing will be removed on this day, (facelift, brow lift, hair transplant, and liposuction). After the dressing is removed by Dr. Adler or his Staff, you need to get under the shower sometime that day. Let lukewarm water run through your hair and over your body. No soap or shampoo is to be used on this day. You may notice some increased swelling as the day progresses. This is totally normal. If you have no dressing, you may shower according to post-operative instructions provided. You may feel more tired on this day. This is due to medications that were given during your surgery. CLEANING OF INCISIONS AND WOUNDS BEGINS ON THIS DAY. (Please see specific post-operative instructions on how to care for these areas.) Cleaning should be done at least THREE times a day. You do not need to do this through the night. Today is also a day of rest.

DAY THREE. You will notice increased swelling on this day, regardless of the procedure performed. This is typically the peak day of swelling. You may feel a little washed out and tired on this day. Please continue cleanings, medications and showers as directed, on this day. You will also need to continue the cold compresses, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off. REMEMBER TO REST.

DAY FOUR. You will still have swelling on this day. You may still feel washed out or tired. This is totally normal. Please continue cleanings, medications, compresses and showers as directed, on this day. REMEMBER TO REST.

DAY FIVE. On this day, you may notice that the swelling is starting to decrease. You may also start to feel a little better. Please remember to not over do it. Please continue cleanings, medications, compresses and showers as directed, on this day. REMEMBER TO REST.

DAY SIX. On this day, the swelling should be even less. Please remember to not over do it. Please continue cleanings, medications, compresses and showers as directed, on this day. REMEMBER TO REST.

DAY SEVEN. On this day, the sutures and surgical staples will be removed at the office. After the sutures and staples are removed it is important that you, DO NOT CLEAN THE WOUNDS ON THIS DAY. If you are anxious about the sutures and staples being removed, it is OK to take 1 pain medication a half hour prior to your scheduled appointment. If you decide to take the pain medication, be sure to have someone drive you to and from our office for your appointment.