Preparing for Surgery & Procedure

After choosing your surgeon and scheduling the day of surgery, it is time for you to prepare for the surgery. The time period before the surgery is very crucial and certain lifestyle changes you make can improve the surgical outcome. Being well informed about the treatment options, expected outcomes, and complications can help you face the challenges of surgery.

Plastic surgery aims to modify the shape of body structures to improve or restore the appearance of the deformed part. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive as well as aesthetic or cosmetic procedures. Reconstructive surgery is usually performed to modify structural abnormalities caused by trauma, disease, cancer, or birth defects. Cosmetic surgery is usually performed to modify the structure and appearance of facial and other body structures, for aesthetic reasons. Preparation for plastic or cosmetic surgery begins with a complete physical assessment of the patient to ensure that you don’t have any health problems that can obstruct or interfere with the surgery or outcome. Routine tests such as blood and urine tests may be performed to assess for any undetected blood disorders or health problems.

• Discuss with your surgeon about medications to be taken or to be avoided prior to surgery. Make sure to let your surgeon know about all medications you are currently taking including any over the counter supplements.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medications or warfarin or any drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding as these medications may need to be stopped one to two weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Consult your doctor about the options of potential blood replacement including donation of your own blood at least a month before surgery.
• Clearly understand about lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, quitting smoking and limitingor stopping alcohol prior to surgery to improve surgical outcomes and the healing process.
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight prior to the surgery, if time allows. Do not diet the month before surgery, however, a nutritious diet during this time will help your recovery. You will be instructed to quit smoking to reduce your chance of complications and enhance your recovery. Discuss options with your surgeon to help you succeed.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and take a daily multivitamin with iron.
• Inform your surgeon if you have any infections.  
• Arrange for someone to help you perform everyday tasks such as cooking, shopping and laundry during your recovery at home.
• Remove any loose carpets and keep hallways clear to prevent injury and avoid falls.
• Shop for nutritious meals and snacks prior to surgery to have on hand when you recover at home