How To Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Procedure

How To Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Procedure

An all-encompassing list of how to prepare for plastic surgery would be impractical. Different surgeries have different specifics, but the following is a general guide of what you should do in the weeks leading up to your procedure. As a rule of thumb, always follow any instructions given to you by your doctor.

Do Your Homework and Ask Questions.

The first thing you should do is read any and all information given to you by your doctor. Learning as much as you can about your upcoming procedure will help you to calm any anxiety that you may be feeling.The next thing you should do is ask questions! There’s an old saying that the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. If you have questions, ask them. It’s natural for you to have some questions, and your doctor is there to answer them for you.

Three Weeks Before

Stop Drinking and Smoking

Due to its effect on the healing process, smoking may need to be stopped even earlier than three weeks. Nicotine constricts blood flow, which slows your body’s ability to heal. Alcohol increases bleeding and depresses your immune system.

Check Your Medications

Make a list of all prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and discuss them with your doctor to make sure there won’t be any adverse effects caused by interactions between medications.

Prepare Your Home

Clean out your refrigerator of any foods that contain high levels of salicylates, which affect your blood and can increase bruising. It is important to maintain a healthy diet with many fruits and vegetables, but some of those fruits and vegetables contain salicylates. Your doctor can help you know what foods to avoid.

Two Weeks Before

Check Your Medications Again

You should stop taking several types of medication two weeks prior to your procedure. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, Vitamin E supplements, blood-thinners, and anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs.

Begin Taking Supplements

With the approval of your doctor, begin taking a multivitamin. Your doctor may also want you to take additional Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Bromelain (an enzyme available from health food stores that helps to relieve swelling).

Prepare For Coming Home

Arrange to have someone bring you home after surgery and possibly stay with you during the first few days post surgery. You may also want to gather books or movies you will want to have on hand during your downtime after surgery.

One Week Before

Reduce Sodium Intake

Sodium increases swelling. In order to minimize discomfort, you will want to reduce your sodium intake starting a week before your procedure and continuing until about two weeks after.

Eat Healthy, Regular Meals

Good, healthy foods, including many fruits and vegetables, can help boost your immune system and help you heal. Make sure to include a small amount of protein in each meal to aid your body in healing.

Fill All Prescriptions

The last thing you’re going to want to do after surgery is figure out how to get your prescriptions filled. Taking care of this the week before will reduce stress and make your recovery easier.

Listen to Your Doctor

Your doctor will provide you with specific preparations to be done for your specific procedure. Following all directions from your Sarasota plastic surgeon will help you to have the best experience possible.