Before the surgery
Informed Consent
When you are evaluated for your surgery, the surgeon will explain the procedure and have you sign a consent form. If the surgeon feels you will benefit from an evaluation with the anesthesiologist ahead of time, it will be arranged before your surgery. Otherwise, you will meet the anesthesiologist in the holding area just before surgery.
Pre Admission Testing
A pre operative examination with additional tests may be necessary. You will receive a letter with instructions of where to go and what to do to prepare you for surgery.
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The Day of Surgery
Before surgery, the staff will provide you with hospital clothing and an explanation of what to expect in the surgical area. They will ask you a number of questions and initiate the paperwork needed to provide your care during your stay. Your family and/or significant others are welcome to stay with you until you are taken to the Operating Room. Your belongings may be stored in a locker if you are here for outpatient surgery.
Your Anesthesiologist will then help you decide which type of anesthesia is best for you. Your Surgeon will review the type of surgery and will explain any potential complications, and alternatives. If not done ahead of time, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Once in the Operating Room, you will be prepped for surgery. The skin will be cleansed with an antimicrobial agent and shaved if needed. All body areas will be draped except the part that will be operated on. Your Anesthesiologist will be at your side throughout the surgery. Your Surgeon will guide the team though the actual operation. Depending on the length and complexity of your surgery, a number of other team members will be present. The team may include Nurses, Surgical Residents, Physician's Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Surgical Technicians, and Patient Aides.
Once the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the Recovery Room. A Nurse will continuously monitor you until you are fully awake and alert. Your Nurse will explain the equipment and any dressings or tubes that were placed on you. You will also be instructed in your level of activity and any exercises that you need to perform during this period. You are kept in this area until you are considered stable enough to discharged Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. Your Anesthesiologist makes this decision.
After discharge
When you are discharged from the Surgery Center, there are a number of things you should understand to ensure the success of your surgery:
Exercise
Be aware of any restrictions ordered by your surgeon. These restrictions will be written on your discharge instructions. Follow your exercise program as outlined by your surgeon, the physical therapist and/or occupational therapist. If ordered, a physical therapist and/or an occupational therapist will visit you at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. The therapist will assess your abilities to perform what you learned in the hospital. The therapist will then build on your skills to improve your performance and determine new goals that will allow you to become more independent. It is important to continue the maintenance programs given to you as part of your daily routine. Your endurance will continue to improve. Continue to use any of the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery aids and devices to protect and reduce stress on the surgical areas.
Automobiles
Your physician will decide when it is safe for you to drive your automobile. As a passenger, the following tips will make your trip a safe and enjoyable one: Have the driver park the car a few feet from the curb so that you enter and exit the car from street level rather than the curb. Have the seat pushed back before getting into the car. If necessary, use a firm cushion to raise the seat height. Sit down first, and then bring legs in pivoting to face forward. Always use your seat belt. Your physical therapist will advise you of any special precautions you need to use as a passenger.
Bathing
Your surgeon will write any restrictions on your discharge summary. Depending on your surgery, a shower may need to be substituted for that favorite soaking hot bath. Showering is easier and safer when you use the following items:
Your occupational therapist will advise you which of the above items are necessary depending upon your specific surgery.
Wound Care
Your nurse will instruct you on wound care and may require a return demonstration from you. Know the appearance of your wound. Your surgeon will write orders regarding the cleaning and bandaging of your wound before you leave the hospital. If ordered, a visiting nurse will check your wound once you are Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. The visiting nurse will reinforce wound care instructions to you and/ or your caregiver. The visiting nurse may also be ordered to remove your staples. Look at your incision every day. Report the following signs and symptoms to your surgeon:
The visiting nurse can also collaborate with your physician and assist with any change in your treatment.
Medications
Your surgeon will provide prescriptions for your pain medicine. This prescription will be based on your pain management during your hospitalization. Take the medicine as directed. Taking more than the prescribed dose can be dangerous. Narcotic pain medicines are constipating. Eat high fiber foods, fresh fruits and vegetables and drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day. Unless instructed otherwise, take your favorite laxative, when necessary to relieve constipation. Your surgeon may also prescribe a stool softener to aid your bowel function. Depending on the type of surgery, it may be necessary to take a medicine to prevent blood clots. If so, be sure that you take the medication as directed. Your nurse or case manager can answer any questions you may have about you medication.
Diet
Unless instructed otherwise, resume your normal diet. Eat plenty of foods high in protein to help with healing. Multivitamins may also be beneficial to healing, particularly Vitamins C and E.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation consists of Physical, Occupational, Speech, Activity, and Recreational Therapists. Rehabilitation can occur at any point of your care. You are able to see the therapists as an outpatient. Your physician will determine which therapist you see and for how long.
