(858) 487-3742

Preparing for Surgery

Before Surgery Patient Care

The following are general instructions of how to prepare for your surgery. Prior to your surgery Dr. Ha will give you very specific instructions on what to expect and how to prepare for your particular procedure.

BEFORE SURGERY

Before your surgery it is important that you arrange to have a friend or family member be with you during your first night after surgery, and assist you in the days following, this is very important because you will experience limited mobility. In the case that you don’t have anyone available, you can always arrange for a nurse or tech to take care of you. Call our office and we will arrange for a care giver to take care of you at your house or hotel.

  • Be sure to get your home ready. Chances are you’ll be in some pain and need bed rest.
  • Get your prescriptions filled ahead of time.
  • If you are a pet owner arrange for someone to take care of your dog. Or help you walk them.
  • Prepare a few changes of clean easy to change clothing accessible to you.
  • Stock your refrigerator with easy to eat food and drinks. Soft foods like yogurts, soups and cottage cheese are preferable.
  • Try to avoid salts as salt makes you swollen and can increase your blood pressure, which may increase your bleeding.
  • Get comfy pillows and blankets. Sometimes pillows under the knees decrease tension on the abdominal incisions. Pillows under your arms provide comfort after breast surgery.
  • Stock up your favorite magazines, movies, or a few good books.
  • Purchase a few Ice packs as they can decrease swelling and soothe aches and pains.
  • The nurse will let you know if ice is encouraged for your type of surgery.
  • If you have children, it would be a good idea to arrange for someone to take care of them for at least the first 24-48 hours. You will not be able to pick them up and care for them in the way they’ve become accustomed to.
  • Be sure to refrain from SMOKING at least 3 weeks prior to your surgery.
  • Use dial soap for 3 days leading up to your surgery. Be sure not to eat or drink after 12 midnight the night before your surgery.

THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY

  • Be sure to confirm that you have someone to drive you to and from your surgery.
  • DO NOT bring your valuables or wear any jewelry (no rings, earrings, chains, toe rings, watches or other metal piercing, such as tongue and nose rings. This can interfere with anesthesia.
  • If you wear contacts, remove them the morning of surgery and wear your glasses instead, it’s also a good idea to bring the eyeglasses case to store them while you’re in surgery.
  • Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. The best things to wear are a button up or zip-up top and pull on pants.
  • If you have long hair, make sure you wear your hair cleanly back and away from your face.
  • In some cases you may need to have a clean shave in a specific area of your body.

FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS

  • Be sure to drink as much water as possible.
  • Take your pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Ha.
  • You may increase food with fiber as some patients experience constipation from their medication. (If you experience significant constipation please call our office 858-487-DrHa (3742)
  • Rest as much as possible, light walking is encouraged as it helps to prevent clotting.
  • Refrain from vigorous activity or placing any strain on the area of your incisions.

RECOVERY

Dr. Ha recommends that you return ease yourself into your regular routine. Use this as an opportunity to make a fresh start: to eat healthier, start exercising to stay in shape, and stop smoking if you smoke.

In order to obtain the best possible results after your surgery it is imperative that you follow the post operative instructions that Dr. Ha has given you.

CALL US

If you have any questions concerning your surgery or your recovery please call our office 858-487-DrHa (3742) at any time, we are here to assist you through your cosmetic surgery experience.