Preparing for Surgery
- Talk to your physician and make sure you understand all the risks associated with any procedure you are considering - both common and uncommon risks. Make sure you are comfortable with the risks before proceeding.
- Be completely forthright with your physician about your medical history and status. Something you may consider minor could significantly impact the success of your procedure.
- Obtain pre-surgery or pre-procedure instructions from your physician no less than two weeks prior to the scheduled date. Some pre-surgical actions, in particular, such as not smoking or taking ibuprofen products, may require two weeks of time to be effective. Make sure you read all pre-procedure instructions in advance and adhere to them completely. Any exceptions or variations may require you to reschedule your procedure.
- Ask for post-surgical instructions before you go for your procedure so that you can prepare by purchasing any prescriptions and supplies. This way you'll have everything you need on hand as soon as you return home.
- Line up a friend or family member to take you to and from your procedure if any form of anesthesia is being used. You won't be allowed to leave without someone to drive you home and you'll probably need the help for the first 24 hours.
- Be sure to get specific, written instructions from your physician before leaving the facility on how to manage your condition for at least one week.
- Be sure your caretaker knows where all prescriptions and supplies are located to help you out. Also make sure that individual has emergency telephone numbers for your physician, pharmacy and local hospital.
- Follow the post-procedure instructions to the letter. Many cosmetic surgery procedures involve bruised or swollen skin, which can be very sensitive.
- Be conservative about your recovery. Don't return to work earlier than projected. Anesthesia tends to tire patients out longer than they expect. Also, go back to sport and strenuous activities when instructed. Be protective of the physical part of your body treated until it is fully healed.
- During and after your recovery, make sure you get the most from your procedure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from sun damage at all times and taking care of your body every day.