Practical tips for explant surgery preparation

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Medications to Avoid Prior to Surgery Many plastic surgeons give their patients a list of medications and supplements they would like their patients to avoid 2 weeks before surgery, as well as 2 weeks after surgery. These medications and supplements increase the risk of bleeding and may put you at risk during surgery, as well as afterwards. Review this list below and compare it to the list your own plastic surgeon has given you. If your plastic surgeon has not given you a list of medications and supplements to avoid immediately before and after surgery, be sure to ask for one. You also should not consume alcohol during this time frame, for the same reason. Two weeks prior to surgery: Vitamin E, Nutritional Supplements, Aspirin, or Aspirin products and medications containing Ibuprofen should be discontinued because they promote bleeding. This will help you avoid bleeding complications during your surgery. Products containing Aspirin:

Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Analgestine, A.P.C or A.S.A, Ascriptin, Asperbuf, Aspercin, Aspergum, Aspirin, Aspirin Suppositories, Aspir-phen, Aspirtab, Bayer, Buffdyne, Buffaprin, Congespirin, Coricidin, Darvon, Darvon Compound, Dristan, Duragesic, Ecotrin, Equagesic Tabs, Excedrin, Feldene, Fiogesic, Fiorinal, 4 Way Cold Tabs, Gelprin, Indocin, Liquiprin, Lortab ASA tabs, Meprobamate, Midol, Motrin, Norgesic, Norwich Aspirin, Percobarb, Percodan, Robaxisl, Sine-aid, Sine-off, SomaCompTabs, St. ph Products, Talwin Compound, Tolectin, Triaminicin, Trigesic, Vanquish, Zorprin. Products Containing Ibuprofen: Advil, Haltran, Medipren, Midol 200, Motrin, PeptoBismol, Nuprin, Rufen. Nutritional Supplements: Bilberry, Cayenne, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fish oil caps, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Valerian, Licorice Root, Ma Huang, Melatonin, St. 's Wort, Vitamin E, Yohimbe. If you need to take something for headache, menstrual

cramps or other aches and pains, you may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed for the time prior to surgery. Check the labels on any medicines or supplements you plan to take in pill, capsule or liquid form. Do not take anything containing acetylsalycetic acid or salicylates. Quit smoking two weeks prior to your procedure. It interferes with healing. SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE PRIOR TO SURGERY Transfer Factor Plus for the immune system, Inositol for detoxification, Super Malic for magnesium supplementation, Milk Thistle for liver detoxification, Acidophilus for yeast along with Diflucan or Nystatin, Lipoic acid for an antioxidant and to help protect the liver while on Diflucan, and Flaxseed capsules or flaxseed oil for Omega-3 fatty acids to help the immune system A general good quality vitamin-mineral supplement. PREPARATIONS FOR EXPLANT TO MAKE AHEAD OF TIME Ask for any prescriptions the explanting doctor will be giving you ahead

of time and fill them. Also purchase any healing ointments or salves that you will be applying to your scars. Purchase a laxative to have on hand in case your bowel movements become sluggish, and other medication that will help with nausea. Make arrangements for a ride to and from the hospital, since any surgery requiring anesthesia will render you unable to drive yourself home. Line up a few helpers to be available during your first few days after surgery. Shop for comfortable bras to wear post explant, such as stretchy sport bras that have front closures. Make sure you have several pairs of comfortable pajamas, washed, cleaned and ready for your recovery period. If you intend to dress in street clothes, have easy front closure tops (buttons or zippers) and pull on elastic band sweatpants available. Also include a stash of warm socks to keep feet warm, and gloves to keep hands warm, if necessary (due to Raynaud's). Stock up

on healthy snack foods that require little preparation, and which you can have close by your bed for easy access. Some examples of these items would include yogurt, nuts, beef jerky, protein bars, carrots and celery sticks, fruits, cheese and crackers, tuna salad, and bottled water or teas. Also include paper plates and disposable silverware so you don't have to wash dishes. Arrange your recovery area ahead of time so that everything you will need will be in close reach, such as a lamp, the TV remote, TV Guide, a bed-side stand with your reading materials, glasses, writing materials, a place for your foods, snacks and drinks, kleenex, a waste-basket, mirror, etc. Keep on hand convenient products for washing your face and freshening up, such as Wet Wipes. Keep your telephone or cell phone handy, along with a list of phone numbers you may need, including after-hours phone numbers for your explanting surgeon. If your surgery is in

wintertime, make sure you have enough warm blankets on your bed. If in summertime, make sure you have a fan or other cooling device handy. Also include extra pillows for sitting up and making yourself more comfortable. IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FOR EXPLANT Make all arrangements for hotel accomodations as close to the clinic as possible. You may be able to get a discount by telling the hotel you are there for medical purposes. Ask at the hotel, ahead of surgery, what businesses are located nearby so you have an idea of what restaurants and foods might be available for mealtimes and if they deliver, and/or drug stores for any needed medical aids. Find out what local attractions there are for those who may have traveled with you and if you want to do some sightseeing if your recovery allows it. Bring favorite pajamas, sweat pants and other comfortable clothing for spending time in the hotel room. Bring zip up hooded sweatshirts, other

front closure button or zip tops for easy off, easy on dressing. Bring things to do while in the hotel room to stay occupied, such as books, puzzles, magazines, laptop, IPOD. Make sure you have your cellphone and your phone numbers for family, friends, and the medical provider. Bring some cash to pay for foods and drinks and small incidentals. Bring an adequate supply of bottled water and other drinks if possible, as well as snack foods and meals that require little preparation unless these can be purchased conveniently near your hotel. Bring Ice packs to keep in refrigerator in case they are needed. Bring all medications usually taken - but ask doctor before taking them. Brng a journal in case you want to write down what you have just been through.

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