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Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery


Elliot at River's Edge
New Hampshire Plastic Surgery 185 Queen City Avenue
Manchester, NH 03101

Phone: 603-314-6450
Fax: 603-314-6459



Pre-Operative Instructions


The Week(s) Before Surgery:

Every patient is different so these are general instructions. You may have a special situation where you can’t stop certain medications for health reasons and these will be discussed and a custom plan will be fashioned to accommodate your situation.

AVOID BLOOD THINNERS IN GENERAL: Aspirin and NSAIDS (ibuprofen, aleve, advil, motrin, naproxen, etc.) herbals and MANY dietary supplements are blood thinners and can increase your chance of bleeding. Best to stop them all 7 days prior to surgery.

Tylenol is not a blood thinner and is allowed in the week before surgery if you are able to take it.

Diet – Eat a high protein balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables. You do not need any special vitamins or supplements, just a healthy diet as described above.

Nicotine – in all its forms is VERY HARMFUL to healing and must be stopped at least 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. Primary or secondary exposure to nicotine in cigarettes, vape, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, dip, nicotine gums and patches will decrease blood flow and damage your ability to heal and make a scar. Quit nicotine now to maximize your chance of a good outcome. If you need a substitute, please consider a vape pen with no nicotine or chewing gum to help distract you. 


The Night Before Surgery:

MEDICATIONS: The surgical team will call you 1-2 days prior to surgery to discuss what medications to take and what to change if anything.

EATING AND DRINKING:  The surgical team will give you specific instructions when they call and instruct you of the exact time to stop eating and drinking prior to your procedure.

If your procedure will be performed using a local anesthetic only, you may eat and drink without restriction and you are encouraged to have a light meal and be well hydrated prior to arrival.


The Day of Surgery:

You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your procedure and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery (if having a general anesthetic).

  • Do not bring money or valuables
  • Do not wear make-up, nail polish, deodorant or denture adhesive
  • Do not wear any jewelry or body piercing's
  • Do not wear contact lenses
  • You are NOT required to shower using any special soap or cleanser

Wear loose, clean, comfortable clothing. Wear a shirt that either zips or buttons up rather than one that needs to be pulled on over the head if you are having breast surgery or surgery on the face, scalp, neck, arms, chest or back.