Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is like any other surgery in that it takes preparation and recovery time (of course, that varies from procedure to procedure). There are a few things that are common to all surgeries, and all plastic surgeries. These are preparatory steps that a patient can take to prepare for plastic surgery. These steps may give you a more desirable outcome, lessen your recovery time, and reduce the risk of complications. Quit Smoking Smoking increases your risk of developing infections, pneumonia, and death of tissues after surgery. The chemicals in cigarettes and cigars closes the blood vessels, which prevents the body from brining oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the surgical site. Closed blood vessels also prevents the blood stream from carrying away waste from the surgical site. All of this can lead to infection and slower recovery. Procedures that pose a particularly high risk for smokers include tummy tucks and face lifts, or any other procedure that involves alteration of the blood supply. Even if you dont completely quit before surgery, it is a good idea to stop smoking for at least three weeks before the surgery date, and for three weeks after. This will give your body plenty of time to recover and heal. Get in Shape The healthier you are before your surgery, the faster and more effectively it will heal afterwards. It is important to get in as good a shape as possible before your surgical date. Talk to your surgeon and a personal trainer about your upcoming procedure, and make a plan to work on the areas that would be most beneficial. If youre having body work done, its a good idea to stabilize your weight before the procedure. Some procedures lose their desired appearance if your weight fluctuates greatly afterwards, like breast lifts or liposuction. Talk to your doctor about what weight is best for your body type, and get to that weight before the surgery. Eat Well Cells that are equipped with proper nutrition heal faster. Evaluate your diet and try to cut back on unnecessary sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Increase the amount of fiber and protein youre consuming, and snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk to your doctor about whether a cleanse would be appropriate for you before your surgery. Your Medications There are a number of medications to avoid before having surgery. Make sure to tell your surgeon all the medications you take, as well as any supplements. Your doctor can then make any necessary adjustments before the procedure. Some doctors will ask you to stop taking vitamin supplements like garlic, vitamin E, or ginseng a week before surgery because they can encourage bleeding. Want to see some of the common plastic surgery FAQs that come into our office? See our breast augmentation FAQs, our liposuction FAQs or our general surgery FAQs. Call (703) 574-2588 for more information or click here to set up a consultation at NOVA Plastic Surgery in Virginia. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is quitting smoking before plastic surgery so important?

Smoking restricts blood vessels and reduces the oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues throughout the body. Surgical sites need adequate blood flow to heal properly, and smoking significantly raises the risk of infection, tissue death, delayed wound healing, and poor scarring. Patients should stop smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery.

Which medications and supplements should I stop before surgery?

Common blood-thinning agents to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain herbal supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, and ginkgo biloba. These products increase bleeding risk during and after surgery. Your surgeon will provide a complete list of what to discontinue and how far in advance to stop each item.

Why do I need to arrange transportation and help at home before surgery?

You will be recovering from anesthesia and unable to drive yourself home from the surgical facility. In the days that follow, your mobility and ability to perform normal tasks will be limited. Having a trusted adult at home ensures you can rest safely and get help with meals, medications, and basic daily needs.

How important is it to be at a stable weight before body contouring surgery?

Being at a stable weight before procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck ensures the surgeon can create the most accurate and proportional contours. Weight fluctuations after surgery can alter the results, so reaching and maintaining a stable weight before your procedure gives you the most lasting and satisfying outcome.

What happens if I don't follow my pre-operative instructions?

Failing to follow pre-operative instructions can significantly increase the risk of complications including excessive bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, adverse anesthesia reactions, and unsatisfactory results. Your surgeon's instructions are specifically designed to minimize these risks.