Pre-Operative Care Instructions for Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery

1) Initial Consultation for Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery:

• An accurate medical history containing any and all pertinent information. Preferably, bring a copy of your current medical conditions/medical charts from your primary care physician.
• A list of all the medications, vitamins, supplements, and/or herbal products you take. These are very important as your medical history and medication intake must be carefully reviewed prior to creating a treatment plan and surgical appointment.

2) Reduce Complication Risks Early On for Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery:

• Discontinue using aspirin (including medications/products that contain aspirin), Ibuprofen, and Vitamin E. Your surgeon may direct you to quit taking others as well.
• Medications such as vitamins or herbs supplements, which act as blood thinners that may cause excessive bleeding, bruising, and other avoidable complications.
• Abstain from smoking for about 1-2 weeks before and after your surgery. Cigarettes impair blood circulation, discourage healing, and promote scarring.
• Abstain from drinking alcohol for about 1-2 weeks before and after your surgery. Alcohol has an effect on liver function as well as blood consistency.

3) Pre-Operative Medication Instructions for Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery:

One week Before Surgery:

• DISCONTINUE taking any and all aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines (e.g., Anacin, Excedrin®, and Pepto-Bismol®). Check any cold or pain medication bottles to make certain aspirin are not contained.
• DISCONTINUE taking any and all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Etodolac , Fenoprofen, Ibuprofen, Motrin®, Ketorolac, Maproxen, Meclofenarnate, Mefenamic acid and Naproxen.

 The Morning of Your Surgery:

• DO NOT TAKE oral diabetes medications (chlorpropamide, glyburide, glypizide, tolazamide, tolbutamide, etc.).
• DO TAKE ALL of your other usual morning doses of regularly prescribed medicines with a small sip of water. 
• DO USE your asthma inhaler (s) and make sure to bring them with you to the hospital.

4) On appointment day you plan to have the Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery:

• Try to leave all of your jewelry and valuables at home. Should you be unable to remove some piece of jewelry, a protective tape will be placed over it. For your convenience, there is a valuables depository located on the 4th floor of the hospital.
• If you wear contact lenses, glasses or hearing aids and dentures, please bring proper storage containers/solutions with you. These items will be stored before your procedure.
• Try not to wear any makeup, especially mascara. Please remove nail polish and/or nail shellac as your nail plate must be clearly visible during surgery. 
• In addition, it is advisable to have a bath or perhaps a shower before you come into the hospital. You may need to bring along with you loosely fitting daytime clothing, personal hygiene stuff, loose fitting underwear, and sanitary pads.

Pre-Operative Diet Instructions:

8 Hours Before Surgery:

• DO NOT EAT any solid foods as your stomach must be empty. This is a very important surgical safety precaution.
• DO NOT DRINK any ‘heavy’ liquids including milk-based products and gelatins.
• DO NOT DRINK any juices that contain pulp (orange juice, pineapple juice, nectars, etc.)
• YOU MAY DRINK up to eight ounces of clear liquids up until 6 hours before your surgery appointment. Clear liquids include water, pulp-free juices (apple juice, grape juice), black tea, and black coffee.

6 Hours Before Surgery:

• TAKE NOTHING PER ORAL (NPO) except for maintenance medications that are approved by the above guidelines and/or your surgeon.
• Before undergoing an operative or diagnostic procedure under Sedation or General Anesthesia, you must refrain from eating, drinking, or taking anything per oral following your surgeon’s guidelines.
• This precaution is taken to ensure your safety. When you are unconscious, complications from nausea or vomiting must be avoided. Should you vomit while unconscious, stomach fluids can flood the lungs causing serious problems such as pneumonia. These complications can easily result in an extended hospital stay and unforeseen expenses. For your safety, be sure to follow the NPO time given by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.

If your Cosmetic Gynecology surgery does not entail a hospital stay, we are more than happy to assist you in booking a hotel or providing accommodation recommendations. A few hotels located near the hospital offer special rates for our patients. Feel free to contact us for more information.