Preparing For Your Surgery

We will provide a detailed set of instructions about what to do regarding your upcoming surgery before your procedure. Some general considerations are listed below.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing compounds or medications during the 3 weeks prior to surgery. Aspirin significantly impairs the blood’s ability to clot and may cause increased bleeding and hematoma during and after surgery. If you are taking aspirin with or without the advice of your regular doctor, please let our doctors know that we may best take care of your individual situation.

Do not smoke. You must avoid smoking for at least 4 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery. Smoking significantly impairs healing and causes the contraction of small vessels especially. This is especially important with microsurgery, and smoking may even cause a flap to fail. Sources of second hand smoke, such as smoke filled rooms with other smoking, should be avoided also.

Donate blood. The blood loss during our procedures is typically minimal. However, patients may consider donating 1 unit of their own blood up to 3 weeks prior to their procedure.

Please call our office and speak with our physicians before changing any medication recommendations from your regular doctor.

Lab work typically will be required before surgery. Our office will arrange this with you prior to your procedure.

A sleeping pill the night prior to surgery is OK with a prescription.

Please let our office know if you get sick or develop a fever or cold before the surgery.

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