Prepare for Best Results
The doctors and staff at The Center for Aesthetic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine want you to have the safest surgery with the best results possible. Please help us to prepare you as you prepare for surgery. If a problem occurs we vow to resolve your problem to the best of our ability. We require full communication and disclosure during this important time.
Smoking
If you smoke, you must stop a MINIMUM of two weeks prior to your surgery and remain smoke free for at least four weeks after surgery. Smoking causes constriction of small blood vessels in the skin which may have a direct negative effect on the body's ability to heal. The tiny vessels that carry blood to the areas of surgery need to be fully functional to insure survival of the skin. You must be aware that if you continue to smoke there will be a reduction of blood flow which will result in slower healing, or even tissue loss. Please notify us at 713-798-6141 or contact us for your doctor's direct line if you are unable to stop smoking completely, or have recently been smoking.
High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, and if it is under control, there is no reason to worry about not having a safe and successful surgery. Please notify us if your blood pressure is outside safe levels and we will make sure you receive treatment prior to surgery. If your blood pressure becomes elevated during surgery you will be given intravenous medication to reduce it. If you take medication for high blood pressure, check with your doctor prior to taking your medication the morning of surgery. Please remember to take any medication the day of surgery with a sip of water only. Please see Medications for a list of medications to avoid.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes controlled with diet or oral medication, you will be able to take all of your medications with the exception of insulin the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Please make sure your doctor is aware of any medication you take. Do not eat!
If you have diabetes controlled with insulin, if you are insulin dependent, the anesthesiologist will be able to give you detailed instructions about your insulin dosage for the morning of surgery. Please be aware that we will check your blood sugar level during surgery and administer any insulin if needed.
If we feel unsure of your safety and compliance with our requests, we will not proceed with your surgery.
