Smoking cessation is highly recommended for two to three days prior to surgery. If you are having a face lift, we ask that you stop smoking two weeks prior to your surgery. After your surgery, you should continue to refrain from smoking until the healing has progressed satisfactorily. Smoking decreases one's healing capability as nicotine diminishes blood flow to the tissues. In certain procedures, this increases postoperative complications twelve-fold. Also, most patients will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery. Men should shave closely the morning of surgery. Men with beards or mustaches do not have to shave these areas unless they are having a facelift or chin implant. 

Anesthesia
The morning of surgery, after you have met with the doctor and have had any last-minute questions answered, you will be given medication which will make you very sleepy and comfortable. Once in the operating room, an intravenous line is put in place to administer more potent medicines to help you "sleep" and induce amnesia. Local anesthesia is then given to completely numb the area to be operated upon. Patients undergoing this type of anesthesia may have amnesia regarding the entire surgical experience. This type of anesthesia is used for your comfort and safety. 

Post Operative Care 
Following your surgery you may go to the recovery room until you become alert enough to be discharged with someone to take you home. The medications you have received will allow you to be comfortable and relaxed for several hours after the surgery. If your procedure requires an overnight stay in the hospital, you can expect to be discharged the following morning. 

Patients who live outside a 30 minute distance should make arrangements to stay with someone closer or have the office staff assist you in making hotel arrangements. 

It is required that you stay close for the first night for your safety and convenience. 

During the first visit after surgery, you will be given specific instructions on caring for the surgical site. A follow-up appointment, about one week after the surgery, will be made at that time. Subsequent appointments will be made at one month, three months, six months and one year, until the healing is complete. 

It is your responsibility to assist us in monitoring the healing process. Should a problem arise, you may need to come in more often. Please feel free to contact me with any problems or concerns. It is our policy that a patient is not charged for any postoperative visits, provided they have paid their surgical fee in advance.