Patient Name:



Ghada Y. Afifi, MD, FACS

949-644-6544

Planning for Surgery and Recovery

An informed patient is a happy patient. The information contained in this pre-operative packet is provided to help guide you through the surgical and recovery process.

A successful surgical outcome is a collaborative effort between you, Dr. Afifi and her staff. Preparing for outpatient surgery goes beyond following your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions. The success of your surgery and recovery depends, to a certain degree, on how well you plan for surgery and your recuperation.

Leading up to your surgery, take good care of yourself. Get adequate rest and eat healthy. Contact your doctor if you develop a sore throat, cold or infection. Discontinue all vitamins, herbal products, aspirin and ibuprofen.

Patient confidentiality is extremely important to us. Information is not released to anyone without your written permission. With this in mind, prepare a list of people to whom you would like us to contact regarding your progress. The surgery facility will ask for emergency contact information.

Support from family and friends are very important, but because they may not understand your decision to have cosmetic surgery, or what constitutes a normal recovery, their comments may unintentionally create emotional turmoil for you. Prepare your family and friends about what to expect after your surgery. Dr. Afifi and her staff can help you with this.

Despite the fact that complications are very unusual they can occur. Surgery of any kind carries with it certain risks and healing is never completely predictable. Should the unexpected occur, your trust in Dr. Afifi’s skill, knowledge, experience and compassionate care will support you through any difficulties and assist you in reaching your goal.

Finally, communication with Dr. Afifi and her staff, following instructions and keeping your post-operative appointments is crucial to the healing process.

We ask you to read this entire pre-operative packet thoroughly and encourage your questions. Please feel free to call anytime.

We thank you for choosing us “to help you achieve not only the look you desire, but also the feeling that comes from knowing you look your best”.

Ghada Y. Afifi M. D., FACS and Staff

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

STARTING NOW

• STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing.

• DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).

• FILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS: You will be given prescriptions for medications. Please have them filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you.

• TRANSPORTATION: Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility. Arrange for transportation for your post-operative appointment also.

• AFTERCARE: We require a caretaker to stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. If you choose to go to an aftercare facility, they will provide transportation.

• ILLNESS: If you develop any signs of a cold, cough, cold sores, or infection please notify the office immediately.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

• CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: Call the office (949-644-6544) to confirm your arrival time for surgery. Expect a call from the anesthesia department this evening.

• CLEANSING: Cleanse the surgical areas with Betadine (Povidine) or anti-bacterial soap or solution the night before surgery. Facial surgery patients should shampoo their hair with Betadine.

• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink (including water) anything after 12:00 midnight. This includes any medications you are currently taking unless instructed to do otherwise by the doctor or anesthetist.

THE MORNING OF SURGERY

• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything (including water)!

• MEDICATIONS: Bring your medications for surgery with you. (Also any medications you take daily)

• EXERCISE: Do not exercise the morning of surgery.

• ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush your teeth but do not swallow any water. Do not chew gum.

• CLEANSING: Cleanse the surgical areas again with Betadine.

• MAKE-UP: Do not wear make-up, creams or lotions.

• CONTACT LENS: Do not wear contacts to the surgery facility.

• CLOTHING: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head. Wear flat heeled shoes. Bring a pair of socks to keep your feet warm. Facial patients bring a scarf or big hat for your privacy. Remove hairpins, wigs and hair-pieces.

• JEWELRY: Remove all jewelry (including earrings). Do not bring valuables or cash with you.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

SETTING UP YOUR ROOM

• If your bedroom is upstairs and you will have difficulty climbing stairs, you might want to set up a comfortable sleep area downstairs. (Reclining chairs are always great)

• Remove anything you might trip over

• Install night-lights in the bedroom and bathroom for your safety

• Keep the telephone near your resting place. But let the answering machine pick up the calls when you are resting and don’t want to be disturbed

• Keep emergency phone numbers, such as the doctor and pharmacy, handy

• Have a robe and slippers nearby

• Have a chair near your bed and another in the bathroom so you can sit down and rest when necessary

• Water bottle, straws, tissues, small trash can, pen and paper

• Protection for your bed & pillows

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES

• Clear Liquids: Water and clear juices (apple & cranberry), broth and low sodium soups, decaffeinated tea and coffee, ginger ale, fruit popsicles, Jell-O, etc…

• Full Liquids: Milk shakes, fruit smoothies, soft ice cream, cream soups, etc…

• Soft Foods: Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, pudding, bananas, mashed potatoes, yogurt, baby foods, etc…

• Solid Foods: Fish, chicken and plenty of vegetables

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Plastic baggies (to make ice packs) or frozen peas

• Lip balm or Vaseline

• Baby shampoo (after facial surgery)

• Children’s toothbrush

• Mouth spray or wash

• Q-tips

• Warm socks or booties

• Baby Wipes (for quick clean-ups)

• Hat or scarf

• Sunglasses

POST OPERATIVE CARE

YOUR FIRST 48 HOURS

• VERY IMPORTANT: If you have excessive bleeding or pain, call the office at (949) 644-6544.

• The First 24 HOURS: If you are going home, a family member or friend must drive you because you have been sedated. We require a caretaker to be with you overnight. If you are going to a postoperative recovery center, they will provide transportation.

• DRESSINGS: Keep your dressings as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them unless instructed to do so by the nurse or doctor at the time of discharge from the surgery center.

• BATHROOM: Bathroom privileges with assistance.

• ACTIVITY: It is very important to get out of bed and ambulate the day after surgery. But, take it easy and pamper yourself. Rest is the most important tool for recovery. You can sit and watch TV, read a book, etc., but NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU FEEL DO NOT, CLEAN THE HOUSE, DO THE LAUNDRY, COOK THE FAMILY MEAL, CLEANOUT THE ATTIC, ETC.! You will pay for that over exertion the next day. Too much activity can cause bleeding, bruising & swelling.

• DIET: Start with clear liquids, advance to soft foods and regular diet as tolerated. Carbonated sodas such as ginger ale and dry crackers may help settle nausea.

• SHOWER: 48 hours after surgery

• DRAINS: If drains are present you will be instructed on how to care for and record the drainage amounts by the nurse at the surgery center.

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

• ALCOHOL: Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could increase postoperative bleeding. Please do not drink while taking the prescription pain pills, as the combination of pain pill and alcohol can be dangerous.

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

• POST OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS: It is very important that you follow the schedule of appointments we establish after surgery.

By signing below I acknowledge my understanding of the financial policies of the office of Ghada Y, Afifi, M.D., F.A.C.S. In addition, I understand that the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science and I acknowledge that no guarantees have been made to me as to the results of the proposed operation and/or procedure.

Patient Name (Please Print) Patient Signature Date

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download