Your Pre-Operative Care Guide

Virginia, Maryland, & Washington, D.C.

What to Expect and How to Prepare for Surgery at Landford Plastic Surgery.

Your plastic surgery journey at Landford Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C., and Maryland involves so much more than the procedure itself. Dr. Wilmina Landford and her team of highly trained professionals provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs and goals. No matter what your skincare, face, or body goals are, we give every one of our patients ample time and support during their private consultation, procedures, and post-operation appointments, maximizing their experience and helping them feel as confident as possible. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for your procedure and what to look out for.

How to Prepare: Surgical Clearance

Before you receive your surgery, you must attend a pre-operative clearance appointment. This can be with your primary care physician, internist, or any urgent care facility 4 weeks (30 days) before your surgery. You will receive a medical clearance request form outlining the testing required to proceed with your surgical appointment. Let us know if you visit your own provider, and we will provide you with a form containing all the information needed for us to perform the surgery.

The results of your tests will be sent to our office for your doctor to review and approve. Here are some of the tests that you may need to take:

- Blood tests
- Medical clearance from an MD/DO
- EKG (> 50 years old)
- Mammogram within a year (> 35 years old)

Your Pre-Surgery Timeline

3–4 Weeks Before Surgery

Keep track of the mandatory tests before your surgery, and submit the results to our office at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery.

Women over age 35 are required to have a mammogram within one year prior to surgery, and younger patients may also need a mammogram if they have a significant family history of cancer.

2 Weeks Before Surgery

Stop taking medications with aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or other NSAIDs

Stop taking all herbal supplements that you have not been directly told by the doctor are acceptable.

Under no circumstances may you smoke or consume nicotine products, especially if you have had a breast lift or breast reduction

Ensure that all of your test results have been completed and sent to our office

1 Week Before Surgery

Avoid consuming any alcohol

Day Before Surgery

Avoid eating or drinking past midnight, as you will be under anesthesia. Eating or drinking prior to being under anesthesia can put you in danger. If you eat or drink after midnight, your procedure can be canceled.

Your care team may allow you to take the necessary medication with a small sip of water.

Day of Surgery

Take a shower and use shampoo to clean yourself the morning of your surgery.

Avoid all topical self-care products, such as makeup, deodorant, hair products, or nail polish. Acrylic nails are allowed.

Wear clothing that is comfortable, loose, and unconstrained

Do not wear jewelry

Wear a menstrual pad instead of a tampon if you are menstruating

Medications and Supplements to Stop Taking

For the two weeks prior to and post surgery, do not take the following that may cause adverse reactions while you are under anesthesia or heal from the surgery:

- - Seldane
  - Hismonyl
  - Erythromycin
  - St. John’s Wort
  - Redux/ Meridia
  - Ma huang/ Chinese Ephedra/ Epitonin
  - Fen-Phen/ The Formula
  - Echinacea
  - Ginkgo
  - Turmeric
  - Steroids
  - Cold Medication
  - Homeopathic remedies
  - Recreational drugs (cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc.)
  - Fish oil
  - Melatonin
  - Cayenne pepper

You must also submit a full list of any medications and dosages you have been prescribed that have not already been submitted with your medical history form.

Pre-Operative Medications

Medications prescribed to patients depend on the procedure they receive. Here’s what many patients’ pre-operative medication plans look like.

One Week Prior to Surgery:

Abide by the instructions on the Arnica Montana (Over-the-counter) to reduce bruising

Recovery Guide

For more information about the recovery process after surgery, review our detailed post-operative guides for both Tummy Tuck and Facelift . These resources outline expected healing timelines, activity restrictions, and key milestones during recovery. Following these guidelines can help support a smoother and more predictable postoperative recovery process.

How Landford Plastic Surgery Stands Out

Landford Plastic Surgery’s supportive, welcoming team is dedicated to exceeding your goals and achieving beautiful, rejuvenating results with every procedure. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Landford, makes each of her patients feel confident and comfortable before, during, and after their procedures. At Landford Plastic Surgery, we are committed to making your body journey a safe, positive, and memorable experience.

Schedule Your Consultation

When you are ready to come to our office to address your aesthetic goals, schedule your consultation, and Dr. Landford will be pleased to meet you and determine whether you qualify for the procedures needed to achieve the results you desire.

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