1. Is there anything I need to avoid prior to surgery?

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Please do not take any blood thinners such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen and others, Aspirin or Coumadin prior to surgery. 

 

Please stop your birth control pill 2- 4 weeks prior to surgery as this may increase the risk of blood clots.

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We recommend discontinuing all herbal medications prior to surgery. Specifically, the following herbal medications may cause blood thinning, cardiovascular instability or interact with other drugs given to you for anesthesia:

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Ginko Biloba

Garlic in pill form

Ginseng

Fish Oil

Dong Quai

Feverfew

Ephedra

Kaya

St Johns Wort

Valerian Root

Licorice

Echinacea

Goldenseal

Large Dose of Vitamin E

 

Recreational Drugs or Alcohol should not be used 24 hours before and after surgery. These may interact with your anesthetic or post operative pain killers and cause serious complications.

 

Do not smoke for 1 month prior to and 1 month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes will cause problems with healing, increased risk of infection and the possibility of dead skin after surgery.

 

Get 8 hours of sleep per night in the two weeks prior to surgery. This will boost your immune system.

 

You will not be able to have anything to eat or drink the night before surgery. The surgery centre will call you with specific instructions.

 

Please call our office immediately if your health condition changes (flu, urinary tract infection, cold, fever) before surgery.

 

 

2. Do I need to buy a bra prior to surgery?

 

No, we will fit you for your bra at your first postoperative visit in office.

 

 

3. Will I see Dr Macadam on the day of surgery?

 

Yes, Dr Macadam will see you and mark you for surgery right before the surgery occurs.

 

 

4. What will happen when I leave the surgery center?

 

You will have bandages over your incisions. Leave the outer bandages in place until you see Dr Macadam and no showering until you see Dr Macadam in office.

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You will have prescriptions for an antibiotic to prevent infection and a pain killer. Take the pain killer every 4 hours for the first 48 hours, then take as needed.

 

 

5. When will I see Dr Macadam after surgery?

 

Our office will usually make your postoperative appointment prior to your surgery date. If this hasn’t been done please call the office to book an appointment for one week after surgery.

 

 

6. What should I avoid after surgery?

 

You may not lift anything heavier than 5lbs. Do not exercise. Exercise is restricted for 4 weeks because of the risk of bleeding.  You must sleep on your back for 3 months. You will be unable to perform any chest exercises (push ups, chin ups, cobra, bench presses) for one year after surgery.

 

 

7. What are things to look for after surgery?

 

After you are discharged from the hospital, there are a few things to watch during your healing process. If you see any of the following try calling Dr Macadam. If you cannot reach her please call VGH at 604‐875‐4111 and ask to page the plastic surgeon on call:

 

Leg Swelling

Shortness of Breath

Redness around your incisions

Swelling of the breasts

Increasing pain in your breasts

Increasing pain around the incisions

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8. When can I drive?

 

Every patient is different. We recommend that you be off of all narcotic medications prior to driving. You will need to feel comfortable enough to make a sudden turn of the steering wheel. For most patients this is at about 10-14 days after surgery.

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If you have any other questions during your post‐operative course, feel free to contact our office or email Dr. Macadam at drsamacadam@gmail.com.