Skip to main content

Instructions

Before
surgery

Do I need to stop any medications?

You may be instructed to stop blood thinners or herbal supplements up to a week prior to surgery. These may increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

These may include
Aspirin, Cartia, Warfarin, Plavix, Xaralto, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, Fish oil.

Please ask if you are not sure about whether to stop your medications.

How long do I fast for?

You will be given instructions to fasting for at least 6 hrs prior to your surgery but it is fine to take your regular medications with a sip of water at the usual times unless instructed otherwise.

Garments

It may be necessary to wear a medical garment after your surgery. You will be given this or instructed to pick to up prior to your surgery. Bring this with you on the day of the surgery. Instructions on when and for how long to wear this will be given to you.

Getting picked up

It’s optional whether you wish to have someone stay with you until it’s time to go into the operating room. Sometimes it’s useful to have someone around to hear instructions for after the surgery that you may forget.

You will need a responsible adult to pick you up when it’s time to leave hospital. It is not safe to make your own way home in a cab or by public transport.

Time off work

I will give you instructions on how long you will likely need off work. Everyone recovers at a slightly different rate but these recommended times are to allow you adequate healing for safety and the best outcome after your surgery.

Preparation at home

Try to prepare the house as best you can prior to your surgery;

  • Stock the fridge well
  • Consider freezing some meals (that’s if you’re out of Uber Eats range!)
  • Set your couch up with pillows if you need to keep your head up after surgery
  • Stock up on reading material
  • If you live alone, ask a friend or family member to be your contact for unexpected needs should they arise
  • Remember you can call my assistant or nurse if you have any questions!

After
surgery

Dressings and medical garments

You will be given instructions about your dressings, when you can shower and if you need to keep them dry.

Pain Relief

You will be given a script after your surgery to fill on your way home. Instructions will be given by your anaesthetist. You can read more information at “Medications After Surgery

Nausea

If you know that you are prone to nausea and vomiting after surgery, discuss this with the anesthetist and they will tailor your anesthetic to this. You will be given medications on your script for nausea if required or if pain medications that can cause nausea are prescribed.

Constipation

Constipation is common after surgery for a number of reasons (side effect of pain medications, decreased mobility, relative dehydration). I recommend buying a medication called Movicol™ over the counter at the chemist and taking it after surgery to help keep your bowel motions soft. Additionally, drink plenty of water.

Mobilisation

It is important that you go for little walks around the house at home at least every couple of hours.

Feeling sad

It is not common to have a ‘down’ patch after surgery. Lots of people have a period of guilt or regret for a brief time after plastic surgery and some days of recovery are harder than others. This is quite normal and passes quickly.