Pre-operative instructions

For Plastic Surgery with Dr. Yates

1-2 weeks before plastic surgery

• Avoid aspirin for 10 days before plastic surgery as it can contribute to bleeding.
• Avoid herbal medications as they can contribute to bleeding.
• Avoid smoking/ nicotine as it can lead to problems with wound healing particularly in extensive operations.
  • Dr. Yates will not do many procedures until you have quit for 6 weeks including breast reduction, breast lift , tummy tuck, and facelift.
• Eat a healthy diet, avoid alcohol.
• Report any illnesses to Dr. Yates.
• Arrange for time off work/ childcare etc…
• Arrange for someone to be with you on the day of surgery and night after surgery.

The night before surgery/ day of surgery

• We will call to verify your surgery time the day before surgery.  Be flexible as sometimes our surgery schedule changes.
• Wash the surgical site with antibacterial soap the night before and morning of surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or 8 hours before your scheduled surgery time.  No exceptions (water, gum, coffee…).  Medications may be taken with a sip of water.
• Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove and replace (sweat pants and top that zips up the front).
• Wear comfortable slip-on flat shoes.
• Do not wear contacts (Bring your glasses if you wear them).
• You may be given preoperative medications for nausea and sedation.  Bring these with you and you will be instructed when to take them (generally 30 minutes before your procedure).
• Bring your post-operative medications.  You will not need to take your antibiotics until the following day.  You may start pain medications in recovery if needed.

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