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What to Expect

Before Surgery

  • ​​Patients aged 40 and over will need an EKG done within 6 months of your surgery. If you need to get one, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or cardiologist. Please have your results faxed to Affiliates in Plastic Surgery at (301) 232-3333. Results must be received prior to surgery .

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Day of Surgery

  • Remove all makeup, nail polish, jewelry, and contacts

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate bandages or other types of dressings where the procedure is being performed

  • Wear easy on/off shoes

  • Items you must bring with you: phone and government issued ID 

  • Items to avoid bringing: jewelry or other valuables

  • Please note that you may bring a friend or family member with you. The surgicenter has a waiting room for any guests. Although, if you will be dropped off, please be sure to provide our staff with your rides name and phone number. We will get in touch with your ride when it is time for pick up.

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Postoperative Instructions

Almost all patients experience some level of discomfort, soreness, swelling, and fatigue after surgery.  Each individual recovers at a different rate and recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed.  The following are postoperative recommendations.  If there is any conflict with the directions given to you by your physician, it is best to follow the instructions from your physician.  

  • You can usually resume a regular diet within 24 hours.  Ginger ale, soup, crackers, or similar food options are best for the first 24 hours.  Go slow at first and progress your diet depending on how you feel.  It is best to drink plenty of fluids as possible for the first 1-2 days.

  • Take medications according to the instructions on their label.  It is usually best to take most medications (especially pain medication) with food.  Nausea is frequent when taking pain medication on an empty stomach.  It is best to have someone else give you the pain medication according to the correct time intervals.  The medication may make you feel “spacey” or drowsy and you might end up taking the medication too often.  Discontinue any medications that may be producing significant side effects such as nausea and/or diarrhea.  If your pain medication is causing issues such as nausea, it is best to stop the medication and consider switching to Extra-strength Tylenol.

  • Get plenty of rest, but we encourage getting out of bed as much as possible.  While in bed, don’t cross your legs.  You will need some help walking for the first few days while the anesthesia effects may still be in your system.  

  • Keep your dressings in place until you are advised to remove them or until your Physician sees you for your first follow up appointment.  You may adjust your dressings as needed for comfort.  Some yellow or reddish drainage is common.  

  • Don’t lift anything more than 10-15 pounds for the first week.  If you have had surgery for your breasts/chest, don’t reach overhead with your arms for the first 3-4 days.

  • Avoid smoking of any kind for the first few weeks.  Smoking is detrimental for healing and can delay your recovery.  

  • Avoid alcohol of any kind for the first week.  Alcohol can adversely interact with many medications (especially pain medications).

  • No driving until cleared by your Physician.

  • If drains have been used for your surgery, it is best to empty the bulb attached to the drain twice daily and as needed.  Empty the fluid into a measuring cup and document the drainage each time.  The fluid will look bloody in appearance but is primarily normal body fluid.

  • Call your Physician for significant drainage, unexpected bleeding, pain unresponsive to pain medication, sustained temperature elevation of 101 degrees or greater, or for any specific questions and/or concerns.  

  • Call 911 for any true emergency, such as trouble breathing, abnormal chest pain, and/or change in mental status.  

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