For more information on the comprehensive procedures offered by plastic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sean Brian Rice, contact his Toronto office today.
Dr. Sean Rice
B.A. (Hons), M.D., M.S.c., F.R.C.S.C.
1333 Sheppard Ave. East, Suite 345
Toronto, Ontario M2J 1V1
Tel. (416) 391-4048
Pre- and Post-Surgical Instructions from Dr. Sean Brian Rice – Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon in Toronto
The ease of recovering from a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sean Brian Rice, a leading plastic cosmetic surgeon based in Toronto, depends greatly on the steps the patient takes before and after the surgery. The length of time it takes to recover physically and get back on your feet, as well as the level of pain and discomfort you experience, are both factors that can vary based on your actions. Certain foods, medications, and activities are to be strictly avoided before and after the surgery, while some others may help you recover, manage your pain, and achieve the best results. As a result, patients who follow their doctor’s orders before and after surgery are far more likely to experience a shorter, less painful physical recovery and be more pleased with the results than are patients who disregard their doctor’s instructions.
During the initial consultations at which procedures are scheduled, Dr. Rice provides all of his patients with detailed pre- and post-surgical instructions that explain which activities, foods, and medications are to be avoided or used both before and after the procedure. General pre- and post-surgical instructions that apply to the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures are listed below.
Before Surgery
Make sure that you have arranged for someone to escort you to and from our office on the day of your surgery. Another person can provide moral support, ease any anxiety you may have before the procedure, and ensure that you get home safely afterwards. If possible, arrange to have someone stay with you for the first day or so after your procedure as well, as you may need some help using the bathroom, eating, or dressing.
Do not take aspirin or any medications containing aspirin (such as Alka–Seltzer®, Anacin®, Bufferin®, etc.) for two weeks before your surgery. Tylenol® is acceptable. Also, take a daily multi-vitamin with iron for two weeks before and after your surgery.
Patients who will be sedated for their procedures must avoid eating or drinking anything (even water) after midnight on the night before the surgery.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet in the days and weeks before your surgery, but do not diet in an attempt to lose weight, as doing so can unnecessarily weaken your body.
Plastic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sean Brian Rice, based in Toronto, will answer any other questions patients may have about what to do before surgery.
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After Surgery
For patients who undergo a facelift or other types of facial surgery, ice packs or cold compresses can be kept over both the eyes and the forehead for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Icing longer than 48 hours, though, can actually worsen swelling and bruising.
Starting two days after your surgery, you may begin using a heating pad or a source of moist heat, such as a warm water bottle, to ease aches and pains.
On the first day after your surgery, you should remain seated straight up, standing, or walking around as much as possible. Lying flat in bed for long periods of time should be avoided. You should avoid bending over or lifting more than five pounds for the first week after your surgery.
Some light walking may begin three days after your surgery, but jogging and other light exercise should be avoided for three weeks. Strenuous sports must be avoided for at least six weeks.
Following your surgical procedure, Toronto-based cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Brian Rice will provide personalized post-surgical instructions specific to your situation.
Contact Plastic Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Sean Brian Rice
To learn more about what you should and should not do before and after your surgery, contact plastic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sean Brian Rice in Toronto. Strictly following your doctor’s orders can greatly reduce the duration and hardship of your recovery from cosmetic surgery.
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