Health
Cosmetic Surgery: 5 Ways to Prepare for a Successful Procedure
Guest Blogger: Dixie Somers
Preparing for cosmetic surgery involves more than just showing up for the appointment. To have the best results, you should be ready for your procedure and in a good mental and physical state. Here are five ways to prepare yourself for a successful procedure.
1. Arm yourself with all of the information
You will have been given pamphlets about what to expect, so read them. If you still have questions, ask your doctor or the surgeon’s office. Ask all the questions you have, even the questions that might seem like common sense. Make notes so you can refer to them later.
2. Prepare for your recuperation
You should not attempt to get yourself home immediately after general anesthesia. In fact, many surgeons will not operate if the patient does not have somebody with them. If you don’t have a spouse or partner, call a trusted friend. That person should be ready to get you safely home and, ideally, stay for a few days. At the very least, somebody should check on you regularly. Also make sure you are stocked up on food that does not need to be cooked, ice packs, movies, and books for your recuperation. Some people report feeling depressed for the first three days after the operation.
3. It’s perfectly normal to have second thoughts
It’s quite normal to be scared right before having your plastic surgery. You might become irritable, and many people have problems sleeping. Use deep breathing techniques. Use humor. Find a light-hearted movie or read a funny book. Do whatever will best take your mind off of what is about to happen.
4. Don’t smoke or drink for two to three weeks before the surgery
Both smoking and drinking can interfere with healing. You will also be asked to refrain from smoking afterward until cleared by a doctor. This might be the perfect “excuse” to finally make a real effort on quitting. Avoid foods containing salicylates for two weeks after surgery. This includes many fruits as well as almonds and cucumbers. If you are on certain medications, these should also be temporarily discontinued, particularly including aspirin and Ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, and Vitamin E.
5. Take supplements proven to help with healing
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Bromelain (which you can also get by eating fresh pineapple) are all helpful. Liposuction patients also benefit from an iron supplement. Continue taking multi-vitamins if you routinely do so and consider starting one if you don’t.
Follow these tips and you will have a smoother experience and a faster recovery after cosmetic surgery.
Author Bio
This article was written by Dixie Somers on behalf of utahcosmeticsurgery.com. They offer many cosmetic surgery options, including Utah breast augmentation.