Each gynecomastia surgeon has his or her own way of preparing for surgery. However, most follow the same protocols. This blog will describe how Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. does his preoperative visit to give men an idea of what they can expect.
In general, the preoperative appointment takes places approximately 2 weeks before surgery. The gynecomastia patient will first meet with Dr. Delgado to review all details of the surgery and how it is to be performed. The patient has an opportunity to ask Dr. Delgado any questions or state concerns they may have about the surgery. Preoperative photos will be taken.
Next, the patient is escorted to the office of the patient coordinator. The patient coordinator presents the patient with a surgical information booklet if one wasn’t previously mailed. The coordinator points out that the booklet contains preoperative and postoperative instructions for the patient to have on hand for reference. The coordinator confirms that the patient understands that all blood thinners must be discontinued two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, and that he has informed the doctor of any and all medications and supplements that he takes. The patient is reminded not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. The patient is informed that the anesthesiologist will call the day before surgery to review the patients’ medical history.
The patient will be given prescriptions for an antibiotic, vitamin K, anti-nausea pills and pain medication. An order for a blood test will be given to make sure the patient is healthy. The blood test can be done at any lab or hospital.
The coordinator wants to confirm that the patient has a responsible adult to pick him up after surgery and will stay with him for at least the first 24 hours. At this time the patient will be presented with surgery consent forms to sign, and a copy will be given to him for his records. Payment for surgery is collected at this time.
Many times patients forget questions that they meant to ask. Dr. Delgado emphasizes that he wants his patients to know that they can call him at the office at any time. Dr. Delgado and other board certified gynecomastia plastic surgeons’ main goal is for their patients to have a safe, stress-free, and successful surgery.