Three Secrets to Preparing for your Cosmetic Surgery

You’ve taken the plunge and decided on cosmetic surgery. After putting a lot of time, effort and money into your plan, now it’s necessary to make sure the process is as smooth and easy as possible. Properly preparing yourself for plastic surgery is the key to a successful outcome –- with shorter recovery time and fewer complications. These three secrets can help you have the best possible results from your cosmetic surgery.

Secret No. 1 — Understand Your Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

You would be surprised at how many people decide to have cosmetic surgery without fully understanding what it entails! Don’t forget that cosmetic plastic surgery is an emotional and psychological process, as well as a physical one. Understanding the physical and emotional impact of your procedure is a great secret to a successful outcome.

Your cosmetic surgeon and his or her team will be able to guide you in preparation for surgery. They may have materials, such as brochures, DVDs and plastic surgery photos that explain the procedure and offer detailed information about what to expect. At a minimum, you should know the length of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, what complications may occur, the length of the typical recovery period and any scars, swelling or bruising you could expect.

While many surgeons today offer patient counseling, take additional steps to prepare emotionally for cosmetic surgery. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, speak with your surgeon or his office team until you are satisfied with the answers. This simple step can go a long way to alleviate any doubts you may have.

Cosmetic surgery patients must also manage their expectations. The physical changes that will take place can help you feel better about yourself, but they won’t change your life or instantly make you happy. If you are dealing with depression or a body image disorder, you may wish to schedule therapy or counseling during the pre- and post-operative periods. This will help you manage the emotional aspects of cosmetic surgery.

Secret No. 2 — Prepare for Your Cosmetic Surgery Using the Surgeon’s Protocol

You may wonder why your cosmetic surgeon has so many instructions for preparing for surgery. Can’t you just show up for the surgery? Each recommendation keeps you safe and healthy and gives you the best outcome from surgery. Following your cosmetic surgeon’s protocol is the secret to minimizing your surgery risks.

For the two-week period before surgery, your surgeon will ask you to stop taking aspirin and other over-the-counter medications, stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking. If you take vitamins or herbal products, be sure to tell your surgeon, as you may need to discontinue those as well.

These recommendations are in place to reduce the complications of excessive bleeding or clotting. While having a smoke or a drink a week before your surgery may not seem like a big deal, it can make a difference in your body’s ability to recover.

Additionally, you will want to closely follow any instructions given to you by your cosmetic surgeon’s anesthesiologist. Typically, you are required not to eat or drink anything the night before surgery. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of the rare, but serious complication of aspirating stomach contents while under anesthesia.

Most surgeons will provide you with a pre-operative appointment to go over these instructions and make sure you are ready for cosmetic surgery. This appointment is an excellent time to ask questions and discuss your surgical protocol. Following the directions will help greatly reduce the risks of cosmetic surgery.

Secret No. 3 — Arrange Your Cosmetic Surgery Aftercare

Imagine you have just finished your cosmetic surgery procedure. You are sore, groggy and tired. All you want is to go home and lie down. Who is going to drive you home? What will you eat and drink? Are your prescriptions filled and ready to go? Preparing for all of these concerns ahead of time is a huge secret to a positive cosmetic surgery experience.

Your surgeon will probably recommend that you have a companion or private nurse assist you for one to three days following surgery. In fact, if you have anesthesia, you cannot drive yourself home. Your companion can take you home, get you situated comfortably and make sure you have everything you need. He or she can also keep an eye on you and call the doctor if any problems occur.

Having all your prescriptions filled before surgery is another great idea. You will probably need prescription pain medication and antibiotics. Ask your doctor about any other medications you may want to have handy after surgery, such as laxatives or herbal supplements.

Stock up on other items such as gauze, ice packs, topical antibiotic cream (Neosporin©) and a thermometer. Having all of these supplies ready to go can be a lifesaver during the first few days of recovery.

Finally, you should consider preparing a place in your home to help you rest comfortably after surgery. A couch or bed with plenty of blankets and pillows is best. Gather your remote controls, magazines, the telephone and a heating pad so everything you might need is at your fingertips. You will probably want to have plenty of quick meals, snacks and drinks available. However, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for eating and drinking after surgery.