Patient Resources

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 What to bring

• A valid photo ID and insurance card
• A complete list of your current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medications
• Any relevant imaging or pathology reports (mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy results, prior operative reports)
• A list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss
• If you were referred, the referral documentation from your provider

What to expect
Your first visit is a consultation, not a procedure. Dr. Palakodeti will review your history, perform a focused examination, discuss your diagnosis or concerns, and walk you through your surgical options clearly and without pressure. Plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Scheduling
To schedule a new patient consultation, call the office directly at (270) 780-0579. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sign In To Patient Portal
Our practice uses Athena Health Patient Portal. Prior to your appointment setup your Patient Portal Login, complete any pre-visit forms. This will streamline your check in process. Access the portal here:

Athena Health Patient Portal

These general guidelines apply to most surgical procedures performed by Dr. Palakodeti. You will receive procedure-specific written instructions at your pre-operative appointment — those instructions supersede anything listed here. 

Medications

• Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto) as directed — typically 7 to 10 days before surgery. Dr. Palakodeti's team will give you specific guidance based on your medications and medical history.
• Continue blood pressure medications and other essential daily medications unless specifically told otherwise.
• Do not start any new supplements, vitamins, or herbal products in the two weeks before surgery without checking with the office first.

Eating and drinking

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless instructed otherwise by the surgical or anesthesia team.
• Small sips of water to take essential medications in the morning are generally acceptable — confirm with your care team.

What to do the day before

• Shower with the antimicrobial soap provided or as instructed.
• Do not shave the surgical area yourself.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Confirm your arrival time with the surgical facility — this is typically 1 to 2 hours before your scheduled procedure time.

What to bring to the facility

• Your photo ID and insurance card
• A list of your current medications
• Loose, comfortable clothing — for breast procedures, a front-opening top or zip-up sweatshirt is ideal
• Leave jewelry, valuables, and contact lenses at home

These are general recovery guidelines. Procedure-specific written instructions will be provided at discharge follow those first.

The first 24 hours

• Rest at home with a responsible adult present.
• Take pain medication as prescribed — do not wait until pain is severe to take your first dose.
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry unless instructed otherwise.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions while taking narcotic pain medication.
• Light walking is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots. Avoid strenuous activity.

Wound care

• Keep dressings in place and dry until your first post-operative visit unless instructed otherwise.
• If you have a drain, the care team will instruct you on how to empty and record output before you leave the facility.
• Notify the office immediately if you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, fever above 101°F, or any other concerning changes at the surgical site.

Breast surgery recovery

• Wear a supportive surgical bra as directed — typically 24 hours a day for the first several weeks.
• Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds until cleared by Dr. Palakodeti.
• Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for the first week.

Skin cancer surgery recovery

• Keep the wound covered and protected from sun exposure during healing.
• Avoid submerging the wound in water (pools, hot tubs, baths) until cleared.
• Suture removal is typically scheduled 7 to 14 days after surgery depending on location.

Cosmetic surgery recovery

• Follow the specific post-operative protocol provided for your procedure — recovery timelines vary significantly by procedure type.
• Swelling and bruising are normal and expected — do not judge your final result until fully healed.
• Avoid sun exposure to healing incisions. This is one of the most important steps in achieving the best long-term scar appearance.

Your follow-up appointment
A post-operative appointment is typically scheduled within 7 to 14 days of your procedure. If you did not receive a follow-up appointment before leaving the facility, call the office to schedule one.