Every person has parts of their body that he or she is uncomfortable with. You may think you have too much fat tissue on your stomach, or you may want sculpted calves. Once you decide to turn your dream body into a reality, you need to schedule a visit with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon lets you know the work that needs to be done to accomplish your goal, but he will send you home with certain instructions to prepare for the surgery. While some preparation varies between procedures, there are three ways you can adequately prepare yourself for your procedure.
Three Weeks Before
When you are three weeks away from your plastic surgery, you need to cut a few things out of your daily routine. Smoking and drinking are the first two items that need to come to a halt, since your blood flow and ability to heal quickly become more compromised with both. Check with your surgeon about any prescriptions you might be taking, to determine if you need to stop using any of them before the procedure.
Two Weeks Before
When you have two weeks to go, speak with your surgeon again about your prescriptions, checking to see if you need to stop usage of them again, since you are closer to the surgery date. If you are receiving liposuction, make sure your diet includes enough iron. You may also want to invest in bromelain, which can prevent bruising. If you are planning to add any products to your daily regimen, run the supplements or lotions by your surgeon for approval first.
One Week Before
The week before your surgery is an important time for preparation. Reduce your sodium intake at this time, since sodium can increase swelling. Eat a healthy balance of foods, so you can build up your immune system, which helps you heal faster. By this point, you should have someone lined up to help you get home and care for you on your first full day after surgery. These small steps make the difference between a stressful and a painless recovery.
The Importance of Preparation
Getting ready for surgery is more than a physical task; you need to prepare both your body and mind for the upcoming procedures. Some patients have a difficult time accepting the new changes to their body, without preparing mentally. By understanding what the end result will be, and putting your body in peak physical condition beforehand, you will heal faster and be ready to show off the new “you.”
