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Consultation Process

We offer free consultations with one of our Patient Care Coordinators. For consultations with Dr. Awada, we charge a $75 fee that goes towards your surgery or procedure. When you are ready to book your surgery, we charge a $250 fee to hold the date, and this fee also goes towards your surgery. If you are not in the metro Detroit area, we offer FaceTime or Skype consultations as well!

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Preoperative Clearances

• Woman over 40 must have a recent mammogram within the last year.
• Patients over 55 must have a stress test, EKG test, electrolyte test, CBC blood work.
• For any other medical conditions, you may be required to provide additional clearance.

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Preoperative Processes

One (1) week prior to surgery

• Woman over 40 must have a recent mammogram within the last year.
• Depending on your situation, we ask that you stop all Motrin (ibuprofen) or aspirin (2 weeks prior.) Tylenol is okay to take for any aches or pains.
• Discontinue any alcohol or drug use.
• If you are taking any diet medication or certain vitamins, such as vitamin E or fish oils, or any over the counter herbal supplements, you must discontinue two weeks prior to surgery. A multivitamin is okay.
• The anesthesia care provider will contact you to review any questions by phone before surgery.
• If you take any daily medications, review them with the anesthesiologist. If you would like to speak to the anesthesiologist sooner, we will provide you with their contact information.
• Please fill your prescriptions before the day of your surgery. Our office will call them in for you to your pharmacy of choice.
• If you were prescribed Valtrex, be sure to start taking the prescription three days prior to surgery.
• Purchase your stool softener (Colace or Dulcolax.)
• Purchase crackers, jello, and have some bland meals prepared.

Night Before Surgery: DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight. Do NOT chew gum or put anything in your mouth.

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Day of Surgery

Transportation:

We require that every patient arrange a ride to and from our office on the day of surgery. If needed, our office can help you arrange a car service for your surgery day. We are located at 29110 Inkster Rd., Suite 250 Southfield, MI 48034. Our office is around the back of the building on the second floor.

Traveling Patients:

If you are coming in from out of town for surgery, our office staff can help you with your hotel and transportation arrangements.

Shower:

Purchase antibacterial cleaner. Shower and scrub surgical area the morning of surgery. If you are having a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or pubic lift, you must shave the pubic area. Do not wear makeup, nail polish, artificial nails, lotion, or jewelry. Remove all jewelry. Remove all piercings and any type of metal before surgery. Any hair extensions must be removed prior to surgery if they have metal. Do not wear contacts. Wear glasses and bring your case to store them in. If you wear dentures, removable bridge-work, notify the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery. If you use a breathing machine or inhaler, you MUST bring it with you. Always notify the anesthesiology of breathing history. If you are on your period, then you may wear a pad, no tampon.

Clothing:

Wear very loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. A button-down or zipper shirt and easy to pull up pants with elastic band work best. No metal on underwear. Slippers are okay.

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Postoperative Process

Staying compliant with your post-operative care is very important for a quick recovery to ensure optimal results.

Home Care:

It is very important that you have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Some surgeries restrict activities, such as lifting, for as long as two weeks after surgery. If you have young children, then this is something you will need to discuss with your patient care coordinator so we can advise accordingly.

Showering:

Do not remove any bandages or shower until after your one (1) week post-operative appointment. Sponge bathe only for the first week. Do not bathe in a tub or swim. When you are cleared to shower, we recommend showering with lukewarm water and soap. Most patients are cleared to shower after their first post-operative appointment, and cleared to bathe/swim after 4-6 weeks.

Post-Operative Appointments:

At your first appointment, you will see a nurse or medical assistant first. She will answer all of your questions, remove your bandages, and clean your surgical sites. Then the doctor will come in to check your surgical sites, re-bandage, address any concerns, and go over home care.

Dressings:

Do not remove any dressings or get incisions wet until you are cleared to do so. If you have any concerns with your surgical sites, call our office or after-hours emergency line, and we will have you come in to be seen by the doctor or nurse.

Garments:

Your first garment is included with surgery, and you will be sent home wearing it after surgery. You must wear your binders and/or garments continuously (day and night) for 4-6 weeks. Keep them smooth, flat, and pulled down as they tend to ride up and wrinkle with movement. It is important to note that removing your garments will heavily affect your results and can cause serious complications. If you are having any problems with your garments, please call our office or after-hours emergency line, and we will have you come in to see the doctor or nurse. Any additional garments are available for purchase in our office and they can be mailed. We always recommend the use of medical grade compression garments for optimal results. As your swelling goes down, drains are removed, and you progress through your healing, you will require smaller sizes and differing levels of compression. At your post-operative appointments we will recommend garments, and will even fit them for you.

Medication:

Please take all of your prescriptions as directed and do not operate any moving vehicle or heavy machinery while taking pain medication. Our office will call in your prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice. You must fill these before the day of your surgery. You must purchase a stool softener to take with your pain medication (Colace or Dulcolax.)

It is natural to experience discomfort in the area of operation. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or on the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.

Supplements:

Bromaline and Arnica tablets help reduce post-operative bruising. These are available for purchase in our office.

Hydration:

It is very important that you stay hydrated after surgery as this will greatly help the healing process. We recommend at least 6-8 cups of water, very limited caffeine, and no alcohol for at least 2-3 weeks after your surgery. Gatorade is also recommended to help with hydration.

Diet:

Start with small, simple meals and advance as you tolerate. Eat multiple small meals that are high in fiber and protein. A protein shake 1-2 times a day is also encouraged (Costco carries a good brand that is low in sugar and comes in many flavors called: Premier Protein.) Take your stool softener with your meals. Drink fresh pineapple juice or eat fresh pineapples as these can help with bruising.

Smoking:

Do not smoke for a minimum of two months after surgery as you will compromise your healing. This could lead to infection, tissue loss, and open wounds.

Miscellaneous:

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 48 hours after your surgery.

You may contact our office with any questions at (248) 781-3153 or after hours using our emergency line at (248) 550-9747.

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