There are a few medications that you should avoid before phalloplasty surgery. These medications can increase your risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery.
The medications to avoid include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Vitamin E
- Fish oil
- Ginkgo biloba
- St. John’s wort
- Any other medication that thins the blood
If you are taking any of these medications, you should talk to your doctor about stopping them before surgery. Your doctor can help you find safe alternatives.
You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery. These activities can also increase your risk of complications.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully before surgery. This will help you stay safe and ensure that your surgery goes smoothly.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for phalloplasty surgery:
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of complications during surgery. If you smoke, it is important to quit as soon as possible.
- Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, it is important to lose weight before surgery. This will help reduce your risk of complications and make the surgery easier for the surgeon.
- Get a physical exam: Before surgery, you will need to have a physical exam. This will help your doctor assess your overall health and make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.
- Get blood work: You will also need to have blood work done before surgery. This will help your doctor check your blood levels and make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.
- Meet with the surgeon: You will need to meet with the surgeon before surgery. This will give you a chance to ask questions and get answers. You will also need to sign consent forms.
Before phalloplasty surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding medication use. Your surgical team will provide you with a comprehensive list of medications to avoid or adjust leading up to the procedure. However, here are some general guidelines on medications that may typically be avoided before surgery:
- Blood Thinners: Medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticoagulants like warfarin or clopidogrel should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgical team will provide instructions on when to stop these medications before the procedure.
- Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements can have blood-thinning effects or interact with anesthesia and other medications. It is generally recommended to avoid herbal supplements, including products like garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil, for a certain period before surgery.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Adjustments: Your surgical team may advise you to adjust or temporarily pause your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) leading up to phalloplasty surgery. This is done to minimize the risk of complications and optimize the surgical outcome. Follow the instructions provided by your surgical team regarding hormone therapy adjustments.
- Prescription Medications: Your surgical team will review your medication list and provide specific instructions on which medications to continue or discontinue before surgery. It is important to disclose all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription medications, to your surgical team for proper guidance.
It is crucial to communicate openly with your surgical team about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. They will guide you on which medications to avoid or adjust, and provide you with a personalized plan based on your specific needs and medical history.
Do not make any changes to your medication regimen without the guidance and approval of your surgical team and healthcare providers. They will ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to optimize your safety and well-being during the surgical process.