FAQ

Pre-operative:

Do I get to see Dr. Rawnsley again before the surgery?

You will have a pre-operative appointment approximately 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery. We will go over your surgery in detail. If appropriate, we will perform digital imaging to help for surgical planning and discussion of the anticipated results. Please bring a list of questions and or concerns that you have.

May I bring my significant other/family member to this appointment?

Absolutely. We encourage you to bring someone close to you, especially if they will be involved with your post operative care, as they may have additional questions of their own.

What do I need to avoid before the surgery?

We ask that you avoid all aspirin products NSAID-containing products as well as vitamin E and most herbs. If you take a multi-vitamin please check to make sure there is no hidden Vitamin E. My office will supply you with a list of medicines to avoid 10-14 days prior to surgery.

Post-operative:

How long will I have bruising and or swelling?

Most bruising and/or significant swelling usually lasts between 7-10 days.

Is there anything you would recommend to reduce bruising and swelling?

Before surgery we recommend that you start a homeopathic supplement called Arnica Montana, which will aid in the reduction of any bruising or swelling that you might experience. After the surgery you may continue Arnica and Bromelain supplements (a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapples), which help reduce inflammation.

Will surgery hurt?

The face is a privileged part of the body and contains different types of nerve fibers than other areas of the body. As a result, pain following surgery is not a prominent complaint among patients.

How long does it take to come out of the anesthetic?

It will usually take 1-3 hours before the anesthetic wears off and you will be sufficiently awake to go home.

Do I need to have someone drive me home?

Yes, under general anesthesia or with any sedation administered, you absolutely must have someone to drive you home. For our hair restoration patients who undergo surgery under local anesthesia, you may drive yourself.

Do I need to have someone spend the night with me - and for how long?

The first night after surgery we advise that you have someone spend the night with you. For our hair restoration patients there is no need to have someone spend the night.

Should I spend the night at the surgery center?

For our cosmetic patients undergoing a face and necklift we suggest that the first night be spent in the surgery center or a surgical recovery facility (we will supply you with a list of facilities in the area). You may, of course, decide that you would like several days in a recovery facility to be taken care of.

Follow Up:

When do I come back for my post-op follow up?

You will come back to our office approximately 7 days after surgery for your post operative follow up appointment.

How long do the sutures stay in?

Sutures will be removed approximately 7 days after your surgery (usually during your post op visit).

How many follow ups after that?

We encourage our patients to come see us as needed with any questions or concerns. As a general rule of thumb: you will then come back to our office the following week; two weeks later; one month later; six months later for post operative pictures and follow-up visit.

Do I need to have a special diet after surgery?

A diet that is high protein and high calories will help promote healing.

You may shower after surgery being careful to not get your sutures wet for the first three days.

When may I wash my hair?

Usually after 72 hours you may wash your hair. With rhinoplasty patients, the nasal cast must remain dry for one week. Our hair restoration patients will wash their hair using a modified hair washing technique, which we will explain.

When may I start exercising again?

You may resume strenuous activity 2-4 weeks after surgery depending on the kind of surgery.