Preparing for Your Procedure

Once you have met with Orange County breast surgeon Dr. Andrew Smith for your initial consultation and have made your decision to proceed with breast reconstruction in Southern California, our office will begin coordinating with your general surgeon's office regarding a surgical schedule. When the date is set, you will be notified by our office and/or your general surgeon's office.

Once the date of your surgery is finalized, you will be scheduled for a pre-operative appointment to meet with Dr. Smith and his surgical assistant, who is a registered nurse. This appointment is typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks before your procedure. It is generally a good idea to bring someone with you to this appointment along with a list of any questions you may have concerning your Irvine breast surgery and the recovery period.

Visit Dr. Smith

Register online for an appointment at our office.

Photo Gallery

Real patients share their before and after photos.

Your Pre-Operative Visit

At your pre-operative visit in Orange County for breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Smith and his surgical nurse will be addressing important issues that will cover your post operative period and improve your healing process. You will be asked questions concerning your health, a list of medications your are currently taking, any medical problems you are being treated for now or have been treated for in the past, and a list of any allergies to medications, certain foods or latex. You will also be given instructions to follow before and after surgery such as:

• Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-based products such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, or Aleve 2 weeks before and up to 2 weeks after your procedure.
• Inform us if you are taking any blood thinners, such as Plavix or Coumadin. It will be important for you to get medical clearance to stop these medications.
• Let us know of any vitamin or herbal supplements you are taking, as some may interfere with your healing.
• Smoking has a detrimental effect upon the body's healing process. Ideally, complete cessation of smoking will maximize your ability to heal. If this is not possible, it is extremely important not to smoke 2 weeks prior to your surgery and for 2 to 4 weeks after your procedure.
• You will be given prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics to begin after surgery and when you are discharged from the hospital.

At the time of your pre-operative visit, you will be given information concerning admission to the hospital. You will need to pre-register in person and also have pre-admission testing performed before your surgery. Your general surgeon will be responsible for ordering these tests.

The Day of Surgery

No foods or liquids are allowed after midnight the night before your breast reconstruction surgery. You will need to arrange to have someone drive you to the hospital. You will be admitted to the hospital in the morning, depending on the time of your surgery, and you will usually stay 1 or 2 nights following your surgery.

Upon discharge, your recovery period begins. You will need to have someone drive you home from the hospital and to stay with you for the first few days after returning home. Also, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your post-operative visits at least for the first 7 to 10 days. Please be aware that you will not be able to drive for at least 7 to 10 days after surgery and until you feel confident enough to react to any situation that will avoid an accident and you are no longer taking narcotics for pain.

Our Care for You

As breast surgery specialist, Dr. Smith is proud to be part of a talented medical team that has helped hundreds of women reconstruct their breasts and rebuild their lives after a breast cancer diagnosis. If you are considering reconstruction, he is happy to talk with you and tell you more about the available options. Request a consultation online with Dr. Smith or call our office at 949.653.7000 and a staff member will be happy to assist you.