Although your decision to undergo plastic surgery most likely came from a desire for change as opposed to actual medical necessity, it’s important that you take the process seriously from start to finish. After all, plastic surgery is still surgery nonetheless, and if your health is important to you, then you’ll need to make certain to follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming procedure.
The specifics of how to gear up for plastic surgery will generally vary from procedure to procedure. However, all plastic surgery patients will need to adhere to certain basic guidelines. Dr. Miguel Yanez, M.D., is a board certified plastic surgeon at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Hickory and Gastonia, North Carolina, and he offers the following advice on how to prepare for plastic surgery.
Talk to your doctor
Before you undergo any type of plastic surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about what you should and should not be doing in the days leading up to your procedure. Take notes if the instructions are extensive, and don’t be afraid to call your doctor’s office if you have questions prior to the day of your surgery. Sure, you don’t want to be that patient who annoys the doctor by calling in constantly. But if you’re unsure about how to prepare for your surgery, then it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Rest up
Plastic surgery can certainly take a toll on your body. To prepare for the occasion, make certain to get plenty of sleep the night before the big event. Of course, you might have trouble falling asleep as a result of pre-operative jitters, so plan for this accordingly by going to bed extra early. If needed, try falling asleep to soothing music or your favorite movie – anything that can act as a form of distraction.
Don’t eat or drink
If your surgery is scheduled for early in the morning, then food and drink will probably be off limits starting at midnight the night before. Don’t assume that drinking water is okay; if your doctor tells you not to put anything into your system for a certain amount of time prior to surgery, then ask before helping yourself to even the most natural form of refreshment.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives
It’s natural to want to drink alcohol or take some sedatives to help yourself get some sleep the night before your surgery. But generally speaking, this is a truly bad idea. Yes, it’s important to arrive for your surgery in a well-rested fashion, but it’s also important to keep your system clear of anything that could possibly interact with your anesthesia.
Leave the soon-to-be affected areas of your body alone
If you’re about to have surgery on a certain area of your body, then avoid any potentially irritating or traumatic treatments in the weeks beforehand that could negatively impact the procedure at hand. For example, if you’re going in for facial surgery, then you’ll want to steer clear of laser treatment and chemical peels in the weeks leading up to the big event.
In order to ensure that your plastic surgery goes smoothly, you’re going to need to follow the directions as dictated by your surgeon. Following these instructions will help ensure a smoother surgery.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
