Leading up to a major surgery, patients naturally have questions regarding what steps they should take to prepare. What happens both before and after a surgical procedure can have a massive impact on the quality and longevity of the results. For this reason, cosmetic practitioners make a great deal of effort to instruct their patients on what to do prior to and following their treatments.
Body transformation can include a myriad of procedures, but some common ones include:
What to do before surgery
Inform your practitioner of any medications you are currently taking or plan to take during the recovery period. Certain supplements, such as vitamins and herbs, can interact with medications in a negative way. It is also recommended that patients fill any prescriptions that they will need to take following the procedure ahead of time.
Patients will also be given explicit instructions regarding eating and drinking. In most cases, patients will need to refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight. Smokers will be instructed to stop smoking a week or two prior to the operation. Smoking has been known to lead to unwanted complications during surgery and can also hinder the recovery process.
If the cosmetic procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, patients must make sure to have a friend or family member drive them home. Ideally, this individual will also be able to take care of the patient for the first 24 hours, as patients need to focus on rest.
If the patient is undergoing overnight surgery, it is a good idea for them to bring an overnight bag with all of their essentials.
Some other tips to consider include:
- Removing credit cards and other valuables from your purse the night before surgery
- Avoid wearing jewelry on the day of the procedure
- Make sure you have a container to store your glasses or contact lenses in
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will want to prioritize comfort following the treatment
- Make sure you have your insurance card, living will and testament, medical power of attorney, and any other pertinent documents.
The day of surgery
Once all preparations have been made, patients will be able to undergo their procedure with peace of mind. Patients should arrive for their surgery on time to ensure that everything runs according to schedule. If you have any friends or family members coming with you to the surgery, let them know to stay in the designated waiting room for the entirety of the procedure.
After the surgery
After the surgery, patients are moved to a recovery room. If it is an outpatient procedure, patients will be discharged after a period of rest. If it is an overnight procedure, they may be kept in this area or transferred to another medical facility.
Before leaving, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled so that the practitioners can monitor the patient’s progress and remove the stitches. Patients will also receive detailed instructions regarding the recovery process and what they should and should not do for the following weeks. While these instructions will vary depending on the patient, the doctor, and the surgery performed, there are some general guidelines that apply to almost all surgeries:
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least a week
- Prioritize rest and relaxation but take a walk around the house once to stimulate blood flow
- Drink lots of water
What is the takeaway?
Taking the proper steps before and after surgery can ensure that patients experience positive results. Following the instructions set out by the surgeon is always the best policy, as they are designed to help patients achieve their desired look and have a positive healing experience. It goes without saying that choosing a skilled, experienced practitioner to carry out your surgery is the best thing you can do for yourself.
