Pre-Operative Instructions

What to Expect Before Surgery?

After your appointment with Dr. Bourget, when you have decided to go forward with surgery, there are a few things you must do before your surgery date.  Please inform the staff if you have any allergies or serious medical conditions prior to your surgery.

Please read through these guidelines carefully. Not following these instructions will increase the chances of potential risks and complications.

Get Bloodwork Done

Anyone having surgery, whether having sedation or general anesthesia, will need to have blood work completed. You will be given a requisition to take to the lab to have blood work done. This can be

done at most doctor’s offices, however, there may be a fee. It is free at most hospitals. 

For Patients Over 50 

Anyone over the age of 50, if having a general anesthesia, will need to have an EKG done. This is  just a tracing of what your heart does normally.  It is not invasive, it does not hurt and only takes a few minutes.

This can be done at Family Practice Associates at 6155 North Street, Suite 406, for free if you have your health card. The phone number is 902.453.3511 ext. 6. This can also be done at the hospitals, but there may be a fee. Please check with them first.

Medications You Must Avoid

The week before your surgery you must avoid any blood thinning medication or products. Examples are Warfarin, Advil, ASA, Advil Cold and Sinus, red wine, garlic, ginseng and glucosamine. You can, with

your surgeon’s approval, start taking Vitamin K.

Eating Instructions for the Night Before

The night before your surgery, starting at midnight, you must not eat or drink anything. This is vital for those people having a general anesthesia. If necessary, and with your surgeon’s approval, you can take your morning medications with a sip of water.

Otherwise, no toast, juice or coffee… absolutely nothing.

Fill Your Prescriptions

You will be given your prescriptions prior to your surgery date. You should fill these prior to your surgery and if ordered please start your antibiotic the day before your scheduled surgery date.

For example: If your surgery is booked on a Wednesday, then you should start your antibiotics on Tuesday. If your surgery is scheduled for Monday, you would start to take your antibiotics on Sunday. The other medications are usually creams or eye drops for use after your surgery. There  will also be something prescribed for your pain, which is usually Tylenol #3, as long as you have no allergies to Codeine.

Wash Your Hair

Your hair must be washed the night before or the morning of your facial surgery to remove any hair products used previously.

Sign Consent Form

You will be expected to sign a consent form either at your pre-op appointment or on the day of your surgery. You should ask any questions or voice any concerns you have prior to signing this consent.

Review Payment Policy

Your surgery is to be paid in full prior to you having surgery.

Secure Transportation

You need to arrange transportation to and from Scotia Surgery in Dartmouth for your day of surgery. If this is not done prior to you arriving at the facility,  you risk the possibility of your surgery being cancelled.

NOTE: You must arrive 1 HOUR before your scheduled surgery time.

You will also need a responsible adult with you for 24 hours post surgery. He/She will need to drive you to your post-operative appointment the next day at Dr. Bourget clinic in Dartmouth.

You will also need help with your medications, your eye drops if needed, and your creams if required. You must rest and use your ice on and off to prevent too much swelling for at least the first 24 hours.