Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Transportation: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 1–2 days. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, etc.) as directed.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid nicotine for 4 weeks before and after surgery. Reduce or stop alcohol 2 weeks before and after.

Day of Surgery:

• Shower with mild soap the morning of surgery.
• Do not apply lotions, deodorant, or skincare products.
• Remove all jewelry and piercings.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Positioning: Sleep on your back with legs slightly apart. Avoid prolonged sitting on hard surfaces for the first week.

Ice Therapy: Apply cold compresses for 20 minutes at a time, with 1-hour breaks, during the first few days to reduce swelling. Always use a protective layer.

Medications:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for pain.
• Narcotic pain medication may be prescribed; take with stool softeners.
• Antibiotics should be taken as directed.
• Zofran may be provided for nausea.
• Sinnech (Arnica montana) may be used to help with bruising and swelling.

Activity:

• Gentle walking is encouraged soon after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sexual activity for 4–6 weeks.
• Light daily activity can resume as comfort allows.

Bathing: Shower the day after surgery. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths until incisions are fully healed (usually ~2 weeks).

Incision Care: Keep incisions clean and dry. All stitches are dissolvable. Mild drainage or spotting is normal for several days.

Clothing: Wear loose, supportive briefs or breathable underwear. Avoid compression-style garments until cleared by your surgeon.

Recovery Expectations

Swelling & Bruising: Common and may persist for several weeks. Cold compresses help reduce both.

Sensation: Tingling, numbness, or sensitivity may occur and typically improves with time.

Pain: Mild to moderate soreness is expected during the first week.

Appearance: Final results evolve gradually over 3–6 months.

Emotional Recovery: Changes in body appearance may bring mixed emotions. These feelings are normal and often improve as healing progresses.