How to Prepare Yourself and Your Family for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery, like any other medical procedure, has its benefits and drawbacks. One drawback that is often overlooked or forgotten is the toll that surgical procedures take on your routine and your family. Taking the time to prepare and plan before you have plastic surgery done will benefit you and allow you to relax and heal properly.

If you have young children, you should arrange for childcare both during and in the days immediately following your procedure. Even if you are able to be home and care for the children, you will need to take it easy and not overdo it. A friend or family member should be "on call" and able to come lend a hand during the first few days so that you can concentrate on healing. Additionally, you should probably talk with your children about your upcoming procedure. You do not want them to be scared or fearful, and it is important that they understand how to be helpful once you are back home. If you are having a major procedure (breast augmentation, tummy tuck) your children should be cautioned about being careful around you.

Obviously you may miss some work to have your plastic surgery. While you do not need to disclose the nature of your medical history to your coworkers, letting them know that you will need some time to heal can be very beneficial. Otherwise, they may place undue stress on you by assigning tasks or assuming that you feel well enough to complete your normal workload. Communicating to your boss that you need some time to recuperate is very important.

Another way you can prepare for plastic surgery is to get your house in order. Work to get your laundry caught up, major cleaning tasks completed and general organizational tasks done. Prepare and freeze a few meals to keep dinnertime simple. If there are birthdays in the near future or if a major holiday looms on the horizon, purchase and wrap gifts so that they are already ready. Bills that will be due during your recuperation should be paid, or at the very least, scheduled.

Take some time to prepare a basket of necessities to keep near you during your recovery. Some items you might want to put in this basket are: lip balm, tissues, notebook, pen, book, crossword/word search puzzles, crackers, and stationery. Having this basket nearby will eliminate the need to get up and go looking for something while you are supposed to be resting.

Taking a few days to prepare yourself, your home, and your family will make the transition much easier after plastic surgery. Allowing yourself time to properly heal will minimize the risk of complications and infections. Also, having a plan in place and little things cared for will reduce your stress and free you from worrying about small details that you cannot care for during this time.