Preparing for your surgery

It is important to avoid taking aspirin, or similar blood-thinning products before undergoing most plastic surgery procedures. This should be for 2-weeks either side of the operation. Aspirin has an adverse effect on bruising. The same is true for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen, Nurofen and Diclofenac).

For simple skin produres such as mole removal , there is no restriction on taking aspirin (or similar) would not prevent surgery from going ahead.

Herbal medicines should also be avoided as they may also increase your bleeding tendency.

Alcohol should be avoided for 2-days prior to surgery due to the effects on increasing blood flow.

Smoking has serious effects on wound healing and infection rates, so ideally should be stopped a minimum of 8-weeks before surgery.

It also can cause problems due to coughing which can cause bleeding to start after your operation; a problem that is of particular concern in facial operations.

Mr Sawyer will not undertake surgery in people who smoker for facelifts, breast reductions and tummy tucks.

Arnica can helpful to reduce bruising.  Although there is not definitive evidence for this. If you wish to use arnica you should begin 2-3 days before the operation and continue for a week afterwards.

For local anaesthetic operations (with you awake) you may eat and drink normally.

For general anaesthetic operations (with you asleep) you should not eat anything for at least 6-hours prior to surgery. You may drink water up until 2-hours before surgery. Details of the exact starvation times will be usually determined the day before your procedure

The hospital will contact you to make the arrangements for your operation.

Some cosmetic procedures require an assessment and if this is necessary the hospital will make these arrangements for you.

Pack everything as you would do for a hotel stay for 1 to 2 nights.  Remember to bring your normal toiletries and any regular medication you take.

For eyelid or facial procedures, is it sensible to bring a pair of sunglasses and a headscarf to wear home.

Please see the information on individual procedures for specific information that may be relevant to you, such as surgical bras or post-operative compression garments.

If you develop any sort of illness prior to the operation please contact Mr Sawyer’s office as your surgery may need to be delayed until you are well.