Prepare for Surgery Sydney, Australia

General Health Preparation for Plastic Surgery

To optimize your plastic surgery results with Dr Turner, follow these guidelines:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing
• Stay well-hydrated in the weeks leading up to your plastic surgery procedure
• Get adequate rest and reduce stress as much as possible
• Follow Dr Turner’s specific pre-operative recommendations for your particular plastic surgery procedure

Medication Guidelines

Proper medication management before surgery is essential for your safety and optimal surgical outcomes. Please follow these guidelines:

Medications to Discuss and Avoid:

• Blood-Thinning Medications: Stop 10-14 days before surgery:
  • Aspirin and aspirin-containing products
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
  • Vitamin E supplements
• Herbal Supplements: Many increase bleeding risk or interfere with anaesthesia. Stop 2 weeks before surgery:
  • Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
  • Ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba supplements
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Turmeric/curcumin supplements
• Prescription Medications:
  • Do NOT stop prescription blood thinners without specific instructions
  • Inform Dr Turner about ALL medications you take
• Other Medications to Avoid:
  • Cold medications containing pseudoephedrine (7 days before)
  • Diet pills and appetite suppressants (2 weeks before)

What’s Safe:

• Paracetamol (Panadol) for pain relief
• Your regular prescribed medications (unless advised otherwise)

Important Reminders:

• Always disclose ALL medications, including herbs and supplements
• Natural does not mean safe before surgery
• If in doubt about any medication, contact our office

Lifestyle Adjustments

Nicotine and Smoking: Nicotine in any form severely compromises your surgical outcome and recovery. All nicotine products must be completely avoided for at least 4-6 weeks before and after surgery (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, patches, and gums). Nicotine reduces blood flow to tissues, significantly impairing wound healing and increasing risk of complications. For detailed information, please see our dedicated page on Smoking/Nicotine and Surgery.

Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption at least 2 weeks before surgery and avoid completely for at least 48 hours before your procedure. Alcohol can:

• Increase bleeding and bruising by thinning your blood
• Interact with anaesthesia and pain medications
• Impair your immune system, increasing infection risk
• Contribute to dehydration, complicating recovery

Resume alcohol consumption only when approved by Dr. Turner and after you’ve stopped taking all pain medications.

Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before surgery and throughout your recovery period:

• UV exposure can darken scars and cause hyperpigmentation
• Use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen on any exposed areas
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and seek shade when outdoors
• Continue sun protection for at least 12 months after surgery for optimal scar healing

The Week Before Surgery

As your surgery date approaches:

• Confirm your transportation arrangements to and from our clinic
• Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery
• Prepare your recovery space at home (see Recovery Preparation section)
• Follow any special pre-operative instructions provided by our team
• Continue to eat healthily and stay well-hydrated
• Get plenty of rest and minimise stress

Recovery Preparation After Plastic Surgery

Proper preparation for your recovery period is essential for optimal healing and comfort after your plastic surgery procedure with Dr Turner in Sydney.

Planning Your Support After Plastic Surgery

• Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. This person will also receive important post-operative instructions regarding your medications, activity levels, and any special care requirements.
• Take adequate time off work: Schedule sufficient downtime based on Dr. Turner’s recommendations. Proper rest is crucial for healing and optimising your surgical results.
• Set up your home environment before surgery:
  • Place important contact numbers in an easily accessible location
  • Prepare your bed and seating areas for any specific positioning requirements
  • Stock up on healthy, easy-to-prepare meals or arrange meal delivery
  • Move frequently used items to waist-to-shoulder height to avoid stretching or bending

Essential Recovery Items

• Extra pillows for proper elevation and positioning
• Comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t pull over your head
• Ice packs or heat packs (as specifically recommended)
• Required wound care supplies
• Thermometer to monitor for fever
• Slip-on shoes to avoid bending

Medication and Care Planning

• Create a schedule for post-operative medications
• Prepare a contact list of people who can assist you during recovery
• Consider arranging help with household chores, childcare, and pet care
• Purchase any prescribed compression garments before surgery

Following these preparation steps will significantly improve your recovery experience and help ensure optimal surgical outcomes.

Contact Information for Dr Turner’s Plastic Surgery Clinics

Our team at Dr Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon is here to support you throughout your plastic surgery journey in Sydney. Contact our offices if you have any questions or concerns:

Double Bay Plastic Surgery Clinic:
Phone: 1800 678 679
Address: 18 Transvaal Ave, Double Bay NSW 2028

Manly Plastic Surgery Clinic:
Phone: 1300 437 758
Address: Suite 504, Level 539 East Esplanade, Manly 2095

For emergencies after plastic surgery:
Call the hospital that you were operated on and the staff are able to contact Dr Turner

Remember that thorough preparation contributes significantly to a smooth surgical experience and optimal plastic surgery results. We look forward to supporting you on your journey with Dr Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney.