If you smoke, quit or at least cut down before surgery. People who don’t smoke heal faster than people who do.
Stop drinking alcohol at two days before surgery.
Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen five days before surgery, or as instructed by your surgeon.
During your pre-op appointment, you will be told when to stop eating and drinking, including gum, mints and candy.
If you get a fever, cold or rash, call you doctor. Your surgery may need to be postponed.
Arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and stay with you for at least the first 12 hours.
Ask your doctor about taking your diabetes medications.
Shower or bathe (use any hospital-recommended special cleansing soaps as directed). Do not apply lotion, oil or powder.
Do not shave the area of your body where you will be having surgery.
Remove contact lenses, hairpins, lipstick and other makeup. Wear glasses to the hospital.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
Leave valuables at home.
Bring eyedrops and inhalers if needed.
Take medications as instructed. Most heart, lung and blood pressure medications are continued until your surgery, but ask if you are unsure.
Dr. Rice received his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California where he also completed an internship in general surgery and specialty surgical training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Rice went on to complete advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Institute of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is double board certified… read more