The following general pre-operative instructions apply to most surgical procedures with Dr. Foulad. However, you will receive detailed instructions specific to your procedure.
Two Months Before Your Procedure
• Quit smoking, vaping, and using all nicotine products at least 2 months before your procedure. You should also avoid second hand smoke. Smoking and nicotine compromise healing and jeopardizes an otherwise beautiful result.
Depending on the procedure, the timing for smoking and nicotine cessation may be more or less. However, smoking avoidance for as long as possible is always encouraged.
• Avoid tanning or extreme sun exposure.
• Arrange for accommodations if you live outside the immediate Los Angeles area.
• Determine the length of time you will need to be in town for postoperative care.
Four Weeks Before Your Procedure
For patients undergoing general or twilight anesthesia there are some medical tests which are mandatory to ensure patient safety. These tests should typically be completed 4 weeks before the date of surgery.
• All patients are to have blood tests.
• Patients over 45 are to additionally have an EKG, full physical examination, and a
letter of medical clearance. The medical clearance is typically obtained from your primary care provider, however it may also be required by a specialist depending on your health.
• Patients over 65 are also required to have a chest X‐ray.
• In specific circumstances, other tests may be required prior to surgery.
Two Weeks Before Your Procedure
• There are many medicines and homeopathic remedies that worsen bleeding during surgery. We would like to minimize your risk for bleeding and help you heal more quickly and safely. You will be provided a list of medications and supplements to avoid starting at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
• If you would like to take vitamins or other supplements prior to surgery, Dr. Foulad’s team can provide you information regarding supplements that are safe and recommended for surgery.
• If you have withdrawal symptoms (such as headaches) when stopping caffeine, you should consider to start slowly weaning off caffeine at around 1 to 2 weeks before your surgery so that you can completely stop caffeine intake starting the day before your surgery.
• Please be sure that our office receives all surgery fees two weeks in advance.
One Week Before Your Procedure
• Limit salt intake and eat healthy (reduce sugars). Ensure a well‐balanced diet with high‐quality proteins and complex carbohydrates to enhance healing.
• Rest well and reduce stress.
24 Hours Before Your Procedure
• Do not have any caffeine
• Remove any acrylic nails or nail polish from fingers before surgery. This is so that we can accurately monitor your oxygen level with a device that goes over your finger.
• If undergoing your procedure under general anesthesia or twilight sedation, do not eat or drink anything (even water) after 12 midnight. You should not fast if your procedure is being performed under local anesthesia.
• Use an antibacterial soap to wash your hair, face, and body in the shower. Do not apply any makeup, lotion, skin care products, or perfume afterwards.
• Relax, eat well, and reduce stress
The Day of Your Procedure
• If you need to take any pre‐approved medications, you can take this with a small sip of water.
• Wash your face well with the antibacterial soap and brush your teeth (don’t swallow the water).
• Do not apply any makeup, lotion, skin care products, or perfume.
• Wear a buttoned shirt, pants and flat shoes. Do not wear panty‐hose or a pull‐over top. Comfortable lounging clothes are a must. No tight clothes or dresses. Consider bringing a jacket if you feel you may be cold after surgery.
• You will need to read consent forms during the day of your procedure, so please bring your reading glasses if you use them.
• Do not wear contacts.
• Do not wear any jewelry and do not wear any items made of metal.
• Please try to leave valuables at home.
• Bring all your prescription medications.
• The postsurgical instructions will be reviewed in depth with you and the person caring for you after your procedure is completed.
• A responsible adult must provide transportation for you following surgery performed under sedation or general anesthesia (public transportation such as a taxi or uber is not allowed).
• An adult must stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery performed under sedation or general anesthesia. If you are unable to have a responsible adult stay with you, a care provider can be arranged to stay with you for an additional fee. For more extensive surgeries a licensed nurse or medical professional may be required to stay with you overnight for the first evening following surgery.
We are conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, & Los Angeles. However, we are available to help with coordinating your stay if you are an Out-of-Town Patient.
