If you are making plans to undergo plastic surgery, you may want to know how to prepare for it. Different surgeons have different checklists for patients who come in for plastic surgeries. However, there are general specifications that patients must adhere to have a hitch-free procedure.
“How you prepare for your plastic surgery affects even the recovery rate”, says Dr. J. Byers Bowen. It is always best to inquire from your surgeon about what to do before the surgery to achieve maximum results.
Plastic Surgery Recovery Tips
Various tips can help patients to recover faster after plastic surgery. Before going in for plastic surgery, ensure you do the following:
1. Schedule the Surgery at the Peak of Health
Notwithstanding the type of plastic surgery you want to embark on, you must schedule it when you are at your best healthwise. Patients with an already existing health condition are more likely to have complications than those who do not.
When patients schedule appointments with the surgeon, they should be open about their health conditions. Revealing your medical history will help the doctor determine if you are in the best condition to undergo surgery.
2. Eat Right
Your body needs the proper nutrients for quick recovery after surgery. It is, therefore, best to start packing up these nutrients even before going in for the surgery. You need to maintain a healthy diet to help your body recover after the surgery.
Generally, you may need to increase your intake of fruits, proteins, vegetables, and other nutrients known to facilitate healing. Additionally, it would be best if you increase your fiber intake.
Most surgeries disrupt bowel movement, and fiber aids bowel movement. Therefore, Patients may consult with a nutritionist who would advise on the foods to eat before going under the knife.
3. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Water helps in the smooth running of vital body functions, including circulation and digestion. So, while preparing for plastic surgery, patients should drink lots of water to facilitate quick recovery. Patients should also stay hydrated after the surgery and take six to eight glasses of water a day.
4. Quit Unhealthy Lifestyle Before and After Surgery
Some unhealthy lifestyles like smoking and high alcohol consumption can jeopardize your recovery process. One of the things that smoking does is that it affects the free circulation of blood. Smoking can, therefore, affect the blood vessels’ ability to supply blood and healing nutrients to surgical areas.
Research has also shown that excessive alcohol and smoking quicken the aging process. Therefore, if the plastic surgery that the patient is undergoing is for aesthetic purposes, it is best to quit smoking for good as that ensures they get a more satisfactory result.
5. Have a Recovery Plan in Place
Having a recovery plan in place is a must-do before going in for plastic surgery. Patients actively involved in business and work may need to take a break to recuperate after the surgery. Also, make plans for a comfortable place to stay after the surgery while you recover.
Additionally, plan everything you may need throughout your recovery period, including entertainment, meals, books, and magazines. You will have to limit movements during the recovery period, so having these things in place is vital.
6. Have a Strong Support System
Everyone needs a robust support system to get through certain seasons of their lives. Having a solid support system will quicken the recovery process.
You may need to tell your family and close friends before going in for the surgery. Patients will be involved in minimal activities during this period and may need someone to help them take care of chores.
7. Adhere to Aftercare Instructions
What you do after your surgery will reflect on your recovery. Therefore, ensure that you keep to all pre and post-surgery instructions given by your doctor. Adhering to these homecare instructions will facilitate the recovery process.
Final Thoughts
Undergoing plastic surgery can be an overwhelming experience, and preparing for it can help you manage it better. However, you may need to be patient, have a robust support system, and follow your doctor’s counsel to have that satisfaction that you desire in the end.
