How To Prepare For Cosmetic Surgery

Most people are surprised when you tell them they have to prepare for cosmetic surgery. But the fact is, you can’t just turn up on the day of your procedure and expect the surgeon to operate on you without having done some preparation first.

Preparing for cosmetic surgery is important for several reasons. By getting ready physically and mentally, you are likely to experience less anxiety before your procedure, reduce your risk of complications occurring during the surgery and give yourself the best possible chance of making a full and successfully recovery after your surgery is over.

Preparing For Cosmetic Surgery In The Days & Weeks Before

The outcome of your cosmetic surgery will in part be due to how much preparation you do beforehand. Below are some of the things you can do to prepare for your cosmetic procedure.

Stop Smoking If You Are Having Plastic Surgery

If you are a smoker, you should plan on stopping at least 3 months before your surgery and at least 2 months after your surgery.

Stopping for this length of time will help to improve your blood circulation, which will subsequently reduce the risk of complications occurring during surgery and also ensure that you heal properly getting the best possible results.

Take Multivitamins

You don’t have to be super fit to have cosmetic surgery, but the better shape your body is in the better results you are likely to get.

Take a multivitamin if you don’t already for the lead up to your procedure just to ensure your body is in good condition.

Take Vitamin C

Some cosmetic surgeons recommend their patients take 1000mg of vitamin C before and after their procedure as it helps to speed up healing.

Stop Taking Dietary Supplements Directly Before Your Surgery

Whilst you may think that it’s a good idea to take dietary supplements before your procedure, it is generally recommended that you don’t take such supplements due to the possibility of them interacting with any drugs you are given. If you are unsure of what you can and can’t take, make sure you ask your cosmetic surgeon.

Don’t’ Take Aspirin

Some over the counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause excessive bleeding. You should avoid such medications as soon as your surgery is 10 days away.

The same applies for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as they too can cause excessive bleeding.

The Night Before You Have Cosmetic Surgery

Your cosmetic surgeon will instruct you as to what you should do the night before you have cosmetic surgery.

Usually, this will include staying at home and getting an early nights sleep so that you are fresh and rested for the following day.

You should also not eat or drink anything (even water) after midnight, or, for at least 8 hours before you have surgery and are going to be sedated.

The Morning Of Your Plastic Surgery

Hopefully by the time you get to this point you should have prepared well for your upcoming surgery. Your surgeon is likely to give you some specific instructions as to what you should do. This is likely to include:

• Not eating or drinking anything.
• Taking any medications your surgeon wants you to take.
• Brushing your teeth.
• Avoiding any form of make-up or creams on the area which will be operated on.
• Avoiding wearing contact lenses.
• Removal of all jewelry.
• Ensuring that you are washed and clean.