Instructions for Plastic Surgery San Diego fall into two categories:  General Instructions apply to ALL procedures, and Specific instructions, personalized for your situation and procedure.

If you have ANY questions about preparation for your procedure, call our office and ask, 858-295-4001.

General Instructions :

1.  Optimize your fitness and nutrition as far in advance of your procedure as possible.

2.  STOP SMOKING and stop using all tobacco products as far in advance of your San Diego Plastic Surgery procedure as possible.  In any case, three weeks of complete abstinence from use and/or consumption of tobacco products before your procedure is mandatory.  If you have been unable to comply with this instruction, inform Dr. Laverson.  DO NOT conceal this, and DO NOT proceed with surgery.  Please help us protect you from the harmful effects of tobacco and products of tobacco combustion.

3.  Be sure Dr. Laverson and the anesthesiologist are aware of all prescription and all non-prescription medications and supplements you use.  Some over-the-counter preparations change your bleeding time, clotting time, and other important functions.  Excessive bleeding at the time of Plastic Surgery San Diego increases the chance of complications.

4.  STOP using the following two weeks before your Plastic Surgery San Diego procedure:  Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excedrin), Choline and magnesium salicylates (CMT, Tricosal, Trilisate), Choline salicylate (Arthropan), Celecoxib (Celebrex), Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam), Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Voltaren XR), Diclofenac sodium with misoprostol (Arthrotec), Diflunisal (Dolobid), Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), Fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon), Flurbiprofen (Ansaid), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Nuprin), Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR), Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), Magnesium salicylate (Arthritab, Bayer Select, Doan’s Pills, Magan, Mobidin, Mobogesic), Meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen), Mefenamic acid (Ponstel), Meloxicam (Mobic), Nabumetone (Relafen), Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan*), Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox), Oxaprozin (Daypro), Piroxicam (Feldene), Rofecoxib (Vioxx), Salsalate (Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Disalcid, Marthritic, Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab), Sodium salicylate (various generics), Sulindac (Clinoril), Tolmetin sodium (Tolectin), Valdecoxib (Bextra)aspirin and medications containing aspirin (acetylsalacylic acid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen, piroxicam, and other over the counter products and herbal treatments.

5.  Prepare and plan:  Schedule time off of work if necessary, child care, help around the home, and transportation to and from the surgery center.

6.  If Dr. Laverson needs pre-surgical clearance from your primary physician or another specialist involved in your care, check to confirm this has been accomplished.  Special arrangements to manage your regular medications should be clarified in advance, e.g. Coumadin, Insulin, Prednisone, etc.

7.  Relax and enjoy life.  Anxiety about upcoming plastic surgery San Diego is normal.  If  you feel stressed about your planned procedure and have difficulty sleeping, Dr. Laverson may prescribe medication to help you rest.

8.  Pre surgical lab tests should be completed in advance if required, and Dr. Laverson should know the results.

9.  Prescriptions:  Be sure you have analgesics to help control post-surgical pain.  Dr. Laverson supplies these prescriptions in advance so medication will be available at your bedside after the procedure.  If you have any allergies or a history of adverse effects to medication you’ve used in the past, let Dr. Laverson know so he will recommend an alternative.

10.  The evening before surgery, prepare comfortable loose fitting clothing to wear the day of your procedure, and slip on shoes.  Shower with antiseptic soap the evening before or morning of your procedure.   Bring reading glasses, medications you regularly take, identification, and your health insurance card.  Do NOT bring valuables. Do NOT wear cosmetics, jewelry, contact lenses, hair clips, or body piercing (if there is something you cannot remove, let the admitting nurse know right away).

11. Do not eat or drink anything by mouth for eight hours before your plastic surgery San Diego procedure, unless you are instructed to take your normal medication with a small sip of water.  No candy, gum, or mints.

12.  For specific instructions, ask Dr. Laverson at your pre-surgical appointment in the office.  Specific instructions go beyond the above, and apply individually to your particular procedure and situation.