Preparing for Your Procedure

Prior to your procedure, your plastic surgeon will take time to review aspects of your surgery such as pre-registration, lab work, and other instructions with you. The surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed – at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston or at one of our other campuses.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Have lab testing or a medical evaluation;
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications;
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery;
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Prior to surgery, your plastic surgeon will discuss with you:

  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing, and medications;
  • Day-of-surgery instructions and medications;
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia;
  • Postoperative care and follow-up.

Special instructions you receive will cover:

  • What to do on the day of surgery;
  • The use of anesthesia during your procedure;
  • Post-operative care and follow-up.

You’ll need help

Be sure to arrange for someone to help you following surgery. If you are having an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you to and from surgery. For many surgeries, you will need someone to stay with you for a brief period of time following surgery once you go home.

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