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Precautions and Operative Requirements
More than two weeks before surgery
· Make a "Honey Do" list (bills, thermostat settings, errands, reminders).
· Purchase a thermometer if you do not have one, it is imperative that you check your temperature regularly for fever. A high fever may be a sign of infection.
· If you have children to consider, have your parents or in- laws watch them or feel free to bring them along on your journey. If you require assistance in looking after your children, please request that Body Contours organize a baby sitter for you.
· Make time for yourself before your surgery; pour a bath, light some candles, listen to some music -- relax. Try to gather your thoughts and soothe your mind.
· Talk to your spouse about any concerns that you may have. He/she may have some insights or questions you haven't considered and may be experiencing pre-op anxiety as well.
· DISCONTINUE alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking several weeks prior to surgery. If your lungs are congested, the surgery cannot be done, as the risk of pneumonia and poor healing is too great! If surgery must be canceled at the last minute due to any of the above, you will loose your non-refundable deposit.
· DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen, large doses of Vitamin E, or algae-containing food supplements for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. They may act as a blood thinner and promote excessive bruising. You may use Tylenol or similar medications.
· Take Vi-Con C (one capsule 3 times daily) or other Vitamin C capsules or tablets for approximately 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. This is necessary to promote good healing. You may continue this vitamin after surgery at the rate of one daily. Talk to your GP about the use of SinEcch or Bromeliad, a pineapple extract with anti-bruising and anti-swelling properties.
· Laboratory tests or "blood work" may be required several days prior to surgery on patients over the age of 40. Call your surgeon for exact instructions.
What to remember just before your flight to South Africa
· Have loads of books, magazines or videogames on hand.
· A heating pad, hot water bottle or microwaveable pack is great for a sore back from sleeping in an elevated position.
· Your robe and slippers (or several pair of thick socks) are essential.
· Pack a few comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms.
· If you have long hair, pack a few scrunchies to keep your hair out of your face, unknotted and out of the way.
· Pack a hand mirror.
· Have fresh film or a disposable post-op photo camera on hand, especially if you are considering documenting your procedure.
· Have your journal and a few fresh, fully inked pens ready if you want to document your post-operative thoughts in writing.
· RELAX. If you are stressed out it can really affect your recovery. Try to remember that you will heal, you will be less sore and that you are going to look great! Just be patient.
The night before surgery
· DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery.
· DO NOT bring rings, watches, or other jewelry or large sums of money to the surgery centre or hospital. You are welcome to leave them safely at the Body Contours office. You will be required to sign them in and out.
· If you bruise easily, please indicate this on medical history form and certain anti-bruising medications will be prescribed for you prior to surgery.
· Should you develop any fever, chills or other signs of a cold or other infection prior to surgery, call your Body Contours medical coordinator immediately.
· Wear loose fitting clothing to the surgery centre or hospital. Your shirt should button or zip down the front. Bring shoes with 1-2"heels.
· The night before (and in some cases for 3 days before) surgery day you will be asked to wash with Dial Antibacterial or Hibiclens soap to help rid your body of its naturally occurring Staph on the skin's surface.
· Wash your hair the night before surgery -- it may be a short while before you are able to do so again.
· Remove any fingernail and toenail polish so that medical experts are better able to determine if you are getting enough oxygen during surgery (nails turn blue from lack of oxygen and red from excess carbon dioxide).
Post-operative Instructions
· Discharge: Body Contours will drive you to your chosen recuperation venue. Rest for the first 24 hours; get up only to go to the bathroom.
· Prescriptions: On your pre-operative visit you will be given several prescriptions, which we will collect, for you. Begin taking the medication as soon as you return to your recuperation venue or as your surgeon instructs. The medicine will last 4-7 days and the prescription will generally not need to be repeated.
· Bandages: You will have bandages on after certain procedures. Do not remove them. They will be changed during your first visit. with the surgeon
· Your first post-operative office visit will occur 5-7 days after your surgery.
· Warm soaks: After the bandages have been removed, you must soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes twice a day. Continue this until all swelling and bruising is gone. DO NOT USE A HEATING PAD OR HOT WATER BOTTLE - SEVERE BURNS COULD OCCUR.
· Showering: You may sponge-bathe 24 hours after the surgery. DO NOT wet the bandages.
· Place anything you may need at hip level so that you have no need to reach up or bend down. Bending over is just as bad as reaching over your head.
Sun Exposure: Do not expose the scars to the sun (or tanning bed) for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery as severe burns can occur from minimal exposure. Scars must be protected from sunlight for approximately 3 to 6 months or until all redness is gone. You may use tanning creams.