The purpose of any surgery is to achieve your personal goals. Achieving this is a result of a proper understanding of what is possible and having the right expectations. Working together as a team, you, your doctor and the Rejuva team will discover the means by which all this can happen. There is always some uncertainty with any surgery and we at Rejuva try to minimize this by helping you with as much support as possible. After the decision is made for surgery, you will undergo several steps to get you ready for the operation. We have included all this for you so that it will make the entire process much more familiar and secure. And whilst each surgery is individualized certain things are standard:
- 2 weeks prior to surgery
- 1 week prior to surgery
- 1 day prior to surgery
- Day of surgery
- Recovery
2 weeks prior to surgery
Stop taking any medication that may result in an increase in your bleeding tendency. These may include: aspirin or aspirin-containing products (Motrin, Advil, Alleve), Vitamin E supplements, fish-oil supplements, herbal supplements, diet pills or stimulants.
Stop smoking if you do smoke. Smoking increases the risk of a variety of complications
1 week prior to surgery
Pre-operative consultation:
You will have a pre-operative consultation at the office. At this time the patient liaison and nurse educator will review all the details for your surgery. You will also receive material from the American Board of Plastic surgery with details about the specific surgery you will undergo. This entire visit will be a great opportunity to discuss any specific desires or questions with the surgical team. Typically, measurements and pictures are taken at this time.
This consultation normally takes place 1 week before surgery to give you the opportunity to digest all the details and to allow us to assist you with any preparations.
The surgical center will call you for Pre-admission testing. At this time they will ask you questions about your medical history and advise you on specific times to arrive on the say of the surgery. Occasionally we will arrange a pre-operative evaluation at the surgical center.
Other preparations prior to surgery
We recommend that you make the following arrangements as well
Childcare, pet care and postoperative help.
Transportation to and from the surgical center by a responsible adult.-taxicabs are not permitted.
Back To Top Day before surgery
Double-check the time of surgery, and the time at which you are required to check-in before surgery.
Review arrangements for transportation to and from surgery. Review directions to the center.
Set-up bedroom or recovery area with supplies or items you might like postoperatively like extra pillows, blankets, books, audiotapes, telephone etc.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Prescription medication may be taken with a small sip of water if the preadmission team has given you permission to do so. Back To Top Day of surgery
Give yourself plenty time to get ready and to arrive on time at the surgical center. Take into account traffic as well as finding your way to a new location if you have never been there before.
You should receive accurate directions from our office. Mapquest is not always the easiest to follow
You may shower and wash your hair. Use antibacterial dial soap
No make-up, perfumes or lotions.
Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing; front-button shirts or blouses are preferred. Slip on shoe-ware are convenient
No contact lenses.
No food - you are still fasting prior to surgery.
Leave any valuables (watches, money, etc.) at home.
Bring all prescription medications with you.
Arrive at the designated time designated by the preadmission testing; this is earlier than the start time for surgery.
Upon Arrival
The staff at the surgery center are all trained to help you in the best possible way to get ready for your surgery. At first you will be greeted by the front reception at which time some paperwork is taken care of. Sometimes you might have to wait in their waiting room.
Once the nurses are ready for you, they will escort you to the pre-operative area at which time you will meet the entire team and anesthesiologist.
They will ask you a number of questions regarding the procedures to be performed. Once all of this is completed you will then see Dr. Rademaker. At this time he will review the case once again and get you ready for surgery. Back To Top After Surgery
Upon completion of the surgery you will then be brought back to the recovery area and monitored by registered nurses under the supervision of the anesthesiologist. After a standard 2-3 hour recovery period, you will be allowed to go home. At this time instructions are given to the person taking caring of you.
Your Recovery
The recovery phase varies for every individual. You will also find that each doctor has their own preferences and may clearly differ from your own experience.
On average we find that most people are active within two days irrespective of the surgery performed.
Once the nursing staff at the surgery center has determined that it is safe for you to leave, go home, get comfortable, and have your support person attend to your needs. It is tempting to refuse their help or overdo it the first night/day, so don’t.
We recommend drinking an adequate amount of fluid first before you attempt any solid food. Take small amounts the first 24 hours.
Activity around the house starting the first day is highly adviseable. Do this with some help. Walking around helps you eliminate any of the anesthesia medication more quickly and also alleviate the symptoms they can cause.
Nausea and vomiting can occur after surgery. We do provide medication to minimize this problem however walking around increases your circulation and so the elimination of anesthesia products.
Occasionally your medication can cause symptoms of nausea as well. In the event that you suspect the medication is at cause, try the anti nausea medication or request a change of medication.
The standard prescriptions will include pain medication, antibiotics and an anti-nausea medicine. The prescriptions are given to you at the time of the pre-operative consult, use each them as directed. Overuse is not recommended.
Some people like to use muscle relaxants. We do not recommend this however if you do, please do not mistake them for pain medicines since they will not help alleviate the pain and may weaken muscle function, especially that of breathing.
Icing may be used for breast augmentation surgery only. All other surgeries should not be iced. We also do not recommend heating pads since these may cause burns.
Garments are normally used for tummy tuck and liposuction surgery. Our standard is to use them for a six week duration. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances. Breast surgery may at times need post operative garments.
Dressings are typically kept on for no longer than 3 days unless confirmed by the office.
Showering can be done the next day if you do not have any drains. Be careful with any dressings – these may get wet.
Normally we like to arrange your first post operative visit in the office 2-5 days after surgery. Please confirm with the office the day after surgery when you should come in. We do extend the privilege to come to the office at any time after surgery.
After surgery, you will return to our office for several postoperative visits. We will evaluate your progress, remove sutures and help you enjoy a smooth recovery. Back To Top
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