There are a number of things common to all surgical procedures that you can do to physically prepare yourself. Your surgeon will go through these with you and give you a copy of the specific orders.
In addition to your preparation, please ensure you read the list of things to do after your surgery.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions, not your friends’. Your surgeon knows what happens in the operating room, and therefore knows what needs to be done before and after the surgery. The outcome will be significantly better if you follow your surgeon’s orders.
- It is extremely important to be honest with your surgeon about any previous cosmetic procedures you’ve had, any steroid usage patterns, current medications and any illnesses you suffer from, including chronic conditions such as diabetes.
- If you are a smoker, quit at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery date.
- Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications up to one week before your surgery.
- Go shopping and buy things you’ll need after surgery, such as easy-to-prepare foods and the pain medication prescriptions your surgeon will have given you in your final consultation prior to surgery.
- You may need special dressings and gauze, as well as scar reduction creams and petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to keep the stitches moist.
- If the surgery was performed on your face or neck, you may need other items, such as extra pillows to elevate your head while you sleep.
- If you have had breast or body surgery, you may need to wear a compression garment for a week or so following surgery to help keep swelling down. Your surgeon will either give you the garment you need or tell you where you can buy one ready made. The garment must fit tightly but not be too uncomfortable.
- On the day of the surgery, wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to get in and out of.
- Arrange to have someone drive you to the hospital or clinic and pick you up when you are ready to go home.
- You may need someone to help you for 24–48 hours after the surgery. At least have a person on call if you need help.