Prior to Mommy Makeover - Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift

Click a link below if you are having an individual procedure:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Tummy Tuck

BEFORE SURGERY

1. Avoid sunbathing for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
2. Quit smoking at least 8 weeks prior to surgery as nicotine can impair and delay healing. If you need help in quitting, Joseph T Cruise, MD can prescribe medication that works quite well. This needs to be started at least 8 weeks prior to surgery.
3. Stop breastfeeding at least 3 months prior to surgery.
4. Stop all aspirin-containing products, medications that contain blood thinners (Motrin, Advil etc.) vitamin E and herbal supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery. You can take 1 multivitamin a day.
5. Let the doctor know of all medications taken daily.
6. Make sure all requested labs and doctors clearance are delivered to Joseph T Cruise, MD's office on time.
7. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, as well as to stay with you postoperatively to help with activities and daily living, i.e. walking, going to the bathroom. The first night you will most likely stay overnight at either surgery center or recovery retreat.Arrange for someone to help take care of your younger children for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
8. Arrange for someone to do housework for first 4-6 weeks.
9. Shave the entire top part of the public area one week before surgery.
10. Prepare your bed. Ideally, the bed should be on ground level. Get step stool if your bed is high. Have extra pillows available so that you can sleep at 45-degree angle first 3-4 days.

THINGS TO PURCHASE BEFORE MOMMY MAKEOVER

1. Medications.
2. Garment. You will be provided with a compression garment. In addition to that, you will need to purchase a girdle/waist shaping garment. Purchase a girdle/waist shaper (Macy's, Mervyns, Target etc.). The girdle should be snug fitting. Don't buy it too tight because after surgery you will be swollen.
3. Sports Bra with no underwire. For breast lifts only. Purchase from makemeheal.com. Product ID 10033. Should be gently compressive.
4. ScarLess®. ScarLess® is a prescription strength cream with vitamin E, silicone, and Hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
5. Silicone Sheets. Silicone sheets minimize scarring and are a must postoperatively. Go to www.makemeheal.com and purchase 1 set of silicone sheets.
6. Gauze. Make sure to have a box of 4x4 gauze. You can purchase this at a drug store.
7. Shower chair. Purchase, or rent from Cruise Plastic Surgery, a shower chair to help with your first few showers.

Optional

1. Arnica - www.alpinepharm.com - may decrease bruising, or help it to go away faster. Patients with high blood pressure should not take this herb.
2. You may consider buying an elevated toilet seat and arrange for a step stool to help you get in and out of the bed.
3. Purchase Nutrisystem or equivalent diet plan for first 8 weeks after surgery. Weight gain will happen during this period if you do not watch your diet.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

> Do not eat anything for 8 hours and drink anything for 6 before surgery.

> You may shower and shampoo your hair the night before or morning of your surgery.

> Shower and clean the surgical area thoroughly especially the belly button.

> You may brush and rinse your teeth, but do not eat or drink anything. Do not wear makeup or moisturizers on your face or eyes.

> Do not bring any jewelry or valuables with you on the day of surgery.

> Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, preferably button up or zipped up top. Wear flat, comfortable shoes. Remove contact lenses, dentures and nipple rings before surgery.

> Someone must drive you home and stay with you the first night. If you are going to Recovery Retreat, transportation is taken care of after the surgery. Recovery Retreat will take you to Joseph T Cruise, MD's office the next day for your first follow-up visit. Someone will need to pick you up after this follow up visit.

> Take 2 pills of Xanax and 2 pills of Celebrex at 1-2 hours before surgery.

> Arrive 1-1.5 hours before surgery as instructed during your pre-op appointment.