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Timing
Finances
Social Support
Pre-Operative Appointment
Medical Clearance
Medical Tests
Medications
Consents
Photographs
Instructions
Recovery Aids
Consents
At your preoperative appointment, you may also be required
to sign several consents. One is for the surgical procedure,
one for anesthesia, and one for photographs (if you
haven't already signed this).
You will also need to sign a financial agreement stating
that you will pay for the surgery, or you will actually
pay for the entire procedure at the time of your preoperative
appointment. If insurance will be billed for any part
of the surgery, your financial agreement may also state
that you are responsible for any amount that the insurance
does not pay.
Photographs
Your doctor will require that you have photographs taken
before (and after) surgery. This is required by the
medical malpractice companies to document your condition:
without it, the surgeon cannot operate on you.
Your photos are required only for your medical chart,
though. The decision to allow viewing of photos for
patient education, lectures, publications, advertising,
etcetera is completely up to you.
It is illegal for the doctor to use your photos (aside
from documentation in your medical records) without
your consent.
Pre and Post Operative Instructions
Finally, you will be given instructions for what to
do and what not to do before and after surgery. (See
recovering after surgery).
•
Common pre-operative
instructions include the following:
•
Avoid certain medications
(see drug section and aspirin list)
•
Fill your prescriptions
•
Arrange for transportation
to and from the surgery center or hospital
•
Eat a well-balanced,
protein rich diet--protein aids in healing and replaces
lost blood cells
•
Wear loose-fitting
clothing on the day of surgery that don't need to go
over your head
•
Prepare soft, protein
rich foods and have clear liquids on hand for your recovery
•
Do not eat or drink
anything after midnight on the night of your surgery
•
If you get a cold,
flu, or other illness, call your doctor right away
Recovery Aids
The final thing to do to prepare for surgery is to gather
any items that you may want or need for your recovery
period. Examples of these include cold packs, sipping
cups or straws, sunblock, hats and sunglasses, extra
or special pillows, lip balm, throat lozenges, and support
garments.
Several days after your surgery, you may feel up to
reading magazines, watching movies, or catching up on
correspondence - all things that you can prepare for
ahead of time.
With enough thought and planning, you will be well-prepared
and more relaxed for your surgery. A little preparation
goes a long way towards a comfortable and pleasant recovery,
and smooth transition back to life with your new look,
and new attitude.
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General Info Topics
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