Surgery
The Night Before
- Pack comfortable overnight and additional day clothing
- Shower based on recommendations provided by the nurses at the pre-surgery appointment
- For boys/men no facial hair
- Brush/Floss Teeth and gums
- Do not eat after midnight
- Drink plenty of fluids before midnight. AVOID all red-colored liquids
- Start taking Colace (stool softener)
- Confirm hospital time of arrival based on the pre-surgery packet from the nurses
The Morning of Surgery
- 2 hours before arrival at the hospital, drink clear Gatorade
- Brush/Floss Teeth and gums
- Use antibiotic mouthwash
- Arrive 1 hour before you are asked to come
At the Hospital
- Meet the anesthesiologist
- The surgeon will see you prior to surgery and go over any questions
- You will meet the plastic surgery residents who will care for you
- Consents for Anesthesia, surgery, and blood will be signed
Surgery
- Avoid watching the clock
- Bring something to do or watch a movie
- Do your best to keep your mind from thinking about what is happening in the operating room
After Surgery
- The OR nurse will call the family as soon as surgery is done
- The surgeon will meet with the family in the consultation room
Immediate recovery in hospital
- Expect some bleeding from the mouth and nose
- Expect some nausea and vomiting
- Begin trying to take liquids on the evening of surgery
- The morning after surgery, begin preparations to go home (based on how much you can drink)
