pre-and-post-op-instructions

Dr. LaBruna and his staff will give you careful and specific instructions for the hours before and days after your procedure. However we understand you will be receiving a lot of information at once. We have provided a general list of instructions that you may use as a guideline for surgery. If you have questions about specific instructions regarding your plastic surgery procedure, please call our office at (212) 584.7001.
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ADULT AMBULATORY SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Aspirin or any aspirin containing medications such as Bufferin, Anacin, Pepto-Bismol, etc., and other blood thinners (NSAIDS) such as, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc., Vitamin E, and red wine must be stopped 14 days before surgery and 14 days after surgery. Please read the labels of any over-the-counter cold preparation or medications you are taking. If you are taking COUMADIN, HEPARIN, BABY ASPIRIN, ETC., please contact your physician for special instructions regarding stopping and restarting them. You may take Tylenol for pain relief before the surgery.

2. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT, the night before your procedure. On the morning of surgery nothing should be taken by mouth, including water unless you have been instructed by your physician to take medications. If so, you may take the medication with a small sip of water.

3. The day before your surgery, the surgical center or hospital will call you to tell you what time to come in. You will be provided with phone numbers to call in case you do not hear from them or you may call the office to check on your appointment time.

4. Please make sure a responsible adult is available to discuss your discharge instructions and escort you home. An adult should be available to you at least 24 hours after the surgery. Please do not bring children with you to the surgical center.

5. Please call the office and make sure a follow-up appointment is scheduled after your procedure.

6. We advise that you leave all your valuables at home.

7. Patients 50 years of age and over, having monitored general anesthesia or IV sedation, may be asked to have an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood work, and an examination by their attending physician. A chest x-ray may also be required. The physician may request additional testing. EKGs and blood work are good for one month and chest x-rays for six months if normal. They may need to be repeated. Test results along with clearance information are due in the office at least three days prior to surgery.