You should take certain steps to prepare for plastic surgery to ensure your procedure goes smoothly. These steps reduce the risk of surgery complications and fasten the recovery time. You aim to undergo a successful cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence. Read on to discover how to prepare for cosmetic surgery.
Weeks Before Surgery
To have a smooth cosmetic surgery, you need to start preparing as early as possible. You will need to make lifestyle changes to enhance your overall health and wellness. Some things to work on a few weeks before the surgery include the following.
Exercise
Engage in moderate physical exercise to regulate blood sugar and circulation. For procedures like a tummy tuck, focus on stretching and strengthening your core. Consider taking yoga classes before cosmetic surgery. However, avoid vigorous or new workout routines days before the surgery, as you might get injured. Do low-impact cardio activities such as walking or swimming instead.
Also, do not resume exercise too soon after you undergo cosmetic surgery. So, even in your home, do not lift heavy items and ask a friend/relative to help you with house chores.
Do Not Consume Alcohol
Alcohol consumption before cosmetic surgery might lead to severe complications. Alcohol may cause problems with anesthesia. Alcohol thins your blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and prolonging recovery time. Alcohol may also cause a bad reaction to some medications. To mitigate these risks, avoid alcohol before your plastic surgery. Increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
Do Not Smoke
You should quit smoking for a couple of weeks before and after your procedure. Nicotine affects normal body operations and will negatively affect the surgery.
Harmful effects of smoking before cosmetic surgery include:
- Poor blood circulation
- High risk of heart attack and stroke during the surgery
- Slower recovery period
- High risk of infection
- Problems with anesthesia
- High risk of blood clots
Look for a smoking cessation program to mitigate these risks. Ask your friends and relatives also to help you quit smoking.
Avoid the Sun
Many plastic surgery procedures, such as facelifts, depend heavily on skin elasticity. Minimize sun exposure to improve the overall health of your skin. Exposure to harmful UV rays might lead to slow recovery after cosmetic surgery. Avoid the sun for the weeks before the cosmetic surgery.
Days Before Surgery
A couple of days before the surgery, make plans for who will drive you home from the clinic on the day of your surgery. Also, go shopping for these post-surgery supplies:
- Elastic waist pants and loose-fitting clothing
- Cozy blankets and comfortable pillows
- Healthy foods
- Ready-made meals or easy to prepare
- Antibacterial soap
- Entertainment materials such as movies, books, and magazines
Consult your surgeon about the specific painkillers and medications to stock in your house before the surgery. Ask the surgeon which foods to eat or avoid a couple of days before the surgery.
Night Before Surgery
Take a long bath, and wash your hair, as you might be unable to bathe for a few days after the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything for the recommended time before and after the surgery. Pack everything you will carry to the plastic surgery clinic the night before. Go to sleep early to ensure you are well rested on surgery day.
Expedite Plastic Surgery Recovery Time
Start early to prepare for your plastic surgery to mitigate the risk of complications and expedite recovery. Consult a plastic surgeon if you are uncertain about the dos and don'ts of getting ready for plastic surgery.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with Ronald C. Barry, MD, FACS.
