Preoperative Instructions

You may visit your surgeon as many times as you wish to have all of your questions answered. At your final preoperative visit, your final questions will be answered and you will confirm that you have understood the procedure to be performed, that this material has been explained to you, that you have read and understood these information sheets, and that you accept the risks by signing the informed consent forms. You will be given prescriptions for pain medication and instructions for their use.

As with all other elective procedures, the patient should avoid Ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, excessive quantities of Vitamin E (the small amount contained in most multi-vitamin preparations is not harmful), and all anti-inflammatory products for two weeks before surgery, as these inhibit the clotting mechanism, increase your chances of unnecessary operative bleeding and subsequent bruising. All patients will be asked to stop smoking at least a month prior to surgery in an effort to maximize your body's ability to heal the incisions following the operation.  For a few days prior to the operation, thoroughly cleanse your face for about five minutes daily, using a bland soap such as Ivory, or a glycerin soap such as Neutrogena.

Certain laboratory tests will also be required within two weeks of surgery. If you are over the age of 50, you will have to obtain a cardiogram by your family physician or any state licensed laboratory. You may have blood drawn by our office nurse during your final preoperative visit, or, if you prefer, at your family doctor’s office or any laboratory (e.g. Kaiser Hospital, etc.).

Regular makeup may be worn until the night prior to surgery, but please pay extra attention to insure removal of your makeup the night before surgery and wash your face again thoroughly on the morning of your surgery. Do not apply anything (including moisturizers) to your eyes or face on the morning of surgery, and please check one last time to make sure your mascara and eyeliner have been removed.

Do not eat or drink anything (except medications prescribed by your surgeon or your personal physician) after midnight prior to surgery or as instructed by your anesthesiologist. Wear loose fitting clothing to the Surgery Center, which will be easy to get into after the operation (a shirt or sweat suit with a zipper or buttons is ideal). Do not wear anything that has to be pulled over your head.

Usually, your anesthesiologist will call you the night before surgery to discuss the anesthetic care plan with you.  But if you miss the call or your anesthesiologist does not call you, do not worry as you will be able to discuss your anesthesia and have all your questions answered in the morning, at the Laguna Hills Surgery Center, prior to your procedure.   It is imperative that someone drive you to the surgical facility and accompany you inside on the day of your surgery. When you arrive at the Surgery Center, the receptionist will record the name and phone number of the person who is to take you home. You must make arrangements to have a responsible adult spend the rest of the day and the first post-operative night with you. You will not require much “nursing care” but it is not safe to be by yourself while your mind is not clear, shortly after receiving anesthetic medications.