East Lake Plastic Surgery Center- Pam Harbor- Dr. Moraitis

Several days before surgery, you may want to:

• Arrange to have someone with you or check in on you for the first several days after your surgery.

• If you have stairs in your home, you may want to arrange to stay with a friend or sleep downstairs for the first several days, depending on your activity restrictions.

• If you do not have someone who will be around to cook for you, stock up on recovery foods and treats like pudding, jello, frozen dinners. Also, cook your own meals ahead of time and freeze them.

• Have your laundry taken care of ahead of time.

• Purchase all of your medications, supplements and dressing supplies beforehand.

• Have a thermometer handy.

• Have lots of movies, books, and magazines available to help pass time.

• Arrange for child care and/or pet care during your initial healing time.

• Have lots of fluffy pillows on hand. Sometimes body pillows are nice to have around.

• Stock up your night stand with all of your essentials (medications, light, tissues, bottled water, some crackers, eye glasses, remote control, stereo or headphones with CDs and phone).

• Have a nightlight to guide you to the bathroom late at night.

• Prepare ice packs or have handy several bags of frozen peas, raspberries or blueberries.

• Place anything you may need at hip level so you won’t have to bend over or reach for things.

• Have a robe and slippers nearby.

• Have several comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms.

The night before surgery, you may want to:

• Wash your hair. It may be a couple days before you get to do this thoroughly again.

• Remove any fingernail and toenail polish.

• Write down any last minute questions you may have for the nurses, anesthesiologist or Dr. Moraitis.

• Review the restrictions given to by the anesthesiologist for “Nothing to eat or drink after…”

• Review the list above and double check your preparation.

• Now, you can get a good night’s rest, knowing you’re fully prepared for the day to come.

The following information is provided by Morton Plant Mease Outpatient Centers to guide you through your procedure, from preparation to recovery. Your admission, procedure and aftercare will be tailored to fit your special needs.

Step 1: Pre-Admission Phone Call. A staff member from Morton Plant Mease will call you to verify insurance information if applicable, schedule your pre-admission visit and arrange any needed diagnostic testing.

Step 2: Pre-Admission Visit/Diagnostic Testing.This visit will give you a preview of your surgery or medical procedure. You’ll meet with a Registered Nurse and/or Anesthesiologist and have the chance to ask questions and communicate special medical needs. At your request, a financial counselor will also be able to meet with you..

Step 3: Day of Procedure

· A nurse will greet you and review your paperwork.
· You will change into a hospital gown.
· Your belongings should be given to a family member
· An IV may be started.
· Dr. Moraitis will meet with you before your surgery and discuss any questions you may have. If your procedure requires marking on the skin with a marker, Dr. Moraitis will do this at this time.
· Telephones, a beverage center, and vending machines are available for your family and/or friends as they may wait for you in our waiting room.

Anesthesia

An Anesthesiologist will review all of your test results and medical history before the surgery. If you wish to discuss your anesthesia prior to surgery, you will be given the chance during your pre-admission visit or on the day of surgery. It is essential that a responsible adult be present for instructions, to drive you home and to care for you after your procedure.