Cosmetic plastic surgery can cause much stress and anxiety in the weeks leading up to 
the operation. Many patients may begin to wonder what they will need to do prior to their Breast Enlargement, Rhinoplasty or any other surgical procedure, in order to reduce any risk associated with the operation and to ease the process of healing afterwards. There are a number of necessary precautions to take in the weeks and days leading up to an operation. We’ve outlined the major guidelines below, but you should always consult with your doctor about any extra steps that you might need to take due to your unique circumstances.
Steps to Take Two to Three Weeks Before Surgery
In the weeks furthest out from surgery, some of the biggest lifestyle changes commonly associated with surgery need to occur. Some steps to take at least two to three weeks prior to surgery include:
- Stop Smoking – Smoking can produce the greatest complications during and after a procedure because it can constrict and decrease necessary blood flow, effectively preventing a wound from healing properly. While many doctors ask for you to stop three weeks before an operation, some may ask you to stop sooner.
- Stop Drinking – A patient reduce drinking alcohol at least two to three weeks prior to their surgery. Alcohol can increase bleeding and depress immune functioning, which can both interfere with how well wounds heal.
- Stop Taking Certain Medications – Depending on whether or not you take a medication that may interfere with surgery or healing, you might have to temporarily stop taking the substance. Additionally, patients shouldn’t take any Aspirin or Ibuprofen products for at least two weeks before surgery.
Steps to Take One Week Prior to Surgery
While many of the steps two to three weeks before surgery involve stopping certain actions, there are actions to take at least a week before surgery that can facilitate better healing. Some of these beneficial steps include:
- Eating a Diet Low in Sodium – Eating a diet low in sodium, around 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams daily, can help lessen swelling and discomfort after surgery, facilitating faster healing as well.
- Eat A Well-Balanced and Nutritious Diet – By consuming a diet that consists of healthy, regular meals of fruits, vegetables, protein and complex carbohydrates, you can also greatly help your healing while minimizing pain.
- Other Preparation – Some other steps to take immediately prior to surgery include filling any prescriptions that you may need in the following weeks and remembering not to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before an operation. Additionally, it is important to consider steps on the day of surgery to follow, such as wearing loose fitting clothes, not applying any products to your skin, body or hair or other instructions provided by your doctor.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Preparation From A Professional
Don’t delegate your important preparation questions to just anyone. If you still have lingering questions about preparing for your procedure, contact Sydney cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr Steve Merten at Pure Aesthetics on 9252 9262 today!
