Pre-Surgery Preparation
Pre-Surgical Testing
To schedule your surgery, call Dr. Horn’s surgical scheduler at 212-884-8297 or fax 212-889-1534. They will assist you in arranging any required testing with your internist or at PACC. Testing must be completed within one month of surgery.
Medications and Supplements
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or medications containing these ingredients for two weeks before surgery. Avoid Vitamin E supplements (beyond a multivitamin) and herbal remedies such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng during this period.
Smoking
Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, as smoking impairs healing.
Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery and protect all scars from sun for 6–12 months afterward using a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can slow healing and darken scars.
Ice Packs
Purchase two 2-pound bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs after surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, or candy) after midnight the night before surgery.
Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You will not be allowed to leave alone.
Pharmacy Prep
Provide your pharmacy’s phone number to Dr. Horn’s staff so your prescriptions can be called in ahead of time. Pick them up before surgery. Have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment ready at home to care for your incisions.
Day of Surgery
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front. Avoid clothing that goes over your head (T-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks).
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery (you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow water).
Medications
Take only the medications your doctor has instructed you to take that morning (with a small sip of water if needed).
Personal Items
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Makeup and Grooming
Do not wear facial or eye makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses (wear glasses instead).
Dentures
If you wear dentures, you may leave them in during surgery.
After Surgery (Post-Operative Care)
Dressings
Keep the headband on at all times until Dr. Horn instructs you to remove it (or we remove it in the office). You may gently wash your face but avoid the dressing. Do not wash your hair for 5 days. When you do wash your hair, be extremely gentle around the incision sites.
Diet
No food restrictions.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity (gym, bending, straining, lifting heavy objects) for 1 week. Gentle walks are fine. Rest and relax as much as possible.
Sun
Avoid sun exposure and heat for 6 weeks post-surgery, as both can prolong swelling.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising around the forehead, eyes, and upper lip is normal. It usually resolves within 2 weeks, though subtle swelling may take longer to fully subside.
Medications and Wound Care
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Clean your staples with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to remove crusting, then apply a thin layer of bacitracin ointment.
Contact Lenses
You may wear contact lenses the day after surgery.
Makeup
You may wear makeup once the headband is removed.
Follow-Up
Schedule a follow-up appointment the day after surgery to check your incisions and another appointment 1 week after surgery to have your staples removed.