Guidelines to Healing (Post Surgery)

1. Schedule elective surgery when you're healthy. This will optimize your immune system and improve your chances for a speedy recovery.
   
2. Consume sufficient calories and protein. Two of the most important elements for healing are calories and protein. Extra protein is needed to build new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue and increase production of cells to repair the wound.
   
3. Stay well hydrated by drinking water. It is important to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water each day and especially the day prior to surgery to help cleanse and hydrate the body. Water is especially important prior to surgery as fluid intake is reduced the day of surgery.
   
4. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products for ten days prior to surgery. Aspirin is not recommended prior to surgery because it is an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) and can promote bleeding during surgery.
   
5. Do not drink alcohol one week prior to surgery. Alcohol suppresses the immune system and should be avoid around the time of surgery.
   
6. Do not smoke one month prior/after your surgery. Smoke inhibits wound healing because less oxygen is supplied to the operative site. In addition, smoking increases the risk of various complications during surgery. If you smoke, use your surgical procedure as an opportunity to quit.