Patients who are preparing to undergo cosmetic surgery are often deluged with information, ranging from pre-op instructions, to how to care for any surgical dressings, to how to take any antibiotics or pain killers after surgery. The truth is that it can be a rather dizzying amount of information to take in. It's no wonder that patients may feel overwhelmed. By the time that Dr. Paul Pin asks patients if they have any questions, they may be so stunned at the massive amount of information they have already taken in that they just don't know where to begin.

Fortunately, Dr. Pin understands that this overwhelmed feeling is perfectly natural. He has provided a quick guide to some of the more important questions patients should ask their surgeon prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Should I Stop Taking My Prescription Medicine Before Surgery?

Patients should first discuss the upcoming surgery with their primary care physician in terms of whether or not it is safe to stop taking prescription medication leading up to the surgery date. As a general rule, Dr. Pin discourages patients from taking any blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), in the week leading up to surgery. Patients who are taking blood thinner medication are at a greater risk of excessive bleeding both during and after surgery.

When Must I Stop Any Alcohol or Tobacco Use?

Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, so it may increase the risk for excessive bleeding both during and after surgery. Because of this, it may take longer for the incisions to heal, which can lead to excessive scarring. Tobacco smoke dries out the skin, which may also mean longer healing times with an increased risk for excessive scarring.

At the very least, Dr. Pin recommends patients stop all alcohol and tobacco use starting at least two to three weeks prior to surgery. Furthermore, he considers an upcoming cosmetic surgery as providing an optimal time to quit altogether.

What Are Some of the Side Effects and Risks from Cosmetic Surgery?

The most common side effects from surgery are bruising and swelling around the areas of the incisions. This is normal, and the body's first steps in attempting to heal itself following surgery. Patients will often be given special compression garments to wear following surgery to help reduce the duration and amount of bruising and swelling. Once the incisions are completely healed over, patients can use cold compresses to further reduce bruising and swelling. Taking the herb Arnica montana may also help minimize bruising and swelling.

Excessive bleeding both before and after surgery is one of the more common risks. As noted above, stopping alcohol or tobacco use prior to surgery will reduce patients' risk of excessive bleeding. Patients may also get an infection at the incision sites. Dr. Pin will provide a prescription for antibiotics, depending upon the extent of the surgery. All antibiotics should be taken exactly as directed on the label in order to maximize effectiveness.

Dr. Pin highly recommends that patients write out a list of questions they wish to ask him during their consultation visit prior to surgery. This will ensure that patients get all the answers they need to confidently move forward with surgery.