Most plastic surgery procedures are performed as an out patient, although overnight facilities are available for patients undergoing larger procedures or for those that are form out of town or come from a distance.
Before Surgery
Do not eat after midnight the night prior to surgery. You may drink clear fluids only, up to 6 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
We will see you at the clinic before your surgery. We will usually do a few measurements and make several standardized markings before going in to the operating room. Surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthesia, but for some patients, and depending upon the procedure, local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation is used. Our highly skilled anaesthesia and nursing staff are there with you at all times to provide you with a safe experience in as caring and compassionate manner as possible.
Surgery
The length of surgery depends upon the procedure that you are undergoing. At the conclusion of the surgery, a very light bandage will be applied over the incision site. If you are having breast surgery, you will wake up already wearing your sports bra. The anaesthetist will have given you pain medication prior to the end of the surgery to minimize postoperative discomfort. From the operating room, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will stay until you are ready to go home. A recovery room nurse will be attending to you at all times to monitor your recovery and to ensure that you are comfortable.
After Surgery
Once you are ready to be discharged home, we will see you to review your postoperative instructions. You will be given a number to contact us or one of our staff 24 hours a day should you need any advice after leaving the clinic.
Because you will have been under an anaesthetic, your judgment and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours. It is important to have a responsible adult pick you up from the clinic and stay with you the first night following surgery.
