Before And After Facial Cosmetic Surgery:
What To Expect

There is mor e to your summer vacation than the time you spend on the road, in the motel, and at the theme park. It starts months, maybe years, in advance with planning and preparation. Part of the fun is the antic ipation.Another part is the experience itsel f. Finall y, there's the transition fr om the holiday retreat back to the real world.

Likewise, facial cosmetic surgery is more than the time you spend on the operating table.A happy and healthy outcome starts with an idea that takes shape through planning, preparation, and informed choices. It continues through surgery and recovery and culminates in the fulfillment of your hopes and ex pect ations. The best cosmetic procedures, like the best vacations, have lasting value.

Before Your Surgery

At your consultation or at a pre-op teaching visit, your doctor will fill you in on details of the procedure.The topics likely to be covered include:

• Surgical techniques, including incision placement, and objectives
  
• Side effects and potential risks
  
• Information about anesthesia, hospital or clinic arrangements, and length of stay
  
• Pre- and postoperative instructions, including follow-up office visits
  
• Costs

Arrange for a Caregiver

You'll need to have someone drive you to and from surgery and care for you at home the first day or two. Why do you need a caregiver? You will be groggy from your anesthesia, so you won't be able to drive. Once at home, you may feel a bit weak or your moving about may be restricted. For example, you'll be asked to not bend over or lift. Having a caregiver is so important that the surgeon's office may require that you furnish the name and phone number of your caregiver.

Stop Taking Certain Medications and Supplements

Pain relievers and other medications, vitamins, and herbs that are generally safe may not mix with surgery, the anesthesia, and other medications. Some substances raise your heartbeat or blood pressure, thin your blood so that it doesn't clot normally, or affect the amount of anesthesia needed.

Your doctor will tell you what substances to avoid before surgery and how far in advance to stop using them. Don't assume that something you're taking or plan to take is acceptable just because it isn't on the list. Ask the doctor. Substances that might be off limits include antinausea medications, anti-inflammatory drugs and anything that tends to thin the blood, such as Coumadin; preparations containing aspirin or ibuprofen; supplements that contain vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, ginger, echinacea, black cohosh, or other herbs; and red wine and other alcoholic beverages. It's important to give the doctor a complete medication and supplement list at your consultation so that he or she will be able to tell you which of those substances to stop taking and what substitutes might be available.

Fill Your Prescriptions

Depending on the procedure and the doctor's preferences, you might be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain relievers, antihistamines, decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs, stool softeners, vitamins, ointments, and sedatives, such as Valium.The doctor or a highly trained clinic staff member will tell you when to start and stop taking these prescriptions.

Many cosmetic surgeons are recommending specific preparations of Arnica montana and bromelain - botanical products that are believed to speed healing. If your doctor doesn't mention these, ask about them.

You might be a bit confused if the surgeon tells you to stop taking your anti-inflammatory medication and then hands you a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug. Likewise, you may be told to stop taking blood-thinning agents only to have blood thinners given to you before or during surgery. It's important for you to understand that these drugs are safe, effective, and even necessary when the doctor prescribes the specific p ro ducts and dosages and controls when, where, and how they are used.

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