The Importance of Preparing for Plastic Surgery and the Recovery Process

Plastic surgery is a significant decision and knowing what to expect before and after the surgery can help you make the most informed decision possible.

Preparing for plastic surgery is a vital step in ensuring a smooth and successful experience as is the recovery process. Let’s take a look at what steps you should take before surgery to ensure the best results and what you can expect from the recovery process.

Before Surgery: How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery

Preparing for plastic surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. The following tips can ensure whatever procedure you’re having is as successful as possible.

Start and Maintain a Healthy Diet

If you aren’t already on a healthy diet, now is the time to start one. And if you are, make sure to stick to it in the weeks before the procedure.  A healthy diet can help you achieve better healing, faster recovery, and reduce the risk of complications.

It is recommended to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and sugary processed foods if you can help it. They will only hinder your body’s ability to heal. Your plastic surgeon can provide more specific dietary recommendations based on your individual needs.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is an essential step when preparing for plastic surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications, slow down the healing process, and affect the final results.

The ingredients in cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, limiting the oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. It is recommended to quit smoking at least four weeks before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications and promote faster recovery.

Exercise

Exercise is another important way to prepare for plastic surgery. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve circulation, and boost your immune system. All of these things can aid your recovery.

However, following your plastic surgeon’s recommendations for exercise before and after the surgery is essential to prevent complications and promote proper healing. Don’t overdo it and risk an injury.

Stock Up on Post-Surgery Supplies

Stocking up on post-surgery supplies is also essential when preparing for plastic surgery. It will help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store when you may not be up for it and allow you to focus on recovery. Even if you have someone taking care of you post-surgery, having everything you need makes it easier for them as well.

Some essential items to consider include comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, gauze pads, ice packs, and prescription medications.

After Surgery: The Recovery Process

Recovering from plastic surgery is just as important as preparing for the surgery and the surgery itself. Some tips you’ll want to be sure you stick to include:

Follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions

Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after the surgery. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. And if there is someone taking care of you, make sure they know about these instructions as well.

Manage pain and discomfort

Pain and discomfort are common after plastic surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication to manage these symptoms. Be sure to fill your prescriptions and take the medication as directed.

Rest and recover

Rest is essential for a successful recovery from any procedure but especially plastic surgery. Follow your plastic surgeon’s advice on how much rest you need, and avoid any strenuous activities.

Watch for signs of complications

Watch for any signs of complications such as fever, excessive bleeding, or infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.

Attend follow-up appointments

To ensure everything is healing properly, attend all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and ensuring a healthy recovery process

Schedule A Consultation

Preparing for plastic surgery and the recovery process is crucial for a successful outcome. If you’re contemplating surgery and would like to know more about what to do to prepare and what the recovery process looks like, schedule a consultation with New Image Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Homas and Dr. Brostrom can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

To schedule an appointment, please call us at our San Antonia, TX office at (210) 988-9819 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.