See better results after surgery by preparing physically and psychologically before your procedure.

*Patients who are more knowledgeable about what to expect after surgery, and who have an opportunity to express their goals and opinions, often cope better with postoperative pain and decreased mobility. Preoperative care is extremely important prior to any invasive procedure, regardless of whether the procedure is minimally invasive or a form of major surgery.

Here’s what you can do:

• ASK QUESTIONS before your procedure, there is no dumb question.
• INFORM the Doctor or staff of any medications and/or nutritional supplements that you are currently taking.
• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS in preparing for surgery – No smoking or drinking of any alcoholic beverages
• UNDERSTAND what your expected activity level will be after surgery.
• AFTER SURGERY EXPECTATIONS – Ask about what you are likely to experience in the hours, days, weeks, after your procedure as this will help to alleviate anxiety before surgery.

Before Surgery Preparation:

1.  Patients are strongly advised to quit smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.  Smoking will increase the time it takes for the body to heal naturally.  Smoking can also affect the long-term results of the procedure itself, especially face-lift procedures, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, etc.  

2.  Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofens (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc.), herbal medications, and vitamin supplements such as Vitamin E and Fish Oils should be discontinued as well - at least 2 weeks before surgery.  These products affect the "clotting time" values when labs are drawn before surgery.  Patients who use these products may notice 'more than usual' bruising following surgery.  A regular multivitamin is appropriate to continue on a daily basis.
 
3.  Prescribed medications from the patient's primary care physician will be discussed with Dr. Shumway.  Most medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc. are suitable to continue.  Diabetic patients must have their blood-sugar levels well controlled and will be closely monitored, as diabetes will affect the healing process.
 
4.  Alcohol consumption should be discontinued for about 5-7 days prior to surgery. 
 
5.  Foods to avoid one week before surgery:  sushi and seaweed products.
 
6.  Pharmaceutical companies now provide packaged 'surgery supplements' to enhance healing time and reduce bruising and swelling.  Our office provides an array of products from 'VitaMedica' which patients can purchase and begin taking 3-5 days before surgery.  Active ingredients in these supplements are titrated amounts of Arnica Montana and Bromeline. 
 
7.  Other FYI before surgery:  Labs will be required for "bleeding time" values (PT/PTT test).  For women, a pregnancy test.  A recent baseline mammogram is requested prior to breast augmentation surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

Pain management is the primary concern for many patients having surgery.  Dr. Shumway encourages patients to ask for or take pain medication before the pain becomes unbearable, and should be able to rate their discomfort on a pain scale.

• PAIN & PAIN MANAGEMENT – Before your procedure, Dr. Shumway or a member of his staff will discuss which pain medication you will use following your surgery.  There are alternative methods of pain control that you may find helpful as well, such as, distraction, imagery, positioning, mindfulness meditation, and music therapy.
• SURGERY SITE CARE– You may not be able to actually see the site of the incision the first 24 hours following your surgery as it will be bandaged, only to be removed by Dr. Shumway during your first post-op follow up visit.  There are some instances where you will be required to remove the bandage for cleaning or inspection of the incision. Before you leave the office following your surgery, the Nurse will give you care instructions for your particular procedure including what you need to do regarding the incision site.