Francois J Duminy

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

Preparing for Facial Surgery

Arrange a consultation with the surgeon (Make a consultation booking)
 

At Consultation you will find out if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure (not everyone is )
 

Obtain a quote for the procedure so that you can plan finances.
 

When you are ready, schedule an operation date and pay your booking deposit
 

Prepare your body:

  • Keep fit
     
  • Stop smoking!
     
  • Stop taking anticoagulant medications such as Disprin, Aspirin, Ginko Biloba, Evening Primrose oil, Omega 3 Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Arnica and Vitamin E at least 10 days before your procedure. (If these substances have been prescribed by your doctor, then please discuss with your surgeon and the prescribing doctor whether they should be stopped) .
     
  • Do NOT sunburn/sunbathe your face pre-operatively, if your face shows signs of sunburn, the procedure will be postponed
     
  • Plan your Dental Care so that you will not need any dental work for 6 weeks after your surgery
     

Schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Nurse Practitioner Consultants who will

  • Re-discuss the details of the procedure with you.
     
  • Give you an opportunity to ask questions
     
  • Give you a pack containing useful items for the peri-operative period.
     
  • Give you an appropriate prescription for post-operative medication.
     
  • Go through the informed consent document with you

     

Pay the remainder of the procedure fee at least one week before the procedure to facilitate ordering and preparing of special materials, drapes and instruments

 

Immediate Pre-Op Checklist

  • Arrange to be transported too and from the procedure by another person (You Cannot Drive After Conscious Sedation)
     
  • Make a note of accompanying person's contact details to hand to us
     
  • Stay "Nil Per Mouth" for 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time
     
  • Shower head to toe with medicated shampoo to reduce the bacterial load on the skin ( you will receive this shampoo in your pre-op bag at the preparatory consultation with the Nurse.
     
  • Remove ALL your Makeup
     
  • Wear loose & buttoned clothing. T-Shirt necks don't go over head bandages unless they are very loose
     
  • Wear Flat Shoes - High heels can be a dangerous challenge when you are partly sedated
     
  • Ensure that you have some packs of frozen peas in the Freezer to help with post-op swelling
     
  • Give yourself enough time for a relaxed approach.

 

Post-Operative Care

  • Apply Ice Packs (Frozen Peas are good) over a cloth to the treated areas intermittently for the first 48 hours.
     
  • Elevate the head of the bed or use extra pillows to reduce swelling, especially when you sleep.
     
  • Take your anti inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
     
  • Limit your facial mobility for as long as possible, dont take big bites, yawn, sing or laugh excessively.
     
  • You may shower and wash your hair immediately after the bandages have been removed. Bathing and swimming only from day 7.
     
  • Be gentle when washing your face rubbing softly and smoothly upwards and backwards to do so.
     
  • No Sun exposure of scars (or tanning beds) for 1 year or until scars have matured.
     
  • Do not have facial massages or Facial treatments for 3 weeks (Except for our in-house post-op treatments)
     
  • Do not participate in contact sports for 6 weeks. No sweaty exercises for 1st week.
     
  • Do not sauna or hammam for 2 weeks.
     
  • Arrange your "Suture Removal" consultation with the Registered Nurse Practitioner and pay careful attention to the " instructions that you will be given.
     
  • Smoking will kill your fat grafts and impede wound healing, even secondary smoke may do it - DONT SMOKE, Not Even ONE!!
     
  • Enjoy your new appearance with confidence.