What’s It Like to Have Surgery?

Before your surgical date, you should have as much information as possible from the professionals in the field. This is because there are pre- and post-operative instructions that are important to follow.  These instructions will optimize your recovery process and your final result.  Educating yourself with more information before your surgery will help you feel prepared and confident on the day of surgery.

Most plastic surgery procedures are done as an outpatient.  You will visit the outpatient surgery center or the hospital and be discharged home the same day after the surgery.  Other longer or more complicated surgeries may require hospital admission. You will spend one day or more in the hospital recovering under the supervision of hospital personnel. The doctor in charge and nurses will check on you to ensure you are healing as planned.

Popular Plastic Surgeries Done as an Outpatient

• Facial surgery that includes upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), face and necklift, neck liposuction, and rhinoplasty
• Breast enhancement that includes augmentation, mastopexy (breast lift), and reduction
• Liposuction that removes excess fat from the abdomen, waist, back, thighs, arms or neck
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Brachioplasty (surgery to correct excess skin on the upper arms)

Before Surgery

Your doctor will give you a set of specific instructions to follow before and after your operation.  Review these carefully and ask questions to your provider.  In general, you should stop smoking and avoid all nicotine products for 6 weeks before surgery.  Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDS, and vitamin supplements for two weeks before surgery.  The night before surgery you may be given special soap to wash your surgical area.  Do not eat or drink anything after midnight if you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia.  On the day of surgery, you will need a ride to the surgery site.   Leave your jewelry and valuables at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as a button-down shirt and flat shoes.  Do not apply make-up or wear contact lenses.

When you arrive at the surgery center, you will be given a hospital gown, and you will meet your pre-operative team and your anesthesia team.  They will check your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.  An IV will be started that will give you an antibiotic and fluids.  You will also meet with your surgeon again to review the plan and answer any questions you may still have.

During Surgery

You will be moved to the operating room, where you will find doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists who will work together to ensure your surgery runs smoothly.    They will all be dressed appropriately to protect you from germs.   Special monitors will measure your vitals.   You will then receive medication that will help you relax and then go off to sleep.  Your surgeon will work closely with the anesthesiologist, the circulating nurse, and the surgical nurse as a team to ensure the best result.

After Surgery

You will be moved to the post anesthesiology recovery room (PACU), where the doctors will ensure you are recovering well. You will be able to walk, eat and drink on your own prior to being discharged. Once you are awake and recovered, your nurse will review the discharge instructions with the person who brought you to surgery.  You will have very specific instructions about your post-operative medications and activity level.  In general, you should limit heavy lifting to less than 5 lbs and avoid strenuous activity (anything that gets you red, hot, sweaty or flushed in the face) until your follow-up appointment.  Continue to avoid any blood thinners and vitamin supplements until your surgeon clears you to resume them.  Dr. Rebecca Novo and Dr. Renee Gasgarth are available by cell phone for all of their patients.  They are committed to a safe recovery period and a beautiful result.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about a particular surgery, please contact us.  Drs. Gasgarth and Novo will develop a customized cosmetic surgical plan to address your needs.  We hope to guide you on this journey to your best self.  You can reach us by phone at 321.241.1160 or email at info@foryourbestself.com.