Is it critical to have the pre-operation appointment for breast reduction surgery, at most, two days before surgery?

Question

My pre-operation appointment is scheduled a week before my breast reduction surgery because my surgeon will be out of town. I'm aware it's standard to have that appointment one or two days before surgery, so I'm getting anxious. Won't my markings fade within that week? Outside of markings, what else gets discussed/completed during that appointment? Additionally, is it standard to see the surgeon or a physician assistant for my first post-op visit?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own protocols for their surgery patients. I see my patients preoperatively 2 weeks prior to surgery. At that time I give them their prescriptions and a lab test request. We review how the surgery is to be done, schedule the post operative appointment, answer all patient questions.  I do the markings right before surgery. I suggest that you write your questions down as it is easy to forget when you are at your appointment. Good luck.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Having a pre op appointment one week prior to breast reduction is appropriate. In my practice, we perform pre op's 1-2 weeks prior to surgery; giving patients plenty of time to pick up prescriptions before surgery, shop for items on their pre/post op shopping list and getting any pre operative lab work done. 
In regards to surgical markings, your surgeon will be able to talk more in detail about drawing on you at a pre op or on surgery day and how to keep markings in tact. 
Best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It really doesn’t matter when the preoperative appointment is and surgeons vary on their routine. Also not all surgeons place their markings at the time of the preop. If the markings were to come off in the shower the surgeon can always remark you the morning if surgery.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Runner2121,It is not standard to have an appointment 1-2 days before surgery, especially if your surgeon marks on the day of surgery. On my pre-op appointment, I review medications, lab work, the surgery in detail, and date/time of the surgery. In fact, I prefer to do the preop apointment around 1 week, because then any preoperative issues can be caught.Hope this helps,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Runner2121,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. A lot of plastic surgeons recommend their patients to stop using some medicines and supplements in order to prevent complications. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There is not a standard for this, but medical issues discovered during the pre-op consultation should be addressed sooner rather than later.  All lab results will be reviewed and any additional labs will be ordered.  You will receive the prescriptions you need to have filled prior to your surgery.  I advise my patients to STOP ALL sources of Vitamin E, e.g., Vitamin E pills, multivitamins, Slim Fast Ensure Plus, ALL HERBS, e.g. Ginko, Garlic, Ginseng, Natural or health preparations e.g. bee’s pollen, protein powders, etc. 1 week before surgery.Any questions the patient may have regarding surgery, post-op visits, recovery, garments, etc. will be answered during this consultation. Information regarding the person who will be accompanying or picking up the patient after surgery is recorded. PS and patient should come to closure on the procedures to be performed and results to expect. I see all my patients on the post-op visits.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Every practice has their own individual protocol for perioperative management. 
In our practice we schedule a preoperative appointment within one month of the proposed procedure. We perform / accept preoperative blood work for up to 4 weeks prior to surgery (if normal).  All medical problems and chronic conditions must be explored / medical conditions maximized to ensure patient safety. During the preoperative appointment, we usually discuss the precise nature of the procedure, potential complications, expected postoperative course and outcome. We do not perform preoperative markings at the time of the preoperative visit, but instead mark the patient on the day of the procedure. On the day of your procedure, you will undergo another physical examination by your surgeon and the anesthesiologist. 
All questions should be answered to your satisfaction before proceeding with surgery.
Best wishes...

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Some anxiety prior to proceeding with breast surgery is normal. As long as you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully and have communicated your goals careful as well, you should do just fine. Exactly when the preop visit is carried out and when the markings are performed does not matter; this varies from one practice to another. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.I see my patients for pre-op 1 to 2 weeks prior to surgery. Consents are signed. labs are reviewed and post-op instructions given. You will be marked the day of surgery.  You may see a nurse and/or surgeon at your 1st visit after surgery. If you have any questions or concerns contact your surgeon for guidance. Best of luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I place markings in the waiting area of the OR, not a day or two before surgery. The discussion is preferably a week prior to surgery. I find that anesthesia can affect short term recollection and you are more likely to retain the information if provided earlier. Your surgeon should also provide written instructions. Best wishes.

Is it critical to have the pre-operation appointment for breast reduction surgery, at most, two days before surgery?

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