Pre OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR cosmetic PATIENTS:

ENSURE YOU READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOUR SURGERY
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​​Two Weeks Before Surgery
  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin®, Motrin®, Ibuprophen, Advil®, etc. should not be taken for two weeks prior to surgery due to their effects on the body’s blood clotting system and the risk of increased blood loss during the operation and hematomas post-operatively. If you require painkillers on a regular basis for arthritic pain or headaches, the use of Tylenol ES®, will not affect blood clotting and is permitted.  The use of herbal supplements or traditional medicines should be discussed with Dr. Cowan pre-operatively to see if they will affect your surgery.  Failure to observe these instructions may require cancellation of your surgery, due to risks, and result in associated cancellation costs.
  2. Avoid using garlic in meals or taking garlic tablets for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Avoid gingko balboa for the same period of time All other normal medications should be taken as prescribed. Stopping other normal medications like anti-hypertensive medications may result in the cancellation of your case.
  3. Always notify Dr. Cowan’s office of any changes in your health.
  4. Full payment for your surgery must be received by this time to avoid cancellation of your case. 

One Week Before Surgery
  1. Do not drink alcohol for three days before your surgical procedure. Alcohol thins the blood and will result in increased bleeding and potential complications during surgery. This may adversely affect your final results.

The Last Day Before Surgery
  1. Notify Dr. Cowan if there is any last-minute change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or flu symptoms.
  2. Wash your hair the night before or morning of the day of surgery if your surgical procedure will be performed within or next to the hair-bearing scalp.
  3. Arrange to have someone accompany you home after the procedure as the post-operative swelling and surgical dressings may partially obstruct your field of view and you will not be able to drive a vehicle. You may require a sedative for anxiety on the day of surgery, or be placed under general anaesthesia, and you will not be allowed to drive or navigate home independently. Leave this person’s contact information with the admitting nurse.
  4. If you do not live in the lower mainland, you may need to stay in Vancouver the night before your surgery. Timing of your surgery is available by contacting Dr. Cowan’s office. You may also wish to spend the night after your procedure in Vancouver. Accommodation information can be obtained from our office.
  5. If your operation is at Cambie Surgery Centre, remember NOT to have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. You may brush your teeth, making sure not to swallow much water. You are permitted to take sips of water until 2 hours prior to surgery. This will allow you to take your normal medications. Failure to observe these instructions may result in the cancellation of your surgery with associated costs.
  6. Contact the surgery centre to determine what time you should arrive.
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 The Day of Your Surgery
  1. Bathe or shower the morning of surgery, but do not apply any makeup.
  2. Wear comfortable clothes, which do not have to be pulled over your head after the operation. Do not wear contact lenses or jewellery.
| download a PDF copy of the pre operative patient form complete with instructions and recommended care below |​
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