Before Surgery Instructions

  1. Do Not have anything to eat or drink including mints/candy and chewing gum after midnight before a morning surgery. If surgery is to be performed in the afternoon, then you cannot have anything to eat or drink and no chewing gum for at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
  2. Please advise Dr. Gilbert of all medications you are currently taking because of their potential adverse reactions. ASPIRIN (Advil, Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Aleve, etc.) WINE, FISH OILS, VITAMIN E, BLOOD THINNERS, DIET PILLS, ST. JOHNS WORT, GINKGO BILOBA or ANY HERB (including energy drinks) should NOT be taken for 14 days, before surgery.  With these exceptions, medications that are ordinarily taken should be taken with a sip of water, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Gilbert (e.g. Blood pressure medication should still be taken).  Plain Tylenol can be used for routine headaches etc.
  3. No nicotine use for 6 weeks before and after your surgery. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, vapor cigarettes, marijuana, nicotine gum, or anything containing nicotine. You will be tested for nicotine and if test is positive, you will forfeit your deposit and the surgery can be cancelled.
  4. A responsible adult must accompany the patient and remain in our facility for the entire time of the planned surgical procedure. This person must be able to drive since the patient will be unable to drive for at least 24 hours after the anesthesia or sedation.
  5. Anesthesia cannot be administered if you are sick, have a severe cold or sinus infection. If you develop any of these problems prior to your appointment, please call the office so that we can reschedule your surgery.
  6. For IV Sedation and General Anesthesia-Please wear loose clothing. Something casual that buttons up the front and/or can be slipped over your head easily, jogging outfits, or robe-type dresses are ideal.  Flat comfortable shoes should also be worn (no slip-on shoes).
  7. Contacts should not be worn on the day of surgery.
  8. Please remove nail polish off both index fingers prior to surgery
  9. Do not wear jewelry the day of surgery. Please inform us if you are unable to remove a ring or other jewelry.  All valuables should be left at home.  We will not be held responsible for lost personal items.
  10. While taking antibiotics, birth control pills may become ineffective, so precautions should be used during the month that you are taking antibiotics. Birth control pills may even predispose you to blood clots in your leg veins following surgery; therefore we request that you consider temporary discontinuation 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  11. Finally, an herbal medication known as Arnica Montana has been shown to potentially decrease bruising and swelling after surgery. The tablets can be taken 3 times per day for one week, beginning two days prior to surgery.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

  1. Patients undergoing Facial surgery please let the Dr. Gilbert know if you have a history of skin infections, herpes, or fungal infections.
  2. Please thoroughly wash your hair and body the night before and the morning of surgery with Hibiclens Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser. Please DO NOT use any kind of styling products, lotions or perfumes the day of surgery as this may interfere with our surgical preparation.