Surgery

Although every surgery is different, the following general guidelines will help you prepare for your outpatient procedure at the Duke Aesthetic Center. Your surgical team will provide more specific information before, during, and after your procedure. Some of the common surgeries performed at the Duke Aesthetic Center include:

• Minimizing the effects of aging: facelifts and eyelid surgery
• Redefining facial features: nose, lip, cheek, and chin
• Body contouring: liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, breast augmentation, reduction and lift
• Gender affirming surgery

Before your procedure, you will meet with a nurse to learn how to prepare for surgery or your nonsurgical procedure. For example, if anesthesia will be used, you will refrain from eating beforehand to avoid complications. Your nurse will provide a specific plan to keep you safe during and after the procedure.

• You should arrive 1½ hours before surgery. Bring your completed medical forms, a photo ID, and medication information.
• You should be accompanied by an adult who will stay with you for the duration of your procedure and be able to transport you home. Otherwise, your surgery will be delayed or rescheduled.
• Before surgery, you will speak to your surgical team, which includes your anesthesiologist, surgeon, nurse anesthetist, and others. They will review your procedure and answer your questions.  
• While our goal is to stay on time, surgeries scheduled before yours may take longer than expected, and you may have to wait. Our care team will give each person the time necessary to ensure the best outcome.

• You will remain in the recovery room for observation until it is safe for you to go home. The time required to recover varies depending on your surgery, the type of anesthesia you received, and your overall health. 
• Your care team will provide you and your caregiver instructions for your care at home.  
• You will have one or more follow-up appointments the days and weeks after surgery.