Just like anything, preparing for plastic surgery can be a little scary. However, you have nothing to worry about, as plastic surgery is generally a safe practice. While you don’t have to worry about your procedure, you do have things you need to keep in mind in order to have a successful procedure. When you leave your surgical consult, you’ll be given a list of pre-op items you’ll need to complete before surgery. The list is designed to help you prepare for surgery. When you prepare for surgery, you may have an easier road to recovery.
Tell Your Doctor of All Medications You Take
Your surgeon needs to know all the medications you take regularly. This include vitamins, supplements, and any alternative treatments you may take. Different vitamins interact with anesthesia differently. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter. Other times, you need to stop taking them. By being upfront with your doctor about the medications you take, you cut down on the risk of a post-op complication.
Follow All Food and Drinking Regulations
Did you know certain foods can impact your recovery after surgery? Prior to surgery, you’ll want to take part in a healthy diet. However, be cognizant of foods you can and cannot eat before surgery.
Additionally, cut down and eliminate alcohol consumption before surgery. Alcohol is a blood thinner, and if your blood is thinner than expected during surgery, it can be a dangerous situation. Avoid drinking two weeks to 10 days prior to surgery.
Stop Smoking
Just like you need to stop drinking before surgery, you also need to stop smoking. Smoking restricts your blood vessels, which makes it difficult to heal properly after surgery. Again, stop smoking two to three weeks before your surgery and don’t start smoking until you’ve properly healed from surgery.
Bring Comfortable Clothes for After Surgery
Your mobility following surgery will be limited. This is to be expected. To help with that, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes after surgery. Remember, depending on your procedure, you won’t be able to lift your hands over your head. Loose, button down shirts and elastic band sweatpants are optimal post-op clothing.
Have a Trusty Person to Drive You
You will not be able to drive after surgery. Because of that, you will need a reliable person to drive you to surgery and bring you back. A close friend or spouse is the perfect person to drive you there.
Relaxation is Key
Before your surgery, you need to feel well rested and at ease. One of the easiest ways to do this is by relaxing. Relaxation takes on different forms for different people, so you’ll need to find something that works for you. Many people read books or watch TV and movies as their main way to relax. Stock up on whatever you do to relax in order to promote maximum relaxation benefits before and after surgery.
Surgery can be scary. But when you prepare for surgery, you make it a little less scary. At Cincinnati Plastic Surgery, we’ve helped thousands of people prepare for surgery. We’ve also helped thousands of people achieve the look they want. Are you considering plastic surgery? Give our office a call to schedule your consultation now.
