Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Anesthesia Options:

• General: No food or drink 8 hours before surgery.
• Local with Sedation: No food or drink 3 hours before surgery.
• Local Only: No fasting required.

Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours if you receive sedation or general anesthesia.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements 2–3 weeks before surgery (unless otherwise instructed).

Lifestyle: Stop nicotine at least 4 weeks before/after surgery. Limit alcohol for 2 weeks before/after.

Day of Surgery:

• Shower with soap; avoid lotions, deodorants, or skincare products.
• Wear loose, front-opening clothing.
• Remove all jewelry and valuables.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Drainage: Normal for 24–72 hours; use gauze or chucks pads to protect clothing and bedding.

Compression Garment: Wear continuously for 4–6 weeks, except when showering or washing it. Helps minimize swelling and improve contour.

Topifoam: Foam inserts may be placed inside your garment for the first 7 days (or until advised otherwise). Replace immediately if they become wet or soiled.

Medications:

• Tylenol is safe for pain.
• Narcotics may be prescribed for stronger pain control.
• Antibiotics must be taken as directed.
• Zofran can help with nausea.
• Sinnech (Arnica montana) may be provided to help with swelling and bruising.

Mobility: Walk as soon as possible after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Light exercise may resume after ~1 week; swelling may temporarily increase with activity.

Bathing: Shower 24 hours after surgery. Avoid hot tubs, baths, pools, and Jacuzzis until cleared (usually 2 weeks).

Return to Work: Most patients return to work in 5–7 days depending on activity level.

Visible Results: Swelling may persist for weeks to months. Final results develop gradually over several months.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Recommended to enhance recovery and improve results. A personalized plan will be discussed with you after surgery.