The Day of Your Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
We perform hundreds of procedures each year for patients who are delighted with the results of their surgery. On the day of your surgery, you are likely to have mixed feelings; especially if you don’t know what to expect.
Here we outline what a typical procedure day involves, from the night before to the moment you leave to go home again.
Please remember we are right by your side to answer any questions or concerns you might have. This is a journey we will take with you.
The hospital state patients undergoing general anesthetic may need to attend a routine pre-operative assessment clinic. This is usually undertaken by a nurse and is designed to highlight any potential issues early enough so as not to delay your surgery. You may also be requested to give a sample of blood or provide a urine sample.
You may also have a swab sample taken from your nose and groin. This is to make sure you do not carry MRSA (a bacteria that is difficult to treat with antibiotics but can exist harmlessly in the nose and groin).
Before your cosmetic surgery
You will receive confirmation of your surgery time beforehand in order for you to make the right plans to arrive, either as a morning patient or an afternoon patient. This is important to know as it will change the way you eat and drink before your operation. Please do get in touch if you are unsure of your admission time.
The hospital state patients undergoing general anesthetic may need to attend a routine pre-operative assessment clinic. This is usually undertaken by a nurse and is designed to highlight any potential issues early enough so as not to delay your surgery. You may also be requested to give a sample of blood or provide a urine sample.
You may also have a swab sample taken from your nose and groin. This is to make sure you do not carry MRSA (a bacteria that is difficult to treat with antibiotics but can exist harmlessly in the nose and groin).
Plan your outfit; we advise comfortable and loose clothing (zip/buttoned top), including a loose-fitting, soft bra without underwire, to wear after breast surgery. The hospital has slippers and dressing gowns available but you may want to bring along your own if you prefer.
In all of the private rooms, they have television available for your use but you are more than welcome to bring along tablets, laptops, books or magazines to also keep you occupied.
The day of your cosmetic surgery
Please arrive at the hospital in good time and on time, and ensure that if your surgery is scheduled to take place on the morning list, you do not eat after midnight (you must not chew gum either).
From midnight onwards (the day of your surgery), the hospital state you may drink only clear water, for up to 2 hours prior to your admission time. If you are unsure of your admission time or when you should stop drinking, please do not drink anything on the day of your surgery, and or feel free to get in touch so we can check for you.
If your surgery is scheduled to take place on the afternoon list; you may have a light breakfast before 7:00 am. After 7:00 am, you must not eat anything until after your surgical procedure.
From 7 am onwards (the day of your surgery), the hospital state you may drink only clear water, for up to 2 hours prior to your admission time. If you are unsure of your admission time or when you should stop drinking, please do not drink anything on the day of your surgery.
After Your Surgery
Your recovery and postoperative care is very important to Red Rose Desire and this is where our care team come in. You are monitored in the recovery area, and the time taken is based on each individual – there is no set discharge time, it really depends on how you feel.
Please expect some swelling and bruising, as well as pain and discomfort, which our surgeon will discuss with you as well as administering pain control medication. You will be cared for by our aftercare nurse who will also tell you about wound healing and how to care for your wound.
You will also have a visit from your surgeon before you leave to ensure all is as it should be.
Leaving the Hospital After Your Surgery
You must ensure that you have an escort with you on your discharge from the hospital. You will not be able to drive afterward, so please ensure you make arrangements for your safe return home.
Your nursing team will organize post-operative follow-up appointments with you at a time that is convenient for you and note that they are always available on the phone if you should need anything at all before this time.