DEMO 10: Dr. Clark Recovery

We are so glad you chose to have your procedure with Dr. Christa Clark of Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery! Please read all instructions carefully when preparing for your surgical procedure, and adhere to all guidelines both pre and post-op.

• Pre-Op Instructions
• Medications to Avoid
• Discharge Instructions
• Recovery Needs Checklist
• Medication List After Surgery
• Post-Op Care (Body)

Pre-Op Instructions

If you are preparing to undergo surgical procedure at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, please see these pre-op instructions and adhere to all requirements in the weeks leading up to your surgery. For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

1. Two weeks prior to surgery, discontinue any medications or supplements listed on the provided handout. This includes, but is not limited to: aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Vit E, Omegas.
2. Arrange your affairs to limit distractions following your surgery so you can focus on relaxing and healing. Arrange transport to and from surgery center for both the day of surgery and the day after.
3. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA.
4. Plan to have a responsible adult with you for the first two nights after surgery.
5. Arrange your household to make it easy for yourself post-op. This includes items you might need in your kitchen as well as setting your “recovery station” where you will be sleeping and resting after surgery.
6. The night before surgery, do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before your procedure.
7. The morning of surgery, wear loose fitting clothing, front button top, zip up hoodie, slippers. Do not wear contact lens. Do not wear jewelry.
8. The morning of surgery, take your normal medications with only a sip of water.
9. Please arrive promptly at your scheduled arrival time. Bring your post-surgery meds with you in a Ziploc bag.
10. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us here at the office during normal business hours.

Medications to Avoid

All patients anticipating surgery must stop taking all sources of Aspirin-like products, Omega vitamins, and Vitamin E capsules for two weeks prior to surgery. The following are only a few of many aspirin containing and other compounds to avoid:

If you must take something for headaches, menstrual cramps, or other aches and pains, you may take TYLENOL or EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL (as directed) for two weeks prior to surgery. Many over-the-counter herbal medications also cause bleeding and must be discontinued for two weeks prior to surgery. A few of these include:

For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

Discharge Instructions

Following your discharge from Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, please adhere to all of the discharge instructions listed below. For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

Dressings

Keep dressings clean, dry, and in place until instructed to remove them. If there has been liposuction, there will be some leakage of blood tinged fluid.

Medications

Always have 3-4 crackers or other food before taking medications to prevent nausea.

Diet

Start with clear liquids (broth, jello, apple juice) and progress slowly to light meal. If stomach remains settled, resume normal diet as tolerated.

Activity

Rest at home day of surgery. Move slowly and carefully. Have someone with you the first few times you get up.

You may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, and sleepiness from anesthesia that can last over 24 hours. Although you may feel normal, reflexes and mental ability may be impaired. Therefore, for the next 24 hours:

• A responsible adult must drive you home
• A responsible adult must be with you at home
• You must not care for dependent adults or children
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages of any kind
• Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or power tools

We will see you at your next follow up appointment.

Call your doctor at (916) 242-2662 if any of the following occur:

• Bright red or persistent bleeding
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Intolerable pain unrelieved by pain medications
• Difficulty breathing

Call 911 in an emergency.

Recovery Needs Checklist

This checklist will help you make sure you have the help and supplies you need to keep yourself and your family, safe, comfortable, and sane while you recover after plastic surgery. For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

My Support Crew

• Who will drive me to and home from my procedure?
• Who will stay with me during my first 24-48 hours?
• Around-the-clock childcare help for my initial recovery (1 to 2 weeks)
• Who’s in charge of pet care (if necessary)?

Taking Care of Business (2 Weeks Before Surgery)

• I’ve put in for vacation/sick time at work
• My calendar is clear for time I’ll need to rest at home
• I am no longer using meds/herbs/foods on “Items to Avoid Before Surgery” list
• Bills are paid up, lawn is mowed, etc.
• The house is clean (bedroom, kitchen, & bathroom are top priorities)
• I have an appointment to get my hair done 2 to 3 days before surgery (optional)

Up to 1 Week Before Surgery

• Fill prescriptions for post-op meds
• Meals are prepped or planned for the first few days after surgery
• Frequently used items (cups, toothbrush, etc.) placed at waist level for easy access
• I’m drinking plenty of water
• Hydrogen Peroxide, 4×4 Gauze, Bacitracin, Aquaphor, Q Tips

Stuff I’ll Need to Help with Recovery

• Extra pillows for the bed
• Disposable plates, utensils, & bendy straws
• Loose, button down shirts, PJs, & sweats

The Day Before/Day of Surgery

• Confirmed time to arrive at surgery center
• NO FOOD OR DRINK AFTER __AM/PM THE DAY BEFORE/OR OF SURGERY
• I’ve showered and removed makeup as instructed
• My bed is set up for me after surgery

Medication List After Surgery

Following your procedure at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, it is essential that you adhere to instructions provided by our surgeons. This is a list of the medications you may be provided with after your surgery. For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

Pain Pill PERCOCET (oxycodone) or VICODIN/NORCO (hydrocodone) /NUCYNTA/TRAMADOL

This is your pain medication. Take one to two pills WITH FOOD every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. You may find that this medication constipates you, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take your stool softener. While on the Percocet or Vicodin do not take additional Tylenol. This bottle is all the pain medication we can legally prescribe for your surgery. At Day 5 post-op you may transition to Advil (ibuprofen) and/or Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Anti-nausea PHENERGAN (promethazine) or ZOFRAN (ondansetron)

This is a suppository or oral dissolving tablet for nausea or vomiting. Take this as needed every 6 to 12 hours for nausea or vomiting. It works very well for nausea but may make you sleepy!

Muscle Relaxer VALIUM (diazepam) or FLEXERIL (cyclobenzaprine)

These medications may be prescribed to help with muscle tightness from your surgery. Take as prescribed only when needed. These are not pain pills and they will cause drowsiness. Take one every eight hours as needed for muscle tightness.

Antibiotic KEFLEX (cefazolin) CIPRO (ciprofloxacin) or CLINDA (clindamycin)

This is your antibiotic. Take one pill WITH FOOD when you get home tonight (the evening of your surgery) and start the rest as prescribed on the bottle beginning tomorrow, post surgery day 1.

Stool Softener COLACE (docusate sodium)

This is a stool softener to help prevent constipation while taking your pain pills. Please start this pill beginning tomorrow, post surgery day 1. Also start Smooth Move tea.

Alcohol

No alcohol. Please do not drink alcohol until you’re 14 day post-op. Alcohol is a blood thinner.

Post-Op Care

If you have undergone a surgical procedure at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, please see these post-op instructions and adhere to all requirements throughout your recovery. For a downloadable version of this list, please click here.

Days 1-7

• Do not lift anything over 10 lbs.
• Do not drive while taking narcotics.
• Drinking coffee is okay.
• No alcohol.
• No smoking or nicotine exposure for at least 4 weeks.
• On Day 5, if you do NOT have a drain, you can shower.
• If you have a drain, you will receive medical clearance when it is OK to shower.
• Patients with pets: do not let them sleep with you.
• Do an extra walk through the kitchen each time you get up to increase circulation.
• Probiotics are recommended especially while taking antibiotics post procedure.

Day 5

• Ok to shower (no baths) if you do NOT have a drain.
• Any mild bath soap is fine.
• Steri strips can get wet; pat dry afterwards.
• Wash your garment and dry in dryer.
• No baths, pools, spas, saunas until incisions are completely healed and there is no scabbing.

Week 2

• Keep activities limited. Okay to do light walking.
• Get plenty of healthy food, fluids, rest. Alcohol ok in moderation.
• Still no baths, pools, spas, saunas until incisions are completely healed and there is no scabbing.
• Any soft bra or Spanx garment is fine to transition to: comfort is key.

Week 4

• Ok to have SEX!
• Ok to work out with weights and cardio. Ok to lift over 10 pounds. Listen to your body!
• Ok to wear an underwire bra.
• Body and breast garments are for comfort only at this point. Your choice to wear or not.
• Soreness and swelling in surgical areas are normal and will take months to go away completely.
• Unless instructed otherwise, you will receive a phone call check-in from our office at your 6-week mark

SURGERY CAN BE AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY. ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT, UNDERSTAND YOU MAY FEEL ANXIOUS AND BE PATIENT WITH YOUR RESULTS! FINAL RESULTS TAKE UP TO A YEAR.

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