Any surgery has inherent risks. In order to decrease some of these risks, following proper instructions is very important around the time of surgery. A complete discussion of medical problems or conditions, medications, alcohol and tobacco use are necessary with your surgeon.

Certain medications can cause greater risks for problems both at the time of surgery and afterwards. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin (Excedrin, Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Midol), naproxen (Naprosyn, Nuprin), Aleve, combination medications containing anti-inflammatories, and prescription anti-inflammatory medications thin the blood and will increase the risk of a postoperative bleed. These must be stopped 2 weeks before until 3 weeks after surgery.The only anti-inflammatory that can be used during this time is Tylenol (acetominophen). Other blood thinners such as coumadin must also be stopped but this would need to be done at the advice of your physician. Vitamin E also acts as a blood thinner.

Other medications that can potentially cause problems are prescription steroids which also include nasal inhaler steroids such as Flonase, Nasonex, and others. Asthma inhalers with steroids are also included. Steroids should not be abruptly stopped, but must be tapered at the advice of your prescribing doctor. Non-prescription body-building steroids (anabolic steroids) can also cause serious problems, as can prescription and over-the-counter diet pills. Most herbs and herbal products act as blood thinners and are also stopped around the time of surgery.

Certain surgical procedures cannot be done in someone using nicotine. This even includes the "occasional" smoker. All forms of nicotine are included, such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum and patches. If you use these at any time whatsoever, you must tell your plastic surgeon as extremely serious loss of skin and extreme scarring will occur with certain surgeries. Some of these surgeries include almost all facial procedures, breast lift and breast reduction, tummy tuck, aggressive chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Alcohol use (beer, wine, mixed drinks) should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery, as alcohol can act as a blood thinner.

Any medical condition that you have must also be discussed with your surgeon. Certain conditions can greatly increase your risk of serious problems with surgery or anesthesia. All previous surgical procedures that you have had also need to be discussed. Although risks are present with any surgery, good, honest communication with your plastic surgeon and following postoperative instructions can decrease certain risks and make your surgery and recovery safer.