Patient Instructions

Starting today:

• STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing.
• TAKE VITAMIN C: Start taking 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily to promote healing.
• DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
• AVOID VITAMIN E: Vitamin E is known to thin your blood and can make you bruise more easily.
• FILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS: If you are given prescriptions for medications, please have them filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you.

On the day before your surgery:

• CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: The surgery center will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be at home or at your office, please call us to confirm at (925) 685-4533.
• PRESCRIPTIONS: Make sure that you have filled the prescriptions you were given and set the medications out to bring with you tomorrow.
• CLEANSING: The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with Dial soap.
• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight. This includes water.

On the morning of your procedure:

• SPECIAL INFORMATION: Do not eat or drink anything! If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning.
• ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.
• CLEANSING: Shower and wash the surgical areas again with Dial soap.
• MAKE-UP: Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions or make-up.
• CLOTHING: Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you.
• CHECK-IN / PREPARATION: Report to the surgery center on your day of surgery with your prescribed medications. You should plan to arrive one hour earlier than your scheduled surgery time. Patients less than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• RIDE HOME: You MUST have a ride home and someone to be with you after the surgery.

We have compiled a list of medications which may prolong bleeding at the time of your surgery. If you are taking any medications on this list, they should be discontinued 14 days prior to surgery and only Tylenol should be taken for pain.

All other medications that you are currently taking must be specifically cleared by your doctor prior to surgery. It is absolutely necessary that all of your current medications be specifically cleared by your doctor and the nursing staff.

If you have excessive bleeding or pain, call the office at (925) 685-4533 , day or night.

If you are going home, a family member or friend must drive you because you have been sedated. Someone should stay overnight with you.

If you choose to go to a postoperative center, they will provide transportation. If you have any questions about these matters, please ask one of our nursing staff.

Keep your dressings as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them unless instructed to do so.

Take it easy and pamper yourself. Try to avoid any straining. You may go to the bathroom, sit and watch TV, etc. NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU FEEL, DO NOT CLEAN THE HOUSE, REARRANGE THE ATTIC, ETC.! We do not want you to bleed and cause any more swelling and bruising than is expected.

If you have any postoperative nausea, carbonated sodas, and dry crackers may settle the stomach. If nausea is severe, use the suppository. If you feel normal, start with liquids and bland foods, and if those are well tolerated, progress to a normal diet.

Smoking reduces capillary flow in your skin. We advise you not to smoke at all during the first 10 days after surgery.

Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could increase postoperative bleeding. Please do not drink until you have stopped taking the prescription pain pills, as the combination of pain pills and alcohol can be dangerous.

Please don’t drive for at least 2 days after general anesthesia or intravenous sedation or while taking prescription pain pills.

It is very important that you follow the schedule of appointments we establish after surgery.

Support from family and friends is very helpful, but because they may not understand what constitutes a normal post-operative course, their comments may unintentionally create emotional turmoil for you.

We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result to be. Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Although plastic surgery has certainly become less stigmatized in the past decade, your friends may still be reluctant to bring up and discuss what they believe is a private matter.

Patients occasionally feel upset that “no one noticed” or “said anything.” If you feel comfortable discussing your surgical experience, do so openly. When people ask how you are, respond by saying, “I feel wonderful. I just had cosmetic surgery and I’m recovering.” This lets people know that they may talk freely with you. Often when patients are open, they find that their friends and acquaintances are very interested in discussing the subject.

Quite frequently patients experience a brief period of “let-down” or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better “instantly,” even though they rationally understand that this will not be the case.

Patients commonly question their decision to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts usually disappear quickly.

If you feel depressed, understanding that this is a “natural” phase of the healing process may help you to cope with this emotional state.

Everyone has the capacity to heal themselves to one degree or another. Clearly, this ability is variable and depends upon a number of factors such as your genetic background, and your overall state of health and lifestyle (exercise, diet, smoking, drinking, etc.).

Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient. No one person can make another heal. Dr. Mariotti can facilitate (but not accelerate) the healing process. Your cooperation and close attention are extremely important and in your best interest.

Another major factor in the course of healing is whether you follow the instructions given by Dr. Mariotti verbally and in this booklet. Such guidelines are designed to promote the healing process and to prevent the occurrence of anything that may interfere with recovery.

It is imperative that you recognize that you are a partner in this process and have a responsibility to follow instructions carefully. The instructions, based on broad experience, are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.