Tips for Preparing for Plastic Surgery

By Dennis Hurwitz on August 23, 2017

Plastic surgery allows people to enhance their appearance in ways that diet and exercise can't achieve. Because of this, body contouring treatments improve the tone and definition of the body. Regardless of the type of plastic surgery performed, taking steps before surgery can help ensure successful results and reduce recovery time.

To receive your personalized tips to help you prepare for plastic surgery, contact Pittsburgh, PA plastic surgeon Dennis Hurwitz. In the meantime, read these tips to get a general sense of how to prepare for plastic surgery.

Start Preparing Two to Three Weeks before Surgery

It's never too early to prepare for plastic surgery, but patients should start preparing no later than two to three weeks before surgery. During this time, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and stop smoking because alcohol and smoking interfere with the body's ability to heal. When it comes to smoking, it's recommended that patients stop as far in advance of surgery as possible.

It's also important to disclose any medications, supplements, or vitamins that you're taking to your surgeon to allow time to make any necessary changes before surgery. Certain medications, vitamins, and supplements can interfere with the healing process.

It's not uncommon to take several days to recover after plastic surgery, so steps should be taken to prepare a comfortable recovery area. This may include gathering some comfortable clothing, fluffy pillows, and a selection of things to keep you entertained, like books, movies, magazines, or television shows.

The Week before Surgery

One week before surgery, patients should focus on taking care of themselves by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and eating healthy meals. It is recommended that patients eat a diet high in protein from lean meats, nuts, grains, and vegetables. Junk foods and high-sodium foods should be avoided. Reducing sodium intake in the week leading up to surgery can help reduce swelling during the recovery process.

In most cases, patients will need a friend or family member to take them home after surgery, and some may also need someone to stay with them for the first few days of recovery. The earlier you make these arrangements the better, but if you have not found someone by the last week before surgery, it's a good time to make arrangements.

The Day before Surgery

The day before surgery is a good time to confirm with the friend or family member helping you after surgery that he or she is still available and ready for you. You should also make final preparations for your recovery area and make sure you have healthy snacks and foods on hand.

It's also important to make sure you have reviewed any medications, supplements, or vitamins with your surgeon to reduce the risk of complications. You may also want to get any approved prescriptions filled before your surgery to ensure you have necessary medications, such as pain pills, waiting for you.

Depending on your procedure, you may be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Finally, try your best to get a good night's sleep so you will feel rested on the morning of your surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

For answers to your questions about preparing for plastic surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hurwitz.