Pre and Post Operative
Care Instructions
These pre-operative instructions have been created to prepare you for your cosmetic surgery procedure. Following these instructions will maximize your opportunity for uncomplicated wound healing and optimize the likelihood of an excellent cosmetic outcome. It is important that you read this information from our plastic surgery clinic carefully and completely. You will receive specific instructions on your cosmetic surgery procedure when you book your surgery.
Two weeks before surgery
Medications
- You may be required to stop certain medications before your surgery (e.g: blood thinners, anti-inflammatories). Dr. Howley will ensure that you receive the proper instructions regarding your medication prior to your surgery.
- Stop taking any herbal, natural, diet, or alternative drugs 14 days prior to your surgery (e.g. ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort).
- All other medications may be taken, but please make sure your surgeon and the anesthesiologist are aware of any medications you take.
*Please notify our office prior to your surgery if you develop a cold or infection.
Post Operative Instructions
Our clients are our first priority. Keeping you informed about your personal treatment plan is critical to achieving the results you want. We have carefully put the following information together for your review, following your treatment.
Abdominoplasty Post-Procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
- Discomfort for the first few days
- Some numbness of the skin, this is normal and temporary
- You will have one small surgical drain after your surgery. This drain will help eliminate extra fluid after your surgery. You will be shown how to empty this drain before you leave the hospital. The drain will be removed by our nurse 7 to 10 days after your surgery. It is normal to have some drainage around your drain site. If this happens, apply a peri-pad (maxi-pad) on top of the existing dressing and secure with tape.
- Most sutures used during an abdominoplasty are absorbable. Those surrounding your navel or drain site will need to be removed by our nurse at your first post-operative visit.
What garments do I need after surgery?
- You will be fitted with an abdominal binder. You are required to wear this continuously for the first 4 weeks post-surgery. You may remove these binders for showering, but we recommend that when you do so, you limit physical activity.
What kind of medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication, antibiotics, and medication to help you sleep. We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol Extra Strength will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
What can I do with the dressing?
- You do not need to do anything with the dressing. Your dressing will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery by our nurse. It is normal to see blood on your dressing, do not be alarmed.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our nurse.
When can I shower?
- You will not be able to shower until you have your dressings and drain removed; sponge baths are recommended until then. Baths are not recommended until your incisions are healed, at least 10 to 14 days after surgery.
What can I do to help the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- Wear your compressive garment and follow physical restrictions.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
How can I promote optimal healing of my incision?
- At your initial post-operative visit, we will provide you with scar recovery gel. Instructions on daily massage and application of this product will be discussed that day.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary.
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably.
It is important to listen to your body, it will let you know when you are doing too much.
When do I return for follow-up care?
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
What should I watch out for?
Please contact our office if your present with any of the following:
- Severe and sudden pain in your leg, could be accompanied by warmth and redness
- Severe nausea caused by pain medication
- Allergic reaction to your antibiotic
- If you have any questions or concerns at all
**If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call and leave us a message (so we are aware) and then present yourself to the nearest emergency room.**
———-
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
- Discomfort for the first few days
- Some numbness of the skin, this is normal and temporary
- You will have one small surgical drain after your surgery. This drain will help eliminate extra fluid after your surgery. You will be shown how to empty this drain before you leave the hospital. The drain will be removed by our nurse 7 to 10 days after your surgery. It is normal to have some drainage around your drain site. If this happens, apply a peri-pad (maxi-pad) on top of the existing dressing and secure with tape.
- Most sutures used during an abdominoplasty are absorbable. Those surrounding your navel or drain site will need to be removed by our nurse at your first post-operative visit.
What garments do I need after surgery?
- You will be fitted with an abdominal binder. You are required to wear this continuously for the first 4 weeks post-surgery. You may remove these binders for showering, but we recommend that when you do so, you limit physical activity.
What kind of medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication, antibiotics, and medication to help you sleep. We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol Extra Strength will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
What can I do with the dressing?
- You do not need to do anything with the dressing. Your dressing will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery by our nurse. It is normal to see blood on your dressing, do not be alarmed.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our nurse.
When can I shower?
- You will not be able to shower until you have your dressings and drain removed; sponge baths are recommended until then. Baths are not recommended until your incisions are healed, at least 10 to 14 days after surgery.
What can I do to help the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- Wear your compressive garment and follow physical restrictions.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
How can I promote optimal healing of my incision?
- At your initial post-operative visit, we will provide you with scar recovery gel. Instructions on daily massage and application of this product will be discussed that day.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary.
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably.
It is important to listen to your body, it will let you know when you are doing too much.
When do I return for follow-up care?
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
What should I watch out for?
Please contact our office if your present with any of the following:
- Severe and sudden pain in your leg, could be accompanied by warmth and redness
- Severe nausea caused by pain medication
- Allergic reaction to your antibiotic
- If you have any questions or concerns at all
**If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call and leave us a message (so we are aware) and then present yourself to the nearest emergency room.**
Blepharoplasty & Brow Lift Post-Procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
- Discomfort for the first few days
- Some numbness of the skin, this is normal and temporary
- Minimal bruising and swelling
Do I have to use specific products after surgery?
Cleanse face and neck using a warm washcloth with SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and wiping gently around incision areas morning and night followed by 3-4 drops of SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum to face and neck in the morning.
Our health care professionals have customized a skin care regime by Skin Ceuticals. More products and instructions will be provided at your initial post-operative visit.
What medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication.
- We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
- We recommend Natural Tears or other moisturizing eye drops if you experience dry eyes.
*Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol will not interfere with any of the prescribed medications.
*Advil and any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications is not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
Our on-site Clinical Aesthetician will be assisting and serving you throughout the process: DERMAK Aesthetics.
When can I shower?
- You may shower the day of your surgery.
- Use a gentle cloth and your SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser for the first few days.
- If you have had a brow lift, we recommend you wait until after you have seen your nurse to wash your hair.
- Drying your hair is permitted once incisions are healed.
- We recommend against makeup for the first week after surgery.
Will I have dressings?
If you have had a blepharoplasty you will have steri-strips. These will be removed 7-10 days after surgery. If the strips fall off, that is ok; if you see the blue suture string coming loose, apply more tape.
With a brow lift there will be sutures to be removed 7-10 days after surgery.
What can I do to help the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
How can I promote optimal healing of my incision?
After your first follow-up appointment (7 to 10 days after surgery) we will encourage you to massage your incision with scar recovery gel. This advanced formula scar gel will help abnormal or excessive scar formation. Daily massaging of your incision is necessary to help soften the scar tissue.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 2 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary.
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably.
- We recommend that you sleep with your head elevated (30 degrees) for the first week after surgery.
It is important to listen to your body, it will let you know when you are doing too much.
Lower blepharoplasty only
You will be prescribed eye ointment. Use as directed to prevent infection.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our nurse.
When do I return for follow-up care?
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Double vision, blurry vision, any kind of vision change
- If you have significant swelling resulting in difficulty opening your eyes
- Severe pain in the back of your eye
**If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call and leave us a message (so we are aware.)
Liposuction Post-Procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
- Discomfort for the first few days.
- Swelling and bruising are to be expected and are a normal part of the healing process.
- Numbness of the skin around the incision and the area treated, this is normal and temporary.
- Sutures will be removed at the first post-operative visit approx. 1 week post-surgery.
- It is normal to have drainage from the insertion site for 2 to3 days post procedure; you may apply a dressing to help absorb this drainage. Once the drainage has subsided the incision can be left to air (without dressing).
What garments do I need after surgery?
- You will be fitted with a special garment. You are required to wear this continuously for the first 4 weeks post-surgery. You may remove these garments for showering, but we recommend that when you do so, you limit physical activity.
- The purpose of this garment is to help to control swelling after liposuction and compress the skin to your new body contours
What kind of medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication and medication to help you sleep. We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol Extra Strength will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
What do I do with the dressing?
- You will have a small dressing on each incision. This dressing can be removed 2 days after surgery.
When can I shower?
- You may shower 2 days after post-surgery. You can gently pat your small supportive tapes dry.
- Baths are not recommended until your incisions are healed over (5 to 7 days after your surgery).
We recommend removing the dressing after your first shower.
What can I do to help the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- Wear your compressive garment and follow physical restrictions.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary.
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably.
It is important to listen to your body; it will let you know when you are doing too much.
For all surgeries, we see patients on the following schedule:
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
**If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call (506) 853-5164 and leave us a message (so we are aware) and then present yourself to the nearest emergency room.**
Breast Augmentation & Mastopexy Post-Procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
- Discomfort for the first few days
- Some numbness of the skin, this is normal and temporary
- Your breasts may feel “high up on your chest” and/or “tight.” This is normal and will subside.
Do I have to wear a special bra after surgery?
- Yes. You will be fitted with a bra that you are required to wear day and night for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
- You do not need to bring a bra the day of surgery.
- If you find your bra is too tight, you may adjust straps for comfort.
You may remove the bra for showering, but we recommend that when you do so, you limit physical activity. The purpose of the bra is to maintain breast shape and keep implants (for breast augmentation patients) in the correct position. After the first 2 weeks, we recommend you still wear a good supportive bra during the day (no need to wear at night.) When your incision is well healed, you may wear underwire bras.
What kind of medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication, antibiotics, and medication to help you sleep. We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol Extra Strength will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
What do I do with the dressing?
- You do not need to do anything with the dressing. Your dressing will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery by our nurse. It is normal to see blood on your dressing, do not be alarmed.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our nurse.
When can I shower?
- You may begin showering 2 days after surgery. Shower with your back to the spray with normal soap and water.
- You can gently pat your small supportive tapes dry
- Baths are not recommended until your incisions are healed over (10 to 14 days after surgery.)
What can I do to optimize the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- Wear your compressive garment and follow physical restrictions.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
How can I promote optimal healing of my incision?
- At your initial post-operative visit we will provide you wth Kelo-Cote gel. Instructions on daily massage and application of this product will be discussed that day.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary
- Walking, and light activities are permitted to prevent excessive swelling in your legs
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably
- Running is not recommended until 2-4 weeks after surgery. We strongly recommend a supportive bra during high impact workouts.
It is important to listen to your body, it will let you know when you are doing too much.
When do I return for follow-up care?
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
What should I watch out for?
Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- One of your breasts is significantly larger, firmer, and more painful than the other
- If you have significant redness or drainage from one or both breasts
- Severe nausea caused by pain medication
- Allergic reaction to your antibiotic
For all surgeries, we see patients on the following schedule:
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
For help with fitting, sizing, and choosing the right bra post-surgery, Elle Mio in Moncton has experts on hand to guide you: Elle Mio Website.
**If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call and leave us a message (so we are aware) and then present yourself to the nearest emergency room.**
Breast Reduction Post-procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I expect after the surgery?
-
- You will experience some discomfort for the first few days. Swelling and bruising are normal.
- You may note some numbness of the skin around the incision and on the breast, this is normal and temporary.
Do I have to wear a special bra after surgery?
We recommend that you purchase a surgical bra or sports bra (no underwire) before your surgery date and bring it to the hospital with you. This bra will be worn continuously until your first post-operative visit.
What kind of medication will I be prescribed after surgery?
- Pain medication and medication to help you sleep. We highly recommend taking over the counter stool softener to prevent irregularities in your bowel routine.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
What do I do with the dressing?
- You do not need to do anything with the dressing. Your dressing will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery by our nurse. It is normal to see blood on your dressing, do not be alarmed.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our nurse.
When can I shower?
- You may begin showering 2 days after surgery. Shower with your back to the spray with normal soap and water.
- You can gently pat your small supportive tapes dry
- Baths are not recommended until your incisions are healed over (10 to 14 days after surgery.)
What can I do to optimize the healing process?
- Eat a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Drink 2-4L of water every day.
- Wear your compressive garment and follow physical restrictions.
- We strongly recommend you quit smoking before surgery.
How can I promote optimal healing of my incision?
- At your initial post-operative visit we will provide you with Kelo-Cote gel. Instructions on daily massage and application of this product will be discussed that day.
What am I allowed to do after surgery?
- No strenuous work or heavy lifting for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery
- We encourage you to be mobile after your surgery; do not stay stationary
- Walking, and light activities are permitted to prevent excessive swelling in your legs
- Driving is permitted if you are not taking any medication that could affect your alertness and you feel that you are able to drive safely and comfortably
- Running is not recommended until 2-4 weeks after surgery. We strongly recommend a supportive bra during high impact workouts.
It is important to listen to your body, it will let you know when you are doing too much.
When do I return for follow-up care?
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
What should I watch out for?
For help with fitting, sizing, and choosing the right bra post-surgery, Elle Mio in Moncton has experts on hand to guide you: Elle Mio Website.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IF YOU PRESENT WITH THE FOLLOWING:
- One of your breasts is significantly larger, firmer, and more painful than the other
- If you have significant redness or drainage from one or both breasts
- Severe nausea caused by pain medication
- Allergic reaction to your antibiotic
Face/Neck Lift Post-Procedure Instructions
Post-operative Instructions English (PDF) Instructions postopératoire français (PDF)
What can I do after my procedure?
- Resume a regular diet and activity as tolerated.
- Take prescribed medications as directed by Dr. Howley.
- Use cool gel packs or frozen peas on neck for 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
- Post-op appointment will be 1-3 days following surgery.
- Elevate head of bed 30 degrees until swelling subsides.
- Bathe, keeping bandages dry and intact.
- Cleanse face and neck using a warm washcloth with SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and wiping gently around incision areas followed by 3-4 drops of SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum to face and neck in the morning.
- Leave bandages in place until your post-op appointment.
- Sutures are usually removed between 7-10 days after surgery.
- Shower and wash hair after your first post-op appointment; a hair dryer with no heat may be used.
- Do not submerge face and neck in water for approximately 4 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks, i.e., heavy lifting, running.
What to Expect after Surgery:
- You will have a dressing covering most of the outside of your face and neck; this is kept on for 24 hours, and up to 3 days.
- You can also start taking your pain medication, but be sure that you don’t take so much medication that you become drowsy.
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated and continue this every night until swelling subsides.
You may experience one or more of the following:
- Swelling of face, ears, and chin
- Numbness of face, ears, and chin
- Bruising
- Skin tightness
- Minimal to moderate pain controlled by prescribed analgesic
- Light burning sensation around the ears
You will see your surgeon and nurses 1 to 3 days post surgery. At this visit your dressing will be removed. You also will be provided with products and instructions for your customized SkinCeuticals facial care regime.
Following your initial visit, cleanse your neck and face using a warm washcloth and wiping gently around incision areas as instructed by our nurse.
Sutures are usually removed between 7-10 days after surgery.
Our on-site Clinical Aesthetician will be assisting and serving you throughout the process: DERMAK Aesthetics.
It is very important NOT to take your prescribed medication and any other type of pain medication at the same time.
Always check with your pharmacist to make sure taking Tylenol will not interfere with any of the medications you are taking.
Advil or any other type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for the first 7 days after surgery.
Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
Severe nausea caused by pain medication
Allergic reaction to your antibiotic
For all surgeries, we see patients on the following schedule:
- 1 week with nurse
- 6 weeks with nurse and Dr. Howley
- 6 months with nurse for after pictures
- Whenever needed
If you experience any of these symptoms after office hours or over the weekend, please call (506) 853-5164 and leave us a message and then present yourself to the nearest emergency room.
