How to Prepare for Cosmetic Surgery

Every surgery requires proper care and planning, and this is true for cosmetic surgery too. Though, the steps may vary depending on the type of surgery. Not only do you need to prepare your body and mind to go under the knife, you also need to plan your recovery period.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Gather information about the surgery you plan to go through. Know about the types of surgery, difference in results, possible complications and the normal recovery period.
2. Talk to people who have taken up the surgery to learn their experiences. You can visit their blogs or personal Web sites. You may even ask your doctor to refer some of his earlier patients.
3. Talk to your doctor and ask for a list of OTC medications you must avoid. Ideally you should not take aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medicines. Also ask him how long before the surgery should you avoid these medicines.
4. Quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications and also slows recovery.
5. Get a copy of your surgeon’s protocol.
6. Ensure that you have someone to drive you home after the surgery and also arrange for someone to take care of you after the surgery. Remember, if you plan to undergo major surgeries like a tummy tuck, you would need bed rest for at least 2 weeks.
7. Get a prescription of painkillers and necessary post-surgery medicines from your surgeon. Also discuss if you can take any homeopathic or herbal medicines that help control swelling or bruising. Buy the necessary medicines and keep them at a place easily accessible to you.
8. Make a list of items that can aid healing after surgery. You may need items like ice packs to reducing swelling, moisturizers, scar reducing creams for bruises, laxatives to fight the binding effect of pain killers, thermometer, anti-bacterial soap, dressings etc. Consult your doctor while making a list of these things and gather these things before you go in for surgery.
9. Prepare a place where you plan to rest after the surgery. Prepare that place according to your comfort and as per your doctor’s advice. Make sure you have things like intercom, whistle or bell for calling for help, your favorite videos, journals, books, etc. to make your recovery time enjoyable.
10. Select clothes you would wear on the day of surgery and while recovering. Make sure you wear loose clothes on the day of surgery and after surgery do not wear anything that presses against the surgery area.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a checklist of all the above mentioned things so that you do not miss anything.
• Talk to your surgeon and ask for any additional information, precaution or tips.
• Strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescription and guidelines.