STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and gets in the way of healing. You must stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after surgery if you are undergoing a facelift, breast reconstruction, breast reduction or abdominoplasty surgery.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS: You must have an adult drive you home from the facility. (some minor procedures may not require this and this will be discussed at consultation). You will not be allowed to drive yourself or use public transportation. If you will be staying at home after surgery you will need to have an adult with you for the first 24 hours. If you are staying at a post-operative care facility, you will need to have someone drive you from the surgery center to the care facility. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you to your first and possibly second appointments.

CHILD CARE: Make arrangements beforehand for the care of your children. Do not expect to feel up to your usual activity level for at least several days.

NOTIFY OFFICE: Notify the office if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever or other illness during the two weeks prior to your surgery. You must also let the doctor know if you have a change in medication during the two week period prior to your surgery.

DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing aspirin 15 days before surgery and/or ibuprofen 10 days before surgery. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).

VITAMINS & HERBAL MEDICATIONS: Start taking multivitamins twice daily to improve your general health once you have scheduled your surgery. Taking 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day will help promote healing. Keep your intake of vitamin E below 400 mg per day. Stop all herbal medications.