Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting:

• General anesthesia: No food or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
• Local with sedation: No food or drink for 3 hours before surgery.
• Local only: No fasting required.

Transportation: If sedation or general anesthesia is used, a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you overnight. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications & Supplements: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners, vitamin E, fish oil, and herbal supplements as directed (usually 2–3 weeks before surgery).

Lifestyle: Stop nicotine at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Reduce alcohol 2 weeks before and after.

Day of Surgery:

• Shower with soap the morning of surgery.
• No lotions, deodorant, or makeup.
• Wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Control: Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed. Narcotic medication may be prescribed. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve).

Antibiotics & Nausea Medication: Take as prescribed.

Compression Garments: Wear your garment at all times except for showering, for 4–6 weeks. This reduces swelling and improves contouring.

Foam Dressings: Many patients will have compression foam under the garment for 7 days, or until advised to remove it.

Incision Care: Remove dressings after 24 hours, then shower gently. All stitches are dissolvable.

Activity: Begin light walking immediately to promote circulation. Most patients return to work in 5–7 days, with gradual return to exercise after 1 week (building intensity as advised). These recommendations are highly dependent on your individual lifestyle. Please refer to a surgeon for specific guidance.

Bruising & Swelling: Normal and expected for 2–4 weeks; swelling may persist for months.

Visible Results: Early improvement may be seen quickly, but final results can take several months.