Preparing for your surgery

I would urge you to read through these recommendations when planning your surgery and travel arrangements. Should you have any specific queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

1. Your Itinerary - take note of the following:
You should plan to arrive in Cape Town at least 2 days prior to your intended surgery. To facilitate adequate recuperation and a comfortable return journey we recommend you remain in Cape Town between 1-3 weeks after surgery (see below). Suggested duration of stay: This should be confirmed prior to making you flight reservations
Eyelids and liposuction : 7-10 days
Breast Surgery : 10-14 days
Facelift : 2 weeks
Abdominoplasty : 2- 3 weeks

GENERAL PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

Ensure you have informed me of
1) Medical problems (consult GP or specialist if indicate)
2) Allergies
3) Medications/ supplements/ homeopathic treatments
Avoid
1) Medications at least 2 weeks before surgery
Anti-inflammatoires (voltarin, brufen, vioxx, norflex)
-asprin/ asprin – containing medication (common in cold & flu medication)
-Homeopathic, herbal remedies (arnica, garlic, wine, omega 3)
2 )Smoking – Please note that some procedures (e.g. facelift, abdominoplasty, breast reduction) may not be performed at all in smokers. In these cases a month's abstinence prior to and after surgery is mandatory.

Informed Consent
At your pre-operative consultation ensure that all your questions are answered and that you are confident that you understand your procedure, the risks and the likely post-operative course. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be.
You should be clear on the outcome, duration of recovery, side effects and risks. If not ask!

Preparation
Ensure that you have prepared your home and your family to ease your first few days of recovery ie. Food, transport, entertainment. REMEMBER: I do have a more structured postoperative care plan (accomodation, transfers, nursing, supervision, postoperative treatments) availible. You would need to make arrangements with our highly trained postoperative care team prior to surgery. (See post operative care facility)

DAY OF THE SURGERY:
After any sedation procedure you may not drive for 24 hrs – please arrange transfers to and from the Rensur Clinic.
Make sure of your admission time.
If you are having procedures under General Anaesthetic or deep intravenous sedation, you may not have anything to eat or drink for 6-8hrs prior to surgery.
Take a shower – use medicated soap or betadine wash.
Avoid make-up.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:
• Slippers & light dressing gown
• Basic toiletries
• Loose clothing with buttons or zippers - avoid 'pull-over' clothing Sunglasses & scarf for facial surgery.
• Any current medicines
• ID Document
• Payment of the theatre fees (as per your quotation) may be made before surgery by EFT (please bring proof of payment) or by Credit Card on the day of your surgery. If you are intending to pay by any other means please ensure this is cleared with the theatre management.

WHAT NOT TO BRING WITH YOU:
• If possible leave valuables at home.
• No weapons of any description are allowed.
• No smoking is permitted in the Renaissance Institute.

POST-OP
• Do not expect to see the result immediately. Some procedures may take months for the results to become evident.
• Plan for total rest for 2-3 days after surgery.
• Pain / discomfort is maximal during the first 2-3 days following surgery.
• You will be comfortable taking regular pain medications.
• Swelling is maximal for the first 3-4 days and resolves over the subsequent 2-3 weeks, depending on the procedure.
• Bruising generally takes 2-3 weeks to settle.
• Some patients may feel depressed for a day or two post surgery, this is quite normal.

PREVENTING DVT

The Risk is increased if you are having prolonged surgery i.e. 4hrs, your surgery prevents early mobilization or you have a previous clotting history
TO PREVENT DVT
Discontinue oral contraceptive.
Stop smoking.
Try to achieve optimal weight.
Drink enough water and not alcohol
Move legs and walk around to improve leg circulation
If you experience postoperative any lower leg swelling or pain contact Dr. Wilkinson immediately

THE ECONOMY CLASS SYNDROME - THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE

1. What is it?

Prolonged immobility on a long-haul flight and sitting with bent legs with compression of the back of the knees by the front edge of the seat can obstruct the flow of blood in the leg veins. This may initiate the process of thrombosis (clotting) of the leg veins resulting in their blockage.

2. How can this be avoided?

• Predisposing factors should be modified:
o Discontinue oral contraceptives / stop smoking / try to achieve your optimal weight
• Precautions during your flight:
o You should purchase and use full length Anti-Embolism (TED / DVT) stockings for the duration of your flight, during and after surgery.
o Drink lots of water and not alcohol as this dehydrates your system.
o Take along your own bottled water.
o Walk around as often as possible during your flight to keep your blood circulation going (get an aisle seat).
o Avoid sleeping tablets as they result in prolonged periods of immobility.
o While you are in your seat, alternately contract and relax different muscle groups, especially those of the lower legs, this helps the blood flow in your legs
• When you arrive in Cape Town:
o Go for a good walk soon after arrival to assist the circulation in your legs.