By Dr. Michael J. Brown, MD
Getting a plastic surgery procedure done is an exciting, yet nerve-wracking time. You are excited for the changes about to take place, but may be nervous about the surgery. However, it is important that you take the time to keep some tips in mind. These tips will help the procedure and recovery go more smoothly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are having plastic surgery.
Follow All Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions From Your Plastic Surgeon
When you are preparing for, or have just undergone a plastic surgery procedure, the most important tip to keep in mind is to follow all instructions from the doctor who is or has performed your surgery. You will be given a pre-op and post-op instruction sheet. These sheets will tell you what you should and should not do following the surgery. The pre-op sheet may advise you to stop eating or drinking at a certain time prior to your operation and ask you to remove all jewelry prior to surgery. The post-op instructions may explain what medications to take, what foods to eat, and how to care for any wounds after the surgery. Failing to follow these instructions can jeopardize your heath both during and after the procedure.
Get Your Affairs in Order
After undergoing a surgical procedure, you are going to want time to rest and recover. You are not going to want to have to run around and pay bills or go grocery shopping. As such, you should get all of your affairs in order prior to the surgical procedure. If possible, pay all your bills early so you don’t have to worry about them immediately following the surgery. Take the time to stock your pantry with non-perishable food, so you will have plenty to eat. Or arrange for a grocery service to deliver groceries to your home. And since you may feel like lying around for a few days, pick up a book, magazines or movies so you have something to do without becoming bored. This will help you get the rest you need without feeling like you have other things that need to be done.
Stay Hydrated Following Your Surgery
Another important tip to keep in mind as you recover from plastic surgery is to stay hydrated. After surgery, you may not feel like eating or drinking much, but once you get the all clear to consume liquids, you should. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This helps blood flow through your body and assists in the recovery process. It also keeps you from becoming dehydrated, which can lead to headaches and nausea.
Massage Your Scars
When the dressing and bandages come off of your body, you may want to begin to rub vitamin E oil or other scar reducing products, into your surgical scar. Massage helps to increase the flow of blood to this area of the body, while vitamin E, or similar products, help to moisturize the skin. Both of these items together can minimize the darkened color of the scar and it’s length. No one wants an obvious scar in the area they had plastic surgery, so doing this can help decrease your chances of having an unsightly scar.
Undergoing plastic surgery can be a life-changing decision. You get to improve something about your appearance that you dislike and instead, get something you have always dreamed about. This may be larger breasts, a smaller nose, or a curvier figure. However, plastic surgery can take a toll on your body. Luckily, there are certain things you can do before and after surgery to make things easier on yourself. Following these tips will help make the procedure go more smoothly and assist in your recovery.
– Author: Dr. Michael J. Brown, MD, Founder and Medical Director of the Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, Dr. Brown has paid particular attention to all facets for safety and personal experience.
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