Do not take any brand/type of aspirin before your surgery as they contain ingredients that inhibit blood clotting and cause difficulties during and after surgery.  If you need an aspirin-free fever reducer and pain reliever, take Tylenol.  If you smoke, you should not smoke for at least 2 weeks prior and at least 2 weeks after your surgery.  Smoking significantly reduces your body's superficial circulation and vascularity.  This means difficulty in bringing much needed oxygen to your tissues for proper healing.

1. Start your antibiotic as instructed by your doctor or pre-operative nurse.
   Bring all of your medications to the hospital the day of your surgery.  The nurse will determine which ones will be given just prior to surgery.
2. DO NOT eat or drink any solid food or liquids after midnight the night before your surgery.  This is done to prevent you from vomiting while under anesthesia.  This is VERY IMPORTANT for your safety, your surgery will be cancelled if you do not follow this simple but important rule.
3. Wear comfortable clothing the day of surgery.  Preferably a blouse/shirt that buttons/zips up the front and loose pants/shorts.  Blue jeans and tee shirts are very difficult to put back on when you are ready to go home due to their restrictive nature and are not recommended.
4. DO NOT wear any makeup, jewelry, piercings, or contact lens the day of surgery (makeup must be removed prior to surgery).
5. Do not bring any valuables such as your cell phone, jewelry, purse, etc. (unless you leave them with the person accompanying you on your surgery day).
6. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home following your surgery. Since you will have several medications during your surgery, you will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home.

Proper recovery is one of the most important elements of your surgery.  It is important that your prepare yourself and your surroundings for the most comfortable recovery possible.  Here are a few tips we have found that will make your recovery, especially in the first few days, as easy as possible.

• Clean your house - or have it cleaned.
• Unless you are fortunate to have someone who can make meals for you, shop ahead for foods that are both easy to eat and prepare.
• Take out all your trash, recycling, etc. so you don't have to worry about it during your recovery.
• Get all your laundry done before your procedure.
• Buy all the medications, vitamins and dressings beforehand.
• Organize all your medications in a pill "case" or labeled containers.
• Have your laptop/tablet, movies, books, magazines or videogames on hand. Recovery can be boring and having things to do will help.
• Make sure your remote controls & phones are fully charged.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to watch your pets during the initial recovery phase.  If you can't find someone to watch Fido make sure you have food and water set out ahead of time.
• Have a lot of fluffy pillows on hand or a comfortable recliner ready.  It is important to keep your upper body elevated.
• Have a  bucket ready in case you get sick (there is good chance you will be).  Make sure it has a lid.
• Place bottled water and a few packages of crackers near your bed (see the point above).
• Have extra blankets nearby as anesthesia can give you the "chills" after surgery.
• A heating pad, hot water bottle or microwaveable pack is great for a sore back (which you will get for sure from sleeping elevated)
• Keep a robe, slippers, a few comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front on hand, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms.
• Have a good moisturizer on hand - a must.
• Place a box or two of Kleenex close to your bed or recliner, especially if you get emotional from your meds or the anesthesia.
• Wash your hair the night before surgery - it may be a long time before you get to do that again.
• Remove any fingernail and toenail polish.

We suggest that you don't keep checking your face (or other body part) but if you do need to look remember that it will continue to change every day so don't get discouraged.  Consider taking regular post-operative photos so you can document your recovery and see progress over time.

Most importantly - relax.  Over time the healing process will reduce any soreness and you will see progress. You are going to look great, just remember to have patience.