Advice and information on acne scar treatment products & options

You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date.  The packet should include all the medications you should not take for up to 2 weeks before your surgery. These medications will include, but are not limited to, aspirin containing products, alcohol and herbal supplements.  Also, your surgeon may or may not advise you of the benefits of Arnica montana, Bromelain or Vitamin A or K for swelling, bruising and general healing properties. But only take a supplement or herbal remedy if your surgeon advises!

It is quite possible that you will have "blood work" (CBC) performed. This is normally an extra out-of-pocket expense that the patient must participate in to check your white and red blood cell count and check for disease or disorders beforehand.

So many things to do... so little time. Surgery will be here before you know it so make sure that you complete your preparation well ahead of your surgery for less pre-operative anxiety. 

Supplements & Medications to Avoid Before Surgery
Do not ingest any brand of aspirin, aspirin containing drugs or even seratonin increasing medications on the Medications & Supplements to Avoid Before Surgery list for 14 days prior to surgery and 14 days after surgery. Aspirin and aspirin containing products may inhibit blood clotting and cause difficulties during and after surgery. If you need an aspirin-free fever reducer and pain reliever, take Tylenol. Also, if you smoke, you shouldn't smoke at least 2 weeks prior and at least 2 weeks after your surgery date. Smoking significantly reduces your body's superficial circulation and vascularity. This means difficulty in bringing much needed oxygen to your tissues for proper healing.

1. ___ Clean your house - or have it cleaned

2. ___ Unless you are fortunate to have a significant other that can cook, shop for recovery food and treats like pudding, Jell-O, frozen dinners, cook your own and freeze it. 

3. ___ Take out the trash, recyclables, etc. so you don't have to worry about it while you are healing

4. ___ Have all of your laundry taken care of beforehand

5. ___ Make a list for bills that are due, thermostat settings, errands, etc.). It certainly simplifies tasks for others that must be taken care of during your recovery

6. ___ Purchase all of your medications, supplements and dressings beforehand in case your pharmacy is in short supply.

7. ___ Purchase a Thermometer if you do not already have one, it is imperative you check your temperature regularly for for any fever. Many times, a high fever is a sign of infection.

8. ___ Place all medications either in a weekly pill "case" or in labeled containers, by day and time if need be.

9. ___ Have lots of movies, books, magazines or videogames on hand.

10. ___ Purchase a long modem cord for your laptop. This is truly an awesome item to have during recovery

11. ___ If no lap top, maybe a Gameboy or a Playstation/Nintendo set up near you. This may sound funny to you at this time but you will grow bored and anything to keep your mind of your recovery is beneficial. Having these items will keep you from doing things you shouldn't be doing.

12. ___ Have someone watch your pets or children during the initial healing time if you have no spouse to care for you.

13. ___ If you cannot have them cared for, tend to their needs beforehand, i.e. put cans of food on the counter with the can opener so you don't have to reach for it. Change the litter box as well. You don't want to expose yourself to germs as well as no bending over!

14. ___ Have a lot of fluffy pillows on hand

15. ___ A comfortable recliner is an asset, if not a standard bed with one or two pillows place under the mattress or with several pillow on top of it is fine.

16. ___ Have a bucket or pail with a lid at your bedside and on the ride home - essential in case you get sick and vomit.

17. ___ A nightstand with all of your medications, ample light, bottled water, a few packages of crackers (NOT garlic flavored), remote control (with new batteries) & the phone (fully charged if applicable) is truly a great set up and can make your recovery easier.

18. ___ Extra blankets; anesthesia can give you the "chills" after surgery

19. ___ Buy ice packs, bags of frozen peas, raspberries or blueberries

20. ___ A heating pad, hot water bottle or microwaveable pack is great for a sore back - remember not to sleep on these as you can get burned.

21. ___ have a significant other or an older child around to get you things so you don't have to. Please take it easy.

22. ___ Have some crackers, Cheeze-its or Goldfish (no garlic flavored crackers) to help alleviate nausea - especially on the way home - bring a bottle of water to for the ride home. Sipping cool water helps alleviate nausea as well as gets rid of the taste in your mouth if you do vomit.

23. ___ Place anything you may need at hip level so that you have no need to reach or bend down. This means canned and dry goods in the kitchen and toiletries in the bathroom. Bending over is just as bad as reaching over your head! This means put your toilet paper on a foot stool so it is low, but not low enough where you must bend over.

24. ___ Have a robe and slippers (or several pair of thick socks) nearby

25. ___ Have a few comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front on hand, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms.

26. ___ Have a hand mirror nearby so you don't have to get up to preen.

27. ___ If you have long hair a few "scrunchies" are great to put your hair back with to keep it out of your face, unknotted and out of the way.

28. ___ Purchase some hand towelettes and make-up removal towelettes so you can freshen up without having to get out of your bed or chair

29. ___ Have a good moisturizer on hand - a must!

30. ___ A box of Kleenex is great to have on hand, especially if you get emotional from your medications or anesthesia.

31. ___ Make time for yourself before your surgery; pour a bath, light some candles, listen to some music - relax. Try to gather your thoughts and soothe your mind. Afterwards, be sure to wash it all off afterwards with the antibacterial soap in the shower.

32. ___ The night before (and with some surgeons for 3 days before) you will be asked to wash with Dial antibacterial or Hibiclens soap to help rid your body of its naturally occurring Staph on the skin's surface - you do not want a Staph infection!

33. ___ Wash your hair the night before surgery - it may be a long time before you get to do that again.

34. ___ Remove any fingernail and toenail polish so that the OR techs will be better able to  determine if you are getting enough oxygen during surgery. The nails turn blue-ish from lack of oxygen and reddish with too much carbon dioxide. Although there are oximeters for this purpose, it is still good practice. It is also a way to tell if your extremities are too cold.

35. ___ Talk to your spouse about any concerns that you may have, he or she may have some insights or questions you haven't thought of - and they may be experiencing pre-op anxiety as well.

36. ___ Ask your surgeon for valium or ask if you may take an over the counter sleeping medication. These may help with tense muscles and tense minds. It can be very difficult to sleep especially when your back begins to cramp up from sleeping elevated.

37. ___ "Black out" your windows so that when you do get to sleep - regardless of the hours - you can stay asleep.

38. ___ If you think television, video games and reading are eventually going to bore you or stress your eyes - have a discman (or walkman) on hand with your favorite relaxing CDs.

39. ___ Have fresh film or a disposable "post-op photo" camera on hand. Especially if you are considering documenting your procedure online (on a personal site or a plastic surgery site like this one)

40. ___ Have your journal and a few fresh, fully inked pens ready if you are wanting to document your post-operative thoughts in writing. Alternatively, type it into your lap top or speak it into a miniature recorder. Remember fresh batteries!

41. ___ A body pillow is quite helpful, especially when you are allowed to sleep without major elevation. Learning to sleep after a procedure is an art.

42. ___ Just in case the lights go out or to ease nighttime ventures, have a flash light on your nightstand. 

43. ___ Alternatively, have a nightlight lighting your way to the bathroom should the need arise in the middle of the night.

44. ___ If you don't have a laptop and you have online friends who are eager to hear from you - have your significant other "post" or email them with your recovery news. Provide them with a list of the email addresses and URLs for convenience.

45. ___ Have an answering machine connected to the phone next to your recovery area. Getting woken up when you just got to sleep can be annoying. Don't forget to turn down the volume on the recorder and turn off the ringer.

46. ___ I know you may hear not to look at yourself for a few days but it is very difficult to do. Please remember when you do break down and look, your features change every day so please don't get discouraged.

47. ___ If you are choosing to document your recovery remember to take your post-operative photos.

48. ___ Last but not least, RELAX. If you are extremely stressed out it can really affect your recovery. Try to remember that you will heal, you will be less sore and that you are going to look great after you are finished healing! Just be patient.

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