PATIENT EDUCATION
Resources for new and prospective patients on how your experience at WDF Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
your safety is our priority.
Dr. Franks attention to detail is not limited to surgical technique alone. It is inclusive and devoted to the complete management of your care.
He, along with his Patient Care Team, will instruct and assist you as you prepare for your surgery. Several of our patients have graciously shared that they would be happy to answer any questions regarding a procedure that you may be considering.
Our office will help to schedule a mutually convenient time. Please let us know how we may assist you.
Read on to learn what you should expect for your surgical procedure.
What to expect prior to your surgical procedure:
Safety is the priority for your surgery. Dr. Franks requires that you undergo a history and physical evaluation by your primary care physician within three months of your scheduled procedure. Both aspirin and ibuprofen increase the time it takes for blood to clot and should be discontinued a minimum of two weeks before your surgery. Oral contraceptives (OC's) contain different forms of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, which increase the clotting ability of blood. Depending on the specific surgical procedure, as well as a patient's risk factors, Dr. Franks may recommend discontinuing oral contraceptives three weeks prior to a scheduled surgery and restarting them three weeks following their surgery. Additionally, a low-dose blood thinner may be recommended following your surgery to lower your risk of complications. Any product that contains nicotine must be discontinued and not restarted for a minimum of 4 weeks before and after your surgery. Nicotine causes blood vessels to become more narrow, which then decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to wounds trying to heal. This may result in a significant compromise in the wound healing process.
You will have a second consultation with Dr. Franks prior to your surgery. The purpose of your preoperative visit is to review the procedure you will be undergoing, along with the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. Once your questions have been thoroughly answered to your satisfaction, you will be asked to sign an informed consent acknowledging your understanding of the procedure along with its risks and potential complications.
You will be provided a Patient Care Information packet which includes instructions regarding postoperative medications, recommended nutritional supplements, wound care, DVT prevention and scheduled follow-up appointments. Post operative medications will be submitted to your pharmacy prior to your surgery. These medications may include: a narcotic pain reliever, muscle relaxer, antibiotic, an antiemetic for nausea and in some instances a medication which helps to prevents the formation of blood clots.
The night before your surgery you should not have anything to eat nor drink after midnight. It is important both physically and mentally to get a good nights rest. An important part of your preparation is having peace of mind that "things" have been taken care of. Arrangements for childcare, transportation, meals, daily responsibilities of home should be checked-off on your list of things to do. You have placed considerable thought into your decision to go forward with an elective surgical procedure. This is 'your time' and it is very important to focus on you during your recovery period.
What to expect the day of your surgical procedure:
It is very important that you arrive at our AAAHC accredited Platinum Surgical Suite at your scheduled time. Our nursing staff will welcome and assist you in preparing you for surgery. Dr. Franks will then visit with you and review your surgical procedure, perform surgical markings and answer any questions that you or your family may have. A member of our anesthesia staff will interview you and explain their role in making yours a safe surgery and address any questions or concerns you might have.
An IV will be started to administer medications and fluid to keep you hydrated. An antibiotic will also be administered. Sequential Compression Devices (SCD's) will be placed around the lower part of your leg below the knee and activated before your anesthesia is administered. SCD's help to prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower leg and are just one of several ways we strive to make your surgery safe. Warm air will also be used to keep your body temperature within the normal range throughout the procedure. Studies have shown that warming a patient before their procedure may help to prevent complications sometimes associated with hypothermia in the post-operative period. Our WDF Patient Safety Protocol requires that our patients be warmed using warm forced air before entering the operating room. Dre. Franks also requires that the operating room be pre heated to 72 degrees. During your surgery, our staff works as a team monitoring your status while you are under general anesthesia.
What to expect after your surgical procedure:
After meeting our strict criteria our staff will prepare you for discharge. For our patients staying at the Hotel adjacent to our office, our nursing staff will transport and assist in preparation of your post operative care. WDF staff will then transport you to our office the following morning to be evaluated by Dr. Franks. A private registered nurse can be arranged at our patients request. Dr. Franks has specific post operative instructions to make sure that everything is done to make your surgery a safe experience. Your care provider should assist you in walking after your surgery. This is a very important part of your recovery because early ambulation (walking) helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Your care provider should also assist you in the in the care of your drains and use of an incentive spirometer. Think of the incentive spirometer as a "exercise machine" for the lungs which helps to improve the delivery of oxygen throughout your body. You will be provided an incentive spirometer to be used every 30 minutes as instructed. Your care provider should make certain that you remain well hydrated and eating a nutritious diet which includes a source of quality protein necessary for wound healing.
Dr. Franks and a member of his staff will see you the morning following your surgery to perform your first dressing change. You will be evaluated, your medications will be reviewed and the importance of frequent ambulation (walking), hydration and proper nutrition will be discussed. Dr. Franks will review the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and again provide instructions on how to minimize the risk of developing a DVT. This and other valuable information is discussed in our WDF Patient Safety Protocol provided to you at your pre surgical consultation.
FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
