1.Please inform the doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medication( e.g.warfarin, disprin, aspirin containing medicine). This will have to be discontinued as per doctor ‘s instructions!

2.Uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding. Ensure that your blood pressure is well controlled.

3.To reduce the risk of bleeding DO NOT TAKE any of the following medications 10 days before surgery:

• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS: i.e.medications used for treating arthritis and pain. e.g.brufen, ibuprofen, voltaren, etc.
• ASPIRIN / SALICYTIC: containing medications
• NB GRANDPA POWDERS !!
• ANTIPLATELET AGENTS: e.g. Aspirin, Ecotrin, Plavix, Persantin e)ANTICOAGULANTS e.g.heparin, warfarin f)HOMEOPATHIC medications e.g. Arnica, Rescue Remedy, St Johns Wart
• HERBS: e.g. Cumin, Evening primrose oil, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, grape seed extract, omega 3 fatty acids.
• VITAMINS  C & E.

4.Take a bath/ shower with antibiotic soap, on the morning of your admission.

5.Don’t apply any body lotion.

6.Don’t wear any makeup.

7.Regardless of whether you are having a  general anesthetic or a conscious sedation, you should not eat/drink for 6 hours prior to surgery.

8.No smoking for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery in case of the following operations:

• breast reductions
• breast lifts
• breast reconstructions
• tummy tucks
• facelifts

9.Bring comfortable cotton underwear.

10.Leave all valuables at home.

11.Take prophylactic antibiotics, starting 12 hours before surgery, in the case of:

• breast enlargements
• liposculpture

1.You will spend at least the first night in hospital after  the following procedures:

• breast reduction
• breast lift
• tummy tuck
• breast reconstruction
• breast enlargement( not necessarily)
• facelift

2.You will need someone to drive you home.

3.You will need someone to assist you at home for 1/2 days.

4.You will need to rest for the first 5- 7 days.( listen to your body!) .DO NOT JUST STAY IN BED! Constantly move around slowly to increase blood circulation, thereby decreasing the chances of blood clots!

5.Decreased activity, together with pain medication, may promote constipation.

6.Use Duphalac Dry as prescribed, add fruit and fiber to your diet, drink sufficient fluids!

7.Take pain medication as prescribed. DO NOT TAKE any ASPIRIN containing medication.

8.Don’t use alcohol when taking pain medication.

9.In the case  of  FACIAL SURGERY :

• sleep with head elevated for 5 days
• you may use cold compresses, every 6 hourly for swelling
• washing of hair is permitted on day 4
• don’t use hair dryer settings on HOT. Because of reduced skin sensation, skin may be damaged!
• bruising may be covered with foundation after 1 week
• you may follow your usual skin care routine after 1 week.

10.SMOKING delays wound healing and increases the risk of complications.

11.Don’t drive for 24 hours following conscious sedation.

12.Don’t drive for 7 days following:

• breast reduction
• breast lift
• breast enlargement
• breast reconstruction
• tummy tuck

13.No strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks following:

• breast reduction
• breast lift
• breast enlargement
• breast reconstruction
• tummy tuck
• facial surgery
• liposuction

14.Resume SEXUAL ACTIVITY as comfort permits, usually after 2-3 weeks.

15.You ‘ll be able to resume office type work after 3 days in case of LIPOSUCTION.

16.You ‘ll be able to resume office type work after 7-10 days in case of :

• breast reduction
• breast lift
• breast enlargement
• breast reconstruction
• tummy tuck
• facelift

1.Increased bruising and swelling.

2.If swelling and redness persists after a few days.

3.Increased redness along the incision.

4.Severe / increased pain not relieved by pain medication.

5.Side effects of medication such as rash, nausea, headache and vomiting.

6.Temperature exceding 38 degrees C.

7.Any drainage from incisions/ noticing of foul odours.

8.Bleeding from the incisions that do not stop with light pressure.

EMERGENCY NUMBER  : 082  785 9547