Before and After Plastic Surgery: Dr. Alfaro's Recommendations

Before surgery

• Complete a full check-up, including a complete blood count, TP, PTT and an EKG, and get clearance from your primary care physician.
• Stop smoking at least one month before surgery. Cutting down is not enough: smoking raises the risk of healing problems and infection.
• Stop vitamin E, aspirin, arnica, green tea and garlic capsules at least one month before surgery.
• Choose your surgeon carefully. Look for solid training, enough experience, accessibility and honesty. A surgeon who asks you to think it over is a good sign.

General recovery

• Recovery usually takes a week to 12 days. We suggest traveling with a companion. Recovery retreats usually have staff.
• Keep Dr. Alfaro’s phone number handy.
• Do not wear makeup on treated areas for at least a week. Follow a light diet for the first days and wash as instructed.
• Take only prescribed pain medication and apply nothing to incisions unless prescribed.
• Walk a few minutes inside the facility at least five times a day. Sitting is better than lying down. Do not stay in bed unless instructed.
• Call if redness or fever persists. Fever can be caused by poor lung ventilation and too much bed rest.
• Surgery reduces the effects of aging, weight or genetics, but results are not permanent, so we advise a healthy lifestyle.

Face lift and eyelid lift

• Bandages are removed the day after surgery. Wash your face and hair gently, and wash your hair daily.
• Sleep on two pillows. Comb your hair by hand for two weeks.
• Contact lenses and hair coloring after one week. No hair dryer for two weeks.
• Do not bend for a week; turn your whole body. Side sleeping is fine. Glasses can be worn the day after surgery.
• No exercise for one month.

Breast augmentation, reduction and lift

• Do not remove the bra for two days. Shower with soap and water on day three.
• Wear a surgical bra day and night for two weeks, then during the day for two more weeks.

Tummy tuck

• Walk on the day of surgery, or the next day if not possible: four to five minutes, five times a day.
• Shower daily from day three. Keep your feet raised when seated.
• Breathe deeply and cough every 15 minutes from right after surgery. Cover drain sites with gauze or pads.
• Wear the compression garment day and night for one month, then during the day for another month. Do not remove it for the first 48 hours.
• No exercise for four weeks. Avoid sun on treated areas for three months, or use sunblock to prevent dark spots.

Frequently asked questions

What tests do I need before surgery?

A full check-up, complete blood count, TP, PTT and an EKG, plus clearance from your primary care physician.

How long before surgery should I stop smoking?

At least one month. Cutting down is not enough.

Which medications and supplements should I stop?

Vitamin E, aspirin, arnica, green tea and garlic capsules, at least one month before surgery. Always confirm with Dr. Alfaro.

How long is recovery?

Usually a week to 12 days. Exercise generally restarts after one month.

Next step

Request an evaluation with Dr. Alfaro through the contact page. Before surgery, read his pre- and post-operative recommendations and the trip plan for international patients.