PRE-OPERATIVE
It is of the utmost importance to disclose your medical history and any medication that you take during your initial consultation. In certain cases, you might need to have blood tests or imaging (for example a Mammogram) done. Please make sure that all your questions have been addressed, that you understand the procedure, the risks, and the pre- and post-operative instructions, as discussed during your consultation. In the unfortunate event that you develop a bacterial or viral infection (respiratory, skin etc.) your surgery may be postponed.
Medication to stop
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing medicine (a common ingredient of cold and flu medication)
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Diet syrups, diet capsules
- Herbal supplements
- Cayenne/ red pepper
- Omega 3 and 6
- Sportron
- Spirulina
- Arnica products
- Vitamin C supplements
- Garlic and red wine should be avoided 2 days prior to surgery.
Smoking
Please note that certain procedures cannot be performed on smokers. For a period of 4 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks following surgery you cannot smoke, use nicotine patches or nicotine gum. Most of the nicotine-free smoking devices contain herbal ingredients that should not be used 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Day of surgery
You should not have anything to eat or drink for 6-8 hours before your surgery. Take a shower with antibacterial soap on the morning of admission to hospital. Do not apply body lotion. Avoid make-up. Bring loose fitting clothes, preferably with buttons or zippers- avoid any pull-over clothing.
POST-OPERATIVE
Please arrange for someone to drive you home on discharge from hospital and help you at home for the first day or two. Ensure that you get plenty of rest. Take antibiotics and pain medication as directed. Do not use aspirin containing medication post-operatively. Do not use alcohol while you are on pain medication. Pain medications as well as a decreased activity could cause constipation. Add fruit and fiber to your diet and ensure enough fluid intake postoperatively.
Scar management
Scars are a normal and inevitable consequence of wound healing. A thin, soft, pale scar that is level with the surrounding skin is the ultimate goal following surgery. Unfortunately, people do heal differently and some skin types can heal un-aesthetically with abnormal scar formation. Prevention of abnormal scar formation remains the first priority. Preventative measures must be initiated before, during and after surgery. These measures will be explained during your consultation. The first 2 weeks following cosmetic surgery your wound care will be done at appointed times by our practice’s wound care sister in the practice. In most cases, your surgical wound would then be ready to proceed to post-surgical taping. The possible use of scar modulating creams will also be discussed. Multiple studies have shown that ultraviolet radiation increases scar pigmentation and can worsen the appearance of scars. It is therefore of the utmost importance to protect your skin and scars from sun exposure.