Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready at home before your procedure date.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, and any blood-thinning supplements unless otherwise directed. Tylenol is acceptable.
- Refrain from all nicotine and tobacco products. Nicotine impairs circulation and healing and increases anesthesia risk.
The Evening Before
- Our team will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Please make sure you have a responsible adult picking you up when surgery if completed.
Your Recovery at Home
What to Expect
- It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, tightness, burning, and drainage from your incisions.
- Swelling may occur for approximately 1–6 months, and numbness will continue to improve as healing progresses.
- You may help lessen bruising, swelling, and discomfort with the use of cold compresses.
- For the first 72 hours, sleep with pillows under the surgical area to keep it in an elevated position.
Activity
- Begin walking as soon as you are able. Do not overdo it — gradually increase your activity using your discomfort as a guide.
- Avoid strenuous exercises and activities until cleared at your post-operative visit.
- Please ask your physician before taking aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications, as these can create a greater risk for bleeding.
- Avoid immersing in baths, pools, or hot tubs for 6 weeks following surgery.
Compression Garment
- A compression garment will be applied to reduce swelling and collect any fluid at the surgical site. Wear as directed.
- Wait 2–3 days before removing the garment to shower, as instructed by your care team.
Caring for Your Incisions
Drain Care
- If surgical drains were placed, follow the instructions given by our post-operative staff for emptying and logging drain output. Bring your output log to every post-operative visit.
- Drains are typically removed within 7–10 days, depending on fluid output.
Incision & Wound Care
- Paper tapes will be placed over your incisions. Leave them in place and wash around them as instructed.
- Apply gauze to the incision site to absorb any drainage. Change gauze as needed.
- The incision area may appear puckered initially — this is normal and will improve over time.
- Avoid direct sunlight to your incisions. Sun avoidance and protection are recommended through your post-operative visits.
Supporting Your Results
Swelling & Healing Timeline
- Swelling and bruising are completely normal and expected. Final results typically emerge between 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
- Do not compare your progress with other patients — everyone heals at a different rate.
Scar Care & Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sun exposure to your incisions for at least 1 year following surgery.
- Once incisions are fully healed, apply an unscented zinc oxide SPF 30+ sunscreen consistently to minimize scar visibility.
Hydration & Nutrition
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water per day. Good hydration reduces swelling and supports tissue repair.
- Eat nourishing, protein-rich foods and limit sodium to reduce swelling. Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products during your recovery period, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
