What Should I Do before Cosmetic Surgery?

Preparing yourself emotionally and physically before cosmetic surgery may be vital to the overall outcome. Sufficient preparation will help to clear up any questions, misconceptions or misinformation about certain types of plastic surgery like augmentations, liposuction or botox injections. Prepare by doing a lot of research and homework on the type of procedure to be undertaken before any medical procedure, especially surgery. Talk to the surgeon and have him explain the actual procedures to be performed and what, if anything, needs to be done before the actual day of the cosmetic surgery. Finally, determine any necessary changes in diet, medications or behaviors like drinking alcohol before cosmetic surgery.

Do some homework and talk with other people who have undergone similar medical procedures for plastic surgery. The surgeon will likely be able to provide a list of previous patients who would be willing to share their pre-cosmetic surgery experiences. Before cosmetic surgery, ask the surgeon for a complete and detailed list of over-the-counter medications that should be limited or avoided altogether. Medications likely to be on this list will include aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medications. Be sure to ask the doctor how long these medications should be avoided before cosmetic surgery.

Plan ahead by asking for a copy of your plastic surgeon's protocol before cosmetic surgery. Think of the protocol as a plan or map that the surgeon will use to outline all the various procedures undertaken prior to, during and even after the actual surgery. Be sure to review the protocol and ask the doctor to clarify or define any terms that may be hard to understand. Ask other patients, friends or the doctor any remaining questions concerning the specific details of the surgery.

One or more preoperative visits are likely before the surgery is performed so talk to the doctor about any diet changes, possible nutritional supplements, and any other things or behaviors that should be avoided. For example, a smoker will likely need to stop smoking at least two weeks or more before cosmetic surgery. For smokers with an addiction to nicotine, this may require several additional weeks of using a nicotine patch or pill for assistance to quit smoking before cosmetic surgery. Ask the doctor to help with any other issues like alcohol consumption or any special dietary supplements that might be taken before the surgery such as homeopathic healing remedies like bromelain and Arnica montana.

Other things to consider before surgery include cleaning the house or hiring someone to clean it for you before cosmetic surgery. Arrange for any child or pet care. Stock the freezer with frozen or easily prepared meals. Prepare beforehand by having medications, bottled water, some snack crackers, a remote control with fresh batteries, your iPad or laptop, and a fully charged telephone within easy reach on the nightstand next to the bed. Other good pre-surgery preparations are renting some DVD movies and having a few best selling books standing by.