Patient Resources | Levesque Plastic Surgery Austin TX

Surgical Emergency? Call our office at 512-487-5975. After hours, you will be connected to our on-call line. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Before Surgery

Pre-Operative Instructions

These instructions apply to all surgical procedures at Levesque Plastic Surgery. Dr. Levesque or a member of our team will review procedure-specific instructions at your pre-operative appointment.

2–4 Weeks Before Surgery

Stop smoking — nicotine significantly impairs healing and increases complication risk. Absolutely no smoking for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery.
Stop blood thinners — aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, St. John's Wort) must be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Consult Dr. Levesque before stopping any prescribed medication.
Arrange your driver and caregiver — you will not be able to drive after surgery. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first 24 hours.
Fill your prescriptions — your post-op medications will be sent to your pharmacy before your surgery date. Fill them in advance.
Prepare your recovery space — set up a comfortable recliner or sleeping area, stock easy-to-prepare foods, and have ice packs, gauze, and your supplies ready.

Night Before & Day of Surgery

Nothing by mouth after midnight — no food, water, gum, candy, or beverages after midnight the night before surgery (unless instructed otherwise for a local anesthesia procedure).
Shower with Hibiclens — shower with Hibiclens antiseptic soap the night before and morning of surgery. Do not apply lotion, deodorant, makeup, or perfume after showering.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing — wear a button-front or zip-front top and comfortable pants. Do not wear jewelry, contact lenses, or nail polish.
Arrive on time — arrive at our surgical suite 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Leave valuables at home — do not bring jewelry, large amounts of cash, or valuables to your surgery appointment.
Take approved morning medications — take any medications Dr. Levesque has specifically approved with a small sip of water only.

Medications & Supplements to Stop Before Surgery

Important: Do NOT stop any prescription medications (blood pressure, heart, diabetes, etc.) without first discussing with Dr. Levesque and your prescribing physician.

Category	Examples	Stop How Far Before
NSAIDs / Aspirin	Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Excedrin	2 weeks
Vitamins & Supplements	Vitamin E, fish oil, omega-3, flaxseed, evening primrose	2 weeks
Herbal Supplements	Garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John's Wort, turmeric, kava	2 weeks
Anti-inflammatories	Celebrex, Mobic, Voltaren	2 weeks
Blood thinners (Rx)	Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix — discuss with Dr. Levesque	Per Dr. Levesque
GLP-1 Medications	Semaglutide, tirzepatide (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound)	1 week (discuss with Dr. Levesque)

Antiseptic Showers with Hibiclens® (Chlorhexidine)

One of the simplest ways to lower your infection risk is cleansing your skin with an antiseptic before surgery. Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate) is an antibacterial wash that sharply reduces the bacteria on your skin and keeps working for hours after you rinse.

When — shower with Hibiclens the night before and the morning of surgery. Your team will confirm how many washes are recommended for your procedure.
How — shower and wash your hair normally, then rinse. Apply Hibiclens to a clean, wet washcloth and gently wash from the neck down — focusing on the surgical area — leave it on the skin about one minute, then rinse well.
Keep it away from your eyes, ears, mouth, and genital area, which it can irritate. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Afterward — do not apply lotion, deodorant, powder, perfume, or makeup. Dry with a clean towel and sleep in clean clothes on clean sheets.
Allergy — if you have ever reacted to chlorhexidine, let us know and we will provide an alternative.

Enhanced Recovery (ERAS): Nutrition, the Carbohydrate Drink & Medications

Dr. Levesque follows Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles — evidence-based steps shown to reduce nausea, control pain with fewer narcotics, and help you feel like yourself sooner.

The carbohydrate drink — some patients are asked to drink a clear carbohydrate beverage a few hours before surgery. Going in "carb-loaded" rather than fully depleted reduces your body's stress response to surgery, eases pre-op hunger, thirst, and anxiety, and is linked to less post-operative nausea and a smoother recovery.
How it fits with fasting — the drink is a clear liquid, not solid food, and does not change the rule of no solid food after midnight. Follow the exact drink and timing your team gives you.
Multimodal medications & why — we often give a combination of non-narcotic medicines around your surgery, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), an anti-nausea medicine, and others Dr. Levesque selects. Layering these gets ahead of pain and nausea so you need fewer opioids — which themselves cause grogginess, constipation, and nausea. You will receive your exact schedule at discharge.

Your instructions come first: the specific drink, timing, and medications are provided by Dr. Levesque's office and always take priority over the general guidance here.

After Surgery

Post-Operative Care

General guidelines for all procedures. Your discharge instructions from Dr. Levesque take priority — if anything conflicts, follow your written discharge instructions.

First 48–72 Hours

Rest with your head elevated at 30–45° at all times — sleep in a recliner or with 2–3 pillows. Do not sleep flat.
Apply cold compresses (not directly on skin — wrap in cloth) to the cheeks and eyes for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to minimize swelling.
Take all prescribed medications as directed. Do not skip doses.
A responsible caregiver must be present for the first 24–48 hours.
Keep your surgical dressings clean and dry. Do not remove them unless instructed.
Expect bruising and swelling to peak at days 3–5 — this is normal and expected.

First 2 Weeks

No strenuous activity — avoid anything that raises your heart rate or blood pressure (exercise, heavy lifting, bending, straining).
No direct sun exposure to healing incisions for 6 months minimum. Use SPF 50+ if going outdoors.
Keep incision areas clean per Dr. Levesque's wound care instructions. Do not apply makeup over incisions until cleared.
No alcohol while taking prescription pain medication.
Sleep with head elevated for the first 2–3 weeks minimum.
Sutures are typically removed at your 1-week post-op appointment.

Activity Restrictions Timeline

Activity	When to Resume
Light walking indoors	Day 1–2 (encouraged)
Light daily activities at home	Days 5–7
Return to desk work / office	Week 2–3
Social activities (comfortable appearing in public)	Week 2–4
Light cardio (walking outside, stationary bike)	Week 4–6 (with clearance)
Full exercise and strenuous activity	Week 6–8 (with clearance)

First Week

Wear your surgical bra 24 hours a day for the first 6 weeks. Do not remove unless showering.
Keep your arms below shoulder height for the first 2 weeks. Avoid reaching overhead or lifting more than 5 lbs.
Sleep on your back, slightly elevated, for at least 3–4 weeks.
Expect swelling, tightness, and soreness — this is normal. Implants will feel high and firm initially and gradually settle over 3–4 months.
Shower starting 48 hours after surgery unless instructed otherwise. Pat incisions gently dry; do not scrub.

Weeks 2–6

Continue wearing surgical bra around the clock until cleared by Dr. Levesque.
Light walking is encouraged starting week 1. No cardio or upper body exercise until week 6.
No underwire bras until cleared (typically 6–8 weeks for breast augmentation).
Begin scar care (silicone strips or gel) once incisions are fully healed and closed — typically 3–4 weeks post-op.
Implants will continue to soften and settle for 3–6 months. Final result is not visible until 6 months.

First Week

Wear your compression garment 24 hours a day for the first 6 weeks. Remove only to shower.
Walk slightly bent forward for the first 5–7 days after tummy tuck to avoid tension on the repair. Your body will straighten naturally as swelling decreases.
Sleep in a recliner or with pillows under your knees and head to keep your hips and knees bent — reduces tension on the abdominal closure.
Light walking is encouraged from day 1 to prevent blood clots.
If you have JP drains, follow the drain care instructions carefully (see Drain Care section).

Weeks 2–6

Continue compression garment wear. It significantly affects your final contour result — wear it.
Most patients return to desk work at 2–3 weeks.
No exercise more strenuous than walking until week 6. Core exercises are restricted for 8–12 weeks after muscle repair.
Swelling can be dramatic and will peak around week 2 before slowly improving. Final contour visible at 6–12 months.
Begin scar care with silicone strips once incisions are fully closed, typically at 3–4 weeks.

Injectables (Botox, Dysport, Fillers)

Do not lie down for 4 hours after Botox or Dysport injections.
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood thinners for 24 hours.
Do not massage or rub injection sites for 24 hours after neuromodulators.
Swelling and bruising at filler injection sites is normal and typically resolves in 3–7 days.
Full Botox effect takes 7–14 days to develop. A touch-up appointment may be scheduled at 2 weeks if needed.

Morpheus8 / CO2 Laser / Skin Treatments

Apply prescribed healing ointment or moisturizer as directed — keep skin moist during healing.
Avoid sun exposure strictly during recovery. Use SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen daily once healed.
Do not pick, peel, or scrub the treated area — allow skin to shed naturally.
Avoid retinols, AHAs, and active skincare ingredients for 2 weeks post-treatment unless cleared.
Redness after CO2 laser typically fades over 4–8 weeks. Mineral makeup may be worn once skin is fully re-epithelialized (typically days 7–10).

JP Drain Care

Jackson-Pratt Drain Care

JP drains are small bulb-shaped devices that collect fluid from your surgical site. They are most commonly used after tummy tuck, body lift, breast reduction, and some breast augmentation procedures. Proper drain care is essential to your recovery.

Questions about your drain? Call us at 512-487-5975. Never remove a drain yourself unless specifically instructed. We will remove drains at your follow-up appointment once output is below the threshold.

Wash your hands thoroughly

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching your drain. Clean hands prevent infection at the drain site.

Empty the drain bulb

Squeeze the bulb gently to compress it. While holding it compressed, open the cap at the top and pour the fluid into a measuring cup. Note the amount and color, then close the cap and release the bulb — this re-establishes suction. The bulb should remain collapsed (compressed) when properly suctioning.

Record your output

Record the date, time, and amount (in mL) and color of fluid in your drain log. We will review this at your follow-up appointments. Fluid color typically progresses from red/pink → pink → yellow/clear over several days — this is normal.

Clean the drain site

Gently clean around the drain exit site with saline solution or as directed by Dr. Levesque. Pat dry. Change gauze if needed.

Secure the drain

Pin the drain to your garment to keep it from pulling. Never let the drain hang freely — this can cause discomfort and dislodge the tubing.

Call us immediately if you notice: Sudden large increase in output (more than 100mL in 1 hour) · Drain falls out · Bright red fresh blood · Foul odor · Fever above 101.5°F · Significant redness or swelling around the drain site.

Drains are typically removed when output is less than 25–30mL over 24 hours for two consecutive days. Most patients have drains removed at their 1–2 week post-operative appointment.

Medications

Common Post-Operative Medications

Dr. Levesque will prescribe medications specific to your procedure. The following are commonly prescribed medications and their purposes. Always take medications exactly as prescribed — do not adjust doses without calling our office.

Medication questions? Call our office at 512-487-5975 during business hours. Do not rely on internet searches to modify your medication regimen after surgery.

Medication Type	Common Examples	Purpose	Notes
Pain Management	Prescription: oxycodone, hydrocodone OTC: acetaminophen (Tylenol)	Control post-operative pain	Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin — these increase bleeding risk. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe and preferred for mild-to-moderate pain. Never exceed 3,000mg Tylenol per day.
Antibiotic	Cephalexin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or others per Dr. Levesque	Prevent surgical site infection	Take the full course even if feeling well. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Notify our office of any allergic reactions.
Anti-nausea	Ondansetron (Zofran), promethazine	Manage post-anesthesia nausea	Take as needed for nausea. Ondansetron dissolves under the tongue — do not swallow whole.
Muscle Relaxant	Methocarbamol (Robaxin), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)	Reduce muscle spasm and tension	Causes drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery. Do not combine with alcohol or opioid pain medication.
Stool Softener	Docusate sodium (Colace), MiraLax	Prevent constipation from opioid medications	Start taking as soon as you get home. Constipation with straining increases pressure on incisions and is very uncomfortable after body surgery.
Arnica Montana	Arnica 30C (homeopathic) or Arnicare gel	Reduce bruising and swelling	Begin 3 days before surgery and continue for 1 week post-op. Available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, or online.
Scar Care	Biocorneum, ScarAway, silicone strips	Minimize scar appearance	Begin once incisions are fully closed (typically 3–4 weeks post-op). Use consistently for 3–6 months for best results. Available at our office.

* This table reflects commonly prescribed medications and general guidance only. Your specific prescription list will be given at your pre-op appointment and will supersede this general information.

Warning Signs

When to Call Us

Most of what you experience after surgery is normal and expected. But some symptoms require prompt attention. When in doubt — call. We would always rather hear from you than have you wait.

Call Our Office (512-487-5975)

Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Increasing pain not controlled with prescribed medication
Significant increase in swelling on one side only (asymmetric swelling)
Unusual redness, warmth, or drainage from incision sites
Drain output that suddenly increases or turns bright red
Drain that falls out
Difficulty urinating in the first 12 hours after general anesthesia
Questions about your medications or wound care
Anything that doesn't feel right — trust your instincts

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
Calf pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg (possible blood clot / DVT)
Sudden vision changes
Inability to stop bleeding with direct pressure
Severe allergic reaction (throat tightening, facial swelling, hives)
Loss of consciousness or severe disorientation
Heart racing or irregular heartbeat

Contact Information

Office phone: 512-487-5975 (Mon–Thu 8am–4pm · Fri 8am–12pm)
After hours / urgent: Call 512-487-5975 — you will be connected to our on-call line
Address: 11851 Jollyville Rd, Suite 203, Austin, TX 78759
Nearest ER: Call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room for life-threatening situations

Call 512-487-5975 Office Directions

Medical-Grade Skincare

Skincare Products

Levesque Plastic Surgery carries a curated selection of medical-grade skincare products available for purchase at our Austin office. Ask about our skincare recommendations at your consultation or follow-up appointment.

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