Preparing for Outpatient or “Day” Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Posted on May 5, 2022 under Cosmetic Surgery
You’ve waited several weeks for this day. You wake up a little bit nervous, but confident everything is going to go smoothly. You remember the pep talks your loved ones have given you and now all that is left is receiving your outpatient surgery.
In order to feel confident about your outpatient surgery, it’s best to be informed and prepared for the process. Your consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates can answer any specific questions, but below is a brief overview.
The Days Before Surgery
Whether you are working with Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge, you can always expect to prepare in a similar way for your outpatient surgery. An assessment of your general health status and pre-existing health conditions is very important to discuss with your doctor. In the days leading up to your surgery, be honest with your plastic surgeon about your health to ensure all risk factors are at a minimum.
Doctors recommend that patients secure a ride home, stop smoking, increase hydration, and potentially stop taking certain types of medication that may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. As always, if you have questions, no matter how silly you think they are, ask your provider for further explanation. You may be asked to cease liquid consumption and food intake hours before arriving for surgery.
Lastly, you may want to take pictures and document your pre-op area. Not only is this an exciting way to compare your outcome, but this is also a great way to provide feedback to your doctors. In many cases, “before” photos may be taken during your consultation.
Day Of Outpatient Surgery
Depending on the location of your surgery and the location of your body, the order of events may vary:
Time of Arrival: The hospital or surgery center office will call you 1-2 days before your appointment date to finalize an arrival time. This will usually be 1-2 hours before the procedure. Patients do not need to bring much to their surgery day and usually wear the same clothes home when they arrived.
Upon Arrival: Blood pressure and vitals will be taken by an assigned nurse. Whether you have eaten or drank anything will be discussed if necessary. Instructions will be reviewed. A urine test may be necessary as well.
Moving to the Operating Room: Depending on the type of surgery (breast surgery, body contouring, or facial rejuvenation) you will be led to the proper day surgery area. An IV will be placed and a blood draw may be administered.
You may be asked to remove jewelry, makeup, hair products, clothing, or other items that may hinder your surgery location. You may also be asked to urinate before surgery.
After Your Outpatient Surgery
You did it! Your outpatient surgery was a success, and you are waking up from your anesthesia. You will now be in the recovery room where nurses will be monitoring your blood pressure and vitals as well as your pain levels. Your nurses likely ask you to urinate or walk around before you can leave. Once you feel comfortable getting dressed, your nurse will remove your IV and help you prepare for your ride home.
Schedule Your Consultation
Cosmetic Surgery Associates wants you to have relaxed, no-stress outpatient surgery. Of course, you can always seek more information through our website or by scheduling a consultation if you are contemplating or planning an outpatient surgery. With over 60 years of combined experience, Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are eager to provide you with the highest level of cosmetic information, techniques, and surgical outcome.
If you desire a consultation about plastic surgery or medspa non-invasive treatments, please call Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, Maryland at (301)-265-5242, or contact us online.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
