6 Expert Tips on Plastic Surgery Preparation

Individual surgeons and physicians have their own specific surgical preparation list of the dos and don’ts prior to having plastic surgery. If you are planning to have elective surgery soon, read through this general list comprising 6 recommendations to complete prior to your procedure.

Receive Medical Clearance

You must have a physical exam completed by your primary doctor stating that you are healthy enough to be cleared for plastic surgery. This assessment should be filled out at least one month prior to your procedure. It is essential that you are in good health beforehand to lower the risk of any possible complications that could arise during your surgery.

Stop or Avoid Doing Certain Things

If you are a smoker, you must cease smoking no less than 2 weeks prior to surgery to avoid any preventable complications like infection. Smoking also decreases blood flow, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Patients should also abstain from drinking alcohol about 72 hours before the day  of their surgery, as it can affect your immune system.

Of course, do not take aspirin or aspirin products for 2 weeks before your procedure, as these medications can thin the blood and heighten your risk for excessive bleeding. Speak to Dr. Wendy Gottlieb if you are on a low dose aspirin regimen.

Get by with a Little Help from Your Friends

As the popular lyric suggests, you will need some TLC as you recuperate from plastic surgery. Plan ahead for a number of necessities including the following:

• Be sure you arrange for a driver to take you to your surgical appointment and bring you back home.
• Gather together convenient items to be nearby while you will be recuperating. Move your books, movies, tissues, medications, and keep your cell phone charged should you need to reach someone right away.
• Rely on friends or relatives to help you. You will have limited activity for a significant amount of time and will not be able to do certain tasks on your own.
• Plan meals ahead of time and put them in the freezer for easy and quick access.

Boost Your Protein and Fiber Intake

Eat lean meats and fish like salmon during the weeks before surgery to help build up your immune system and promote natural healing properties of the body.

It is also recommended for patients to load up on fiber to aid in regular digestion processes.  Including lots of fruits, green veggies, almonds, and yogurt will help to promote digestive health.  You will be doing less activity after surgery, plus taking various medications, which may both trigger constipation. If constipation is not managed properly, it can land you right back in the hospital.

Avoid sugary and processed foods, and especially limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Exceeding your daily value of sodium will exacerbate swelling, which is already expected to occur after cosmetic surgery.

Drink Lots of Water

No matter your normal intake of water, commit to drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day to remain hydrated.

Increase Physical Activity

In the week or two before your plastic surgery, try to up your physical activity. Walk, swim, bike, or engage in whatever activities you enjoy doing most to promote a healthy lifestyle. This will lessen the risk of any complications.

Both you and your surgeon are responsible for your outcome after plastic surgery. It is important for you to follow all of Dr. Wendy Gottlieb’s directions very carefully, be patient as you heal, and do your part to make recovery as smooth as possible.

Contact Dr. Wendy Gottlieb at (703) 668-9499 with any questions or concerns you may have prior to your plastic surgery.