Pre-Surgery Preparation
Pre-Surgical Testing
To schedule your surgery, call our surgical scheduler at 212-884-8297 or fax 212-889-1534. They will assist you in arranging the necessary testing with your internist or at PACC. Testing must be completed within one month of surgery.
Medications and Supplements
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or medications containing these ingredients for two weeks before surgery. Avoid Vitamin E supplements (beyond a multivitamin) and herbal remedies such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng during this period.
Smoking
Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, as smoking impairs healing.
Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery and protect all scars from sun for 6–12 months afterward using a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can slow healing and darken scars.
Ice Packs
Purchase two 2-pound bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs after surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, or candy) after midnight the night before surgery.
Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You will not be allowed to leave alone.
Pharmacy Prep
Provide your pharmacy’s phone number to our staff so your prescriptions can be called in ahead of time. Pick them up before surgery. Have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment ready at home to care for your incisions.
Day of Surgery
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front. Avoid clothing that goes over your head (T-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks).
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery (you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow water).
Medications
Take only the medications your doctor has instructed you to take that morning (with a small sip of water if needed).
Personal Items
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Makeup and Grooming
Do not wear facial or eye makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses (wear glasses instead).
Dentures
If you wear dentures, you may leave them in during surgery.
After Surgery (Post-Operative Care)
Dressings
Keep bandages on until we instruct you to remove them (or we remove them in the office). You may gently wash your face but avoid disturbing the dressing. When showering, keep the dressing dry.
Diet
No food restrictions.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity (gym, bending, straining, sexual activity, or lifting heavy objects) for 1 week. Gentle walks are fine. Rest and relax as much as possible.
Sun
Avoid sun exposure and heat for 6 weeks post-surgery, as both can prolong swelling.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising on the face is normal. It usually resolves within 2 weeks, though subtle swelling may take up to 6 months to fully subside.
Medications and Wound Care
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Clean your stitches with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip, then apply a thin layer of ointment twice a day.
Contact Lenses
You may wear contact lenses the day after surgery.
Makeup
You may wear makeup once the cast and tape are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or any medications containing these ingredients two weeks before surgery. Additionally, avoid Vitamin E supplements beyond a multivitamin and herbal remedies such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng during this period to reduce bleeding risks.
On the day of surgery, wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front, avoid eating or drinking anything including water, and take only the medications your doctor has instructed with a small sip of water if needed. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, do not wear makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses, and if you wear dentures, you may keep them in during surgery.
After surgery, keep bandages on until instructed to remove them, avoid strenuous activities for one week, and protect your face from sun and heat for six weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and usually resolve within two weeks, but subtle swelling may last up to six months. Clean stitches twice daily with hydrogen peroxide and ointment as directed, and you may resume wearing contact lenses the day after surgery.
You may wear contact lenses starting the day after surgery. Makeup can be applied once the cast and tape are removed, ensuring the incisions have healed sufficiently to avoid irritation or infection.
Smoking impairs healing by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which can increase the risk of complications and delay recovery. Therefore, it is essential to avoid smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery to promote optimal healing.
Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery to prevent skin damage and for six weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and promote healing. Additionally, protect all scars from sun for 6 to 12 months afterward using a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent darkening and improve scar appearance.
Provide your pharmacy’s phone number to the surgical staff so prescriptions can be called in ahead of time and pick them up before surgery. Also, have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment ready at home to care for your incisions post-operatively.