How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a big decision. In addition to a commitment to long-term, perhaps permanent changes to your body, plastic surgery requires time, effort, resources, & preparation. It can seem intimidating, but there are many things that you as a patient can do to prepare yourself for a plastic surgery procedure, both physically & mentally. Accordingly, for today’s edition of the Atlanta Plastic Surgery blog, we’re discussing some of the most important things you can do to prepare for plastic surgery:
1.) Get your recovery space ready.Talk to your plastic surgeon about what you’ll need for an ideal healing process—will you need bandages, prescription medications, compression garments, or other supplies? How about special sleeping accommodations, someone to pick you up from the plastic surgery center, or help from another person (for you, your children, your pets, or other responsibilities)?
2.) Make a list of your daily tasks and discuss it with your plastic surgeon. Together, you can determine what you will & won’t need assistance with during your plastic surgery recovery and plan accordingly. While you’re at it, compile any questions or concerns you have and discuss them with your surgeon.
3.) Follow instructions.We cannot emphasize the importance of following your surgeon’s pre- & post-surgical instructions enough. Doing so as closely as possible will ensure not only that you minimize any risks of complications, but also that your recovery is as brief & comfortable as possible.
4.) Kick the habit. We strongly suggest that any tobacco users cut out nicotine for at least two to three weeks before & after your procedure. Nicotine can damage plastic surgery results. Tobacco use is known to cause a whole host of health issues, but it’s particularly ill-advised for people undergoing plastic surgery. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict and limits the flow of blood & oxygen to the skin, inhibiting healthy healing. Moreover, it can increase the risk of infection, fat necrosis, & blood clots, as well as make you more likely to experience pain. Remember, this all applies to any product that contains nicotine, including gum, vaping products, smokeless tobacco, etc.
5.) Attain or maintain a healthy weight by eating a nutritious diet & exercising regularly. A protein-rich diet will assist with the healing process, but some common sources of protein can be detrimental to healing in other ways. Stick to lean, healthful protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, quinoa, & leafy green vegetables. Excessive amounts of salt can exacerbate inflammation, which can in turn inhibit the healing process. Some experts think that excessive sugar intake may impair the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of infection. There’s also some evidence that a low-fat diet can potentially help reduce inflammation, which can in turn help with healing. Combine a healthful diet with the recommended amount of daily exercise—the better your health is going into your procedure, the more likely you are to remain stable during & after surgery.
If you’re considering plastic surgery and would like to speak with an experienced surgeon about your options, please contact one of our Atlanta Plastic Surgery offices to schedule a consultation. In addition to discussing your prospective procedure, we can go over our available financing options for plastic surgery with you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest plastic surgery news and updates.
