How to Prepare for Surgery

Whether you are local or will be traveling from afar, there are important details that will make preparing for surgery and recovering much easier for you. We advise you to pay attention to these details and make plans well in advance of your surgery.

Absolutely, Positively, Do Not Forget

  • If coming from out of town, get a room reservation ASAP.
    If you stay in a hotel that is not on our list, Dr. Zukowski will be unable to come to your hotel and you will need to come see him at the center for your postoperative care. We will send our list of hotels to you after your consultation.
  • Get your medical clearance completed and returned to Dr. Zukowski.
    No medical clearance = no surgery.
  • Stop taking prohibited medications no less than 14 days prior to surgery.
    Failure to stop in the time specified could be hazardous to your health.
  • Stop using all tobacco products no less than 21 days prior to surgery.
    If you are still using tobacco, your surgery will be cancelled.
  • Arrange for a caregiver.
    This can be a relative, friend, partner, or an independent contractor suggested by The Zukowski Center.
  • Do not forget your caregiver in your travel plans.

Checklist for 24-48 Hours Before Surgery

  • Call Dr. Zukowski’s office to confirm your arrival and to get any last minute instructions.
  • Purchase or make ice for cold compresses.
  • Purchase perishables for easy postoperative meal options.
  • If staying in a hotel, request extra pillows, a handicap style shower head, and chair for your room (we recommend getting a handicap room).
  • Purchase any medication or supplies you will need after surgery.
  • Review the After Surgery care instructions (either written or on DVD).
  • Purchase postoperative supplies (see list below).
  • Purchase Dial antibacterial soap (use right before surgery only).
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before surgery.

Postoperative Supplies

  • Q-Tips: to clean your incisions or the inside of your nose.
  • Scope Mouthwash: to keep your mouth clean in instances of intraoral incisions.
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment (ex: Neosporin): to keep your incisions moist.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: to wash dried blood or scabs off your incisions or inside your nose.
  • Ocean Spray Nasal Spray: to irrigate your nose after packing is removed.
  • Vaseline Petroleum Jelly: to keep lips or tissues moist.
  • 1% Hydrocortisone (ex: Cortizone-10): to get the red out of lasered or dermabraded areas.
  • Curel Original Formula Lotion: to keep your skin moist (no Vitamin E or Alphahydroxy Acids).
  • Liquid Antacids: minimizes the chance of postoperative reflux.
  • Tylenol (generic: Acetaminophen): for pain.

Suggested Foods to Eat After Surgery

Choose foods that do not contain MSG or Nitrates and are low in sodium (salt):

  • Soups
  • Pastas
  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Canned tuna
  • Quick mac
  • Soft snack foods
  • Pudding
  • Jello
  • Yogurt
  • Canned fruit
  • Cottage cheese
  • Ice cream

Surgery Packing List for Out of Town Patients

  • Carry-on bag for medications and essential items.
  • Soft pajamas* with a button or zip front opening.
  • 2 or 3 comfortable outfits* that are soft and have zip or button front tops.
  • Undergarments.
  • Personal hygiene items.
  • Slippers or comfortable shoes.
  • Personal entertainment items (music, books, movies).
  • A list of important phone numbers that include family and friends.
  • A loose fitting hat or headscarf (If you wear a wig, you may not be able to wear it home).
  • If undergoing Facial Feminization Surgery, your FFS success handbook and DVD.
  • Cash and credit cards.
  • Journal or app to keep track of your days, including medications, foods, and thoughts.
  • Personal items that make you smile (stuffed animals, family pictures, etc.).

*Remember – comfort before fashion is the key to clothing selection. All clothing should be easy to put on and take off.

DO NOT BRING jewelry or other valuable items you will not use.

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If you have any questions about preparing for plastic surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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