Preparing for your surgery is just as important as following the post-operative instructions. Recovery varies from no downtime (Botox, Collagen, Laser, Restylane) to a few weeks for more invasive surgeries. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Mukerji and his staff will give you instructions to prepare for surgery including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed. As with any other surgical care, post-operative care is imperative in the case of plastic surgery as well. We encourage you to follow the instructions provided to you and to call our clinic with any questions.

• Two weeks prior to surgery stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, and herbs.
• Schedule time off from work.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home form the hospital and to stay with you during your post operative period (or at least for 48 hours.)
• Have your house in order: pay the bills, take out the trash, and prepare a few meals ahead of time so you can rest.
• Shower the evening before or the morning of surgery.
• Do not wear make-up to surgery.
• The day before surgery, nothing by mouth after midnight.
• No alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery.

After your surgery there may be a general discomfort and bruising.  There should be no major pain or swelling.  However, there will be varying degrees of pain or discomfort. Your physician will prescribe pain medicine for this.  Some bruising , swelling, numbness, and facial asymmetry are expected.  Using cold compresses for the first 24 hours helps to reduce any bruising and swelling you might experience. The healing process takes time and these symptoms will dissipate in the following weeks.  After the first dressing is removed your hair will be matted from the antiseptic solution.  Your first instinct may be to shower but you must wait till two days after surgery.  When you do shower make sure someone is there to assist you.

Call your Doctor for:

• Temperature above 100 or severe chills.
• Persistent nausea/vomiting.
• Excessive bleeding or drainage on the dressing.
• Excessive facial swelling.
• Severe pain unrelieved by pain medication.

Activity

• You should be up and moving the first day following your surgery.  This Aids circulation and helps prevent blood clots.
• It is important to keep your head elevated.  Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated.
• No bending over, heavy lifting, or sex.  Discuss with your doctor when you may resume these activities.
• Chances are you will be tired following your surgery so be sure to get plenty of rest.

Diet

• No Alcohol while taking prescription pain medication.
• Your diet should be liquid soft for the first 48 hours.
• Avoid preservatives, they can promote swelling.
• Drink plenty of fluids and limit your caffeine

You should call for a follow-up appointment with your Doctor in 7-10 days.  This is when your stitches or staples will be removed.  Most patients return to work in 12 to 14 days.  It is important to remain near your doctor in case you have questions or concerns.  Do not fly away or go on vacation.  When the recovery process has run its course and healing is complete, you will have a natural and rested appearance.