Planning to have plastic surgery? The next step is to consider the right plastic surgeon. Once you have the right practitioner and are certain you are qualified for the treatment, you need to take steps to prepare for the operation. Familiarizing yourself with the surgery and taking steps to prepare yourself can actually go a long way to alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth procedure experience. This post highlights 8 hands-on steps to prepare for your upcoming plastic surgery procedure.
1. Get medical clearance
This is the most important step before you even consider having plastic surgery (whether we are talking about liposuction, abdominoplasty, or a mommy makeover). Plastic surgeons require that you are in good physical and mental health before they even agree to move on with the surgery. So you’ll need to schedule a consultation and answer questions regarding your medical history before you can get clearance to move on with the procedure. You also need to disclose any medication or supplements that you are taking.
2. Eat right before plastic surgery
Eating right is crucial when preparing for plastic surgery. You need to stick to a healthy diet that is loaded with proteins, vegetables, fruits, and nutrients that support healing and fight infections. This will help prepare your body to better deal with the effect of the surgery and recover much quicker. You may work with an experienced nutritionist to learn what options you need to include in your menu on a day-to-day basis.
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and healthy fluids is just as important. Remember that water can improve your tissue health as well as sustain critical functions such as circulation and digestion. Experts recommend that you take a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water on a daily basis to cleanse your body of toxins and stay hydrated.
4. Quit smoking
You’ll be asked to quit smoking at least a few weeks before the date of your plastic surgery. This is important because cigarettes and other tobacco products are known to slow down the recovery process. They may negatively affect your body’s ability to supply blood to the treatment area, which can interfere with healing. Smoking has also been known to speed up aging which can be counterintuitive especially if you are having your procedure for cosmetic reasons.
5. Prepare your rest area
You need to set aside a comfy area within your home where you can recover well after your plastic surgery procedure. Make sure that you take time off work so you can relax without being interrupted. Your recovery area should ideally be set up in such a way that it makes it super easy for you to rest and move around (after the first few days of recovery).
6. Get your recovery supplies
Purchasing all the supplies you’ll need during recovery ahead of time can help make your recovery smoother. You won’t be able to go to the market and supermarket once you have been discharged from the hospital. It is also important that you arrange to have someone (could be a friend or family member) to help out with basic chores such as caring for the kids and pets.
7. Build a support system
Undergoing a plastic surgery procedure (and the subsequent recovery process) can be unnerving for most people. You may be worried about doing everything perfectly and eager to see the outcome of your treatment. Having someone to talk to and discuss your concerns with can go a long way to ease your mind and contribute to a smoother recovery experience.
8. Follow your surgeon’s instructions
Your Baton Rouge plastic surgeon has likely performed dozens or hundreds of the procedures you want to have. For this reason, they know exactly what you need to do in order to facilitate a smoother experience and faster recovery. Make sure to discuss preparation during one of your pre-op consultation visits. Adhere to the surgeon’s instructions especially with regards to not smoking, eating healthy, and not taking certain types of medication and herbal supplements.
Conclusion
Cosmetic surgeries have become much more effective over the last few decades. The vast majority of patients tend to be satisfied with the outcome they get from their treatment. Keep in mind though that selecting the right surgeon and taking steps to prepare for your treatment can set the stage for success. Work closely with your plastic surgeon’s office so they can guide you throughout the pre-op stage.