One to two weeks prior to the surgery please stop taking Aspirin, blood thinners or over the counter pain relief medication. All pain meds OTC act as a blood thinner and increase bleeding and bruising during the procedure. If OTC pain meds are needed, Tylenol is ok.
Also, discontinue any vitamins or herbal supplements, as certain products will increase bleeding or bruising. Examples: Vit E, Ginkgo, Garlic.
If you are taking any prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix or Xarelto) check with the physician who has prescribed them to make sure you can discontinue meds one to two weeks prior to surgery. Please let us know on the day of the procedure if you are unable to discontinue any of these medications.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before surgery as this can increase bleeding as well.
Try to stop smoking prior to and after the procedure. Smoking will increase your risk of complications and interfere with the normal wound healing process. We want you to recover as quickly as possible.
If you have any artificial joints, (hips, knees, etc) please let us know a couple day in advance. We will call in a preop antibiotic to a pharmacy of your choice.
Eat your normal breakfast. Please do not wear any makeup or jewelry. Avoid using moisturizers on the surgical areas on the day of surgery.
Take your usual medications the day of surgery except for any blood thinners mentioned above.
Be prompt, plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your procedure. If you are late, this may cause you to be rescheduled.
Usually one or two visits are needed. Post-surgical/wound care instructions will be given the day of the surgery.
If you should have any questions prior to your procedure, please call our office at 770-674-6813.