Aspirin Issues

Aspirin and aspirin related products should not be taken 2 weeks before or after surgery because they increase the tendency of bleeding. For this reason, it is very important that contents of any over the counter preparations be checked carefully prior to their use. Many headache preparations, cold remedies, and “hangover cures” contain aspirin. The chemical name of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid.

Examples of drugs containing salicylates (aspirin)

Acetidine, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, APC, Aspirin, BC, Bromo-Quinine, Bromo-Seltze,r Bufferin, Coricidin, Darvon Compound, Dristan, Ecotrin, Emprin Compound, Excedrin, 4-Way Cold Tablets, Liquiprin, Midol, Pepto-Bismol, Theracin, Trigesic.

Examples of Aspirin related products

Advil, Anaprox, Ansaid, Arthrotect, Cataflem, Celebrex, Clinoril, Daypro, Diclofenac, Dolobid, Etodolac, Feldene, Ibuprofen, Indocin, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketoralac, Lodine, Motrin, Naprosyn Naproxen, Nuprin, Orudis, Oravail Piroxicam, Ponste,l Relafen, Sulindac, Tolectin, Tolmetin, Toradol, Vioxx.

You can subsititue Tylenol (acetaminophen) for these products if you require pain medication before surgery. Check with your pharmacist if you are uncertain whether a medicine contains aspirin.

Vitamins

If you are taking a routine multivitamin, you may continue doing so. However, if you are taking any vitamin E pill, please stop 2 weeks before and after surgery, because this may increase your chance of bleeding.

Before Laser Facial Rejuvenation Therapy

Two Days Prior

Valtrex (antiviral medication): This tablet should be started 2 days prior to the laser peel and continued for a total of 7 days or as instructed. This helps prevent a breakout of cold sores. If you experience breakouts that burn or tingle, or a cold sore, please notify this office.

To be Purchased Prior to your Procedure

Unless you are furnished a laser care kit by this office you will need to obtain the following for your post operative care:

Q-tips, cotton pads (or cotton balls), ice pack (a bag of frozen corn or peas works well), white vinegar, distilled water, Aquaphor ointment, Cetaphil Cleanser, Cetaphil Ointment (without SPF) and a fresh tube of Preparation H ointment.

On the day of your Procedure

Thoroughly cleanse your face and neck with an antibacterial soap. We recommend you wear a shirt, blouse or sweater that unbuttons in the front for easy removal postoperatively. Please bring a hair band for your hair if it is long.

In Addition…..

Any exposure to sunlight post treatment may result in a very unfavorable outcome with excess pigmentation and darkening of the skin in patches. Please avoid the sun for 2 months by avoiding exposure in the middle of the day and by using hats and sun blocks. Ask our recommendation about the appropriate sun block application product.

Before Liposuction Surgery

During your consultation, we will discuss the areas of your face and neck you would like to change. You may undergo an examination to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity, and review your medical and health history. We can discuss the placement of incisions and what other procedure may need to be performed to achieve the proper result. Please refer to the sheet on aspirin and related products that you should not be taking prior to and following surgery. We advise you to stop smoking 2 weeks before and after surgery as healing can be impaired. Excessive alcohol and vitamin E supplements also may increase bruising. You should arrange for someone to drive you home and to possibly stay with you on the first night following surgery.

Pre-Operative Instructions