During your initial consultation you will discuss with your plastic surgeon your past and present medical conditions and current medications used. He must be made aware of any hypertension, thyroid problems or diabetes. He should also know about your past surgeries, allergies to any medications and personal habits, such as smoking and drinking.

A physical examination will be performed to evaluate your skin condition and the amount of loose skin and excess fat accumulation, as well as the muscle tone. Preoperative photographs will be taken. You may be shown before and after photographs. Lab tests, x-rays or EKG may be ordered depending on your general health. At the end of the consultation and physical examination the fees for surgery will be discussed with you by the doctor and his staff.

Avoid taking aspirin and aspirin containing products such as Advil and avoid garlic and garlic products two weeks prior to surgery. These products can prolong bleeding and increase bruising. Tylenol may be taken during this period.

Stop all prescribed or non prescribed diet products three weeks before surgery.

For a period of two days before surgery you should wash your face, neck and hair with Betadine soap for 15 minutes, twice per day. An additional wash should be done right before the surgery. No skin product should be used two days prior to the surgery. You may use skin care products after these washes, except the last wash before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. You may, however, take prescriptive medication with a small amount of water and brush your teeth the morning of surgery. Wear a loose fitting shirt that does not pull over your head to the surgical suite. Loose sweats are recommended as you will be in a compression garment after surgery and they may be difficult to get on. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.

Please plan to have someone bring you to the clinic, take you back home and stay with you the first 24 hours. Notify the office staff of this person's name and their telephone number prior to surgery.

Have all prescriptions filled a few days before surgery, so they will be available for you when you arrive home from surgery.

Rest with your head elevated on two or more pillows the evening after surgery and under your knees. It may be difficult to stand straight. Remain in bending position by flexion of the hip and gradually stretch to normal position in one to two weeks.

You will be sent home in an abdominal binder with bandages underneath. You will be instructed on changing the bandages. If you are sent home with a urinary catheter in your bladder, it should be removed the following day after surgery. You will be instructed on how to remove it, but simply cut the middle of the small extension of the catheter that is not connected to the bag. Drains are usually in place for a few days following surgery. You may take a shower the day after the drains are removed. Sutures will be removed in two stages approximately 5 to 10 days following surgery. You should wear the abdominal binder for up to three weeks following surgery. You will be given appointments for these visits. Most swelling and bruising will subside in two weeks or so. The final result may be seen in three to six months. You may also experience some numbness over the lower portion of your abdomen, which is normal and may last for a few weeks to a few months following surgery.

Social activity can be resumed in approximately three weeks or so when the swelling and pain begin to disappear. Bruising can last up to two weeks. You may return to work after 2 to 4 weeks depending on your job. Traveling is allowed after four weeks. Driving is allowed after one week. Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for four weeks. Light walking may begin in one week and walking for exercise can be resumed after two weeks or so. You are encouraged to call the office if you have any questions.

It is customary that the fees for surgery to be paid two weeks prior to surgery. This assures that the patient is sincere in his or her motivation. The fees include the surgeon's fee, the facility charge, which is private and fully accredited with high tech equipment, and anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist, if general anesthesia is used. Also included in this fee is any laboratory testing performed in the office and use of special equipment, such ultrasonic suction device. It is very rare that insurance plans cover cosmetic surgery. Please feel free to ask the office staff if you have any questions in that regard.

We understand this is a very important decision in your life and you would like to do this for yourself. In your private consultation with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified plastic surgeon, you may discuss your needs in detail and also obtain additional information.