Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is an important and often life-changing decision. It should not be taken lightly. Here are ten important things to remember to do prior to your procedure, whether it be a breast augmentation, face lift or liposuction.
#1: Research both your doctor and facility.
Educate yourself about where you will be having your plastic surgery procedure and who will be performing it. Be sure that the facility is a fully accredited and licensed facility for plastic surgery procedures. When it comes to researching your doctor, a good place to start is plasticsurgery.org. There you will find a database of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. By choosing a board certified surgeon you know that he or she has undergone extensive post graduate studies in this highly specialized field and has been approved by the medical board for both skill and ethics.
#2: Visit multiple doctors before committing to a surgeon.
After doing your research, it is advised that you visit at least 3 different plastic surgeons. This way you can obtain additional information that may not have been discussed in prior consultations. It will also allow you to compare and decide which surgeon you feel will provide you with the best care and help you achieve your desired results.
#3: Learn about the various techniques available for your procedure.
Various techniques are available for all plastic surgery procedures. Be sure to ask your surgeon about your options and why the technique that was selected is best suited for you.
#4: Ask your doctor about potential risks and side effects, as well as how complications will be handled.
When discussing the pros and cons with your doctor be sure to get a detailed explanation about all of the risks and side effects. It is important to know how to detect and react to any complications. It is also important to know the surgeon's protocol in the event a complication arises. Be sure to discuss any additional fees that may arise.
#5: Be sure to tell your doctor about your medical history. Don't leave anything out.
This is extremely important! If you don't disclose your medical history to your surgeon your run the risk of experiencing complication, which in some cases can be fatal. Not only can plastic surgery cause concerns amongst patients with a medical history of high blood pressure, heart problems and the like, certain medications do not interact well with anesthesia used during the procedure - this includes local anesthesia too. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor so that he or she can clear you for surgery and go over any precautions you may need to take.
#6: Research realistic downtime after your procedures as well as limitations after surgery.
It is not uncommon for many practices to advertise the "weekend facelift". Although this sounds good, it is not reality. Immediate recovery, in terms of being able to care for yourself and move about can be relatively quick depending on the procedure, but recovery to the point where a patient will feel comfortable going about regular activities can be significantly longer. For example, rhinoplasty typically has a relatively quick recovery time - just a few days - but many patients experience bruising under the eyes for three weeks or so. For procedures such as a tummy tuck, patients often recover within a week, but cannot lift up their children for at least 2 weeks, sometimes more. Talk to your doctor about "full recovery" and the stages in between so you have realistic expectation. Another great way to learn about recovery is to visit forums, such as RealSelf.com, where real patients discuss their experiences.
#7: Quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
Smoking and plastic surgery do not go together. In fact, smoking can be detrimental to your recovery and results. First of all, smoking thins the blood which can cause problems during the procedure. It also does not allow the body to heal properly, which can lead to complications, unfavorable scarring and less desirable results. It is recommended that patients quit smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery, preferably longer.
#8: Take Arnica tablets two days prior to surgery to help prevent swelling and bruising.
Arnica Montana is a natural product used to reduce swelling and bruising. Many different types of Arnica are available for purchase, including teas, tablets, creams and pills. The surgeons at California Surgical Institute recommend Boiron's Arnica Montana tablets because they has been specifically designed for plastic surgery procedures. It should be taken two days prior to surgery.
#9: Designate a friend or family member to care for you following surgery.
Following any plastic surgery procedure, a driver is required to take you home because it takes a significant amount of time for the local or general anesthesia to leave your system. It is recommended to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure in case any complications may arise. Patients will also most likely need help moving about, particularly immediately following a tummy tuck or breast augmentation.
#10: Maintain exercise and healthy eating habits after surgery.
Procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are not meant to be used as a means of weight loss. In order to maintain the results of your plastic surgery procedure, you will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Although fat cells are permanently removed after liposuction, new fat cells in the area that was liposuctioned can develop if you gain weight.
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