Dr. Katrien Lagey eg
Preparing for surgery
Health
For a speedy recovery it is important that you are in good health at the time of the procedure.
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Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor wound healing. We therefore ask that you stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure.
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Alcohol has a direct impact on bleeding and puts an excessive strain on the liver. We expect you to abstain from alcohol one week before and one week after the procedure.
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Medication: You must stop taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) a few days before the procedure. Discuss this with your treating physician. In principle, you may or must continue taking other medications, but this should also be done after careful consultation.
To minimize the risk of infections, good personal hygiene is an absolute must.
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On the day of the procedure, take a good shower at home and wash your hair.
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On the day of the procedure, do not use perfume, hairspray, hair gel, or body lotion. Deodorant is allowed.
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Do not use nail polish; artificial nails may remain in place.
Hygiene
General
For your own comfort after the surgery, please keep the following in mind:
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not have to be pulled over your head.
Bring cold packs with you to place in our refrigerator and use on the way home.
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Wear comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes.
Preparing for an operation
Local anesthesia
A procedure under local anesthesia involves a simple injection at the site where the procedure will be performed, e.g., to remove a spot. No special preparations are required. You may eat and drink before the procedure. If you are nervous, we advise against drinking coffee. You may go home immediately and drive yourself.
Local anesthesia with sedation
Before the procedure, photos and a drawing are taken. Then you will be given a mild sedative that will put you into a sedative state. You will continue to breathe independently. Most people fall into a light sleep, others remain awake but feel relaxed. Most people can remember little of the procedure afterwards.
After the administration of the sedative, a local anesthetic is administered at the site of the procedure. For an eyelid correction or a MACS lift, for example, this is a very pleasant way to undergo the procedure. You should not be fasting: we recommend having a light breakfast or lunch and avoiding coffee. Taking medication is allowed, except for blood thinners: these are stopped 1 week before the procedure.
After the procedure, you will rest in a recliner while we cool the wound. You will need a driver to take you home.
General anesthesia
You must not eat or drink anything after midnight.
If you need to take medication, you may take it in the morning with a small sip of water. You must stop taking blood thinners one week before the procedure. Always discuss this with your surgeon or the anesthesiologist. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your room. X-rays and a preoperative drawing will be taken, and then you will go to the operating room. The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia with you. We work with a certified anesthesiologist who has access to the latest, safest, and most advanced equipment. He will remain in the operating room throughout the entire procedure.
After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery room for a short while. Once you are sufficiently awake, you may return to your room. There, following the anesthesiologist’s instructions, you will be given something to drink and a light meal. If all goes well, you may leave after a final check-up by your surgeon. You will, of course, need a driver.
