Preoperative Recommendations at Clínica Birbe in Barcelona
Before Your Surgery
- If your surgery is performed under general anesthesia—which, in our case, applies to most bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries—you will need to undergo preoperative tests (chest X-ray, blood work, and electrocardiogram), which we will discuss with you during your preliminary visits.
- Do not smoke for at least 15 days before the surgery. By quitting smoking for 2–3 weeks before surgery, we can eliminate nicotine from our bodies, allowing our arteries to return to their normal size and ensuring that blood flows normally to all tissues. This process is crucial for proper healing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to surgery—at least 24 hours beforehand. Alcohol increases the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
- Avoid heavy, large meals. A light, balanced diet is always best, especially before surgery.
- Do not take aspirin or similar products for three weeks before surgery. Aspirin, its derivatives, or similar medications reduce blood clotting and therefore increase bleeding during surgery and promote the development of postoperative bruising.
- If you take blood-thinning medication on a regular basis, please let us know, and we will advise you on the steps to take in your specific case.
- When it comes to personal hygiene, it goes without saying how important it is. Nevertheless, here are the instructions: For the two days before surgery, you should shower and wash your hair with shampoo at least once a day. On the morning of your surgery, you should also take a shower and wash your hair with shampoo.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery—not even a sip of water. You can brush your teeth, but don’t swallow the water.
- Focus on your attitude—stay positive. You’re about to have surgery; you’ve finally made up your mind, and in a few hours, it will be over. Come feeling excited, happy, proud, positive, confident, and even relaxed. Our entire team knows you and is ready and waiting for you, fully prepared.
- If you have any last-minute questions, let us know—don’t worry; just call or write. We are here for you.
Interventions
with Sedation
- We recommend that you not come alone; because of the sedation, you won’t be able to drive, and public transportation may be uncomfortable.
- You must fast for 6 hours; do not eat or drink (not even water) for the 6 hours prior to surgery. That is why it is advisable that your last meal be neither too heavy nor too salty.
- Please wear comfortable clothes—if possible, ones without zippers.
- Please try to come without any metal objects or jewelry (rings, necklaces, piercings, etc.). We’ll have to remove everything before we can go into the operating room.
Dr. Joan Birbe
- Premio Extraordinario de Licenciatura en Medicina 1991
- Licenciado en Odontología por la Universidad de Barcelona 1994.
- Doctor en Medicina y Cirugía por la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona “Cum Laude” 1997.
- Especialista en Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial (MIR) 1996.
- Cirujano Maxilofacial Diplomado por el American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2001.
- Formación de postgrado en Universidad de Iowa, Universidad de Maryland, y Mount Sinaï Medical Center en Miami (EEUU).
- Miembro activo de numerosas sociedades científicas nacionales e internacionales.
- Imparte conferencias en Universidades españolas sobre Implantología y Cirugía.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preoperative Recommendations
What should I do before surgery?
Follow the specific instructions we provide: fast when required by the procedure; stop or adjust your medication as needed (always under supervision); avoid tobacco and alcohol in the days leading up to the procedure; maintain good oral hygiene; and be accompanied by someone when you go to the clinic. If you have any questions, please contact us before the date.
Should I stop taking my usual medication?
Do not stop taking any medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare team. During the preoperative consultation, we review your current treatment plan, and if any adjustments are needed (anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, etc.), we coordinate with your primary care physician. Safety depends on a shared assessment.
Can I drive on the day of my surgery?
No. If the procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, you cannot drive until the effects have worn off, which is usually at least 24 hours. Bring someone with you to the clinic and make sure someone can take you home. For surgeries performed under local anesthesia only, you may drive if you feel well, although we prefer that you come with someone.
We help you to perform the intervention you need
After a rigorous evaluation, we offer you a personalized and closed budget with all the necessary forms of payment and financing, so that you can carry it out.
What amenities and services do we guarantee?
- Two comfortable waiting rooms designed to ensure your privacy as much as possible.
- You’ll have Dr. Birbe’s personal phone number so you can ask any questions before treatment and have complete peace of mind during your recovery.
- If you’d like, we can schedule an initial video conference with Dr. Birbe before your first visit.
- Our treatment coordinator will make sure you have everything you need at all times; just let us know how we can help you.
- Parking next to the Birbe Clinic.
- More information about our facilities
Testimonials
Our priority is to achieve excellence in treatment. All this with a personalized, honest and trustworthy treatment. In addition, our facilities offer maximum hygiene, sterilization and comfort.
Find out what they think about us!
Contact
with us
Contact us during our business hours:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
- Phone: +34 93 212 47 37
Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
During your first consultation we will provide you with:
Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
Closed budget with different financing financing possibilities.
