Plastic Surgery Preparations for You

Plastic surgery is commonly an aesthetic procedure that endeavors to improve on certain points of a patient's physical appearance. In some instances, the operation can also be based on the need to restore form and function to a certain part of a person's body. Since this can be a minor or major operation, some degree of preparation is necessary to ensure that there will be minimal risks and reduce the possibility of complications.

Before Surgery

Many doctors who perform plastic surgery often give out recommendations to their patients regarding the best things to do before the undertaking. One of the first things that surgeons ask for is a complete screening and testing of the patient to see if he or she has any underlying conditions which may interfere with the desired results. Sicknesses and diseases which may have an impact on the procedure include, but are not limited to, diabetes and heart disease. It is important that the doctor is aware of any other diseases or sickness to be better able to assess and prepare for the procedure. Having these diseases does not automatically mean that the operation cannot be undertaken.

Smoking is another thing that doctors frown upon, especially if the plastic surgery procedure is a major one. The event may need to be done a few months after the patient has stopped smoking. The taking of dietary supplements and other maintenance medication may also need to be studied by the doctor in charge. Some supplements are stopped a week or two before the operation; the same goes for other medications which have an impact on the circulatory system. Pain relievers of a particular kind and other over-the-counter medications can also affect the operation and its outcome, which is why doctors give a list of medications to avoid before the event.

Many doctors also advise their patients to get a good rest several days before the actual surgery date to keep their bodies strong and healthy. Even after the operation, some doctors may advise their patients to get a room and stay overnight at the hospital, especially for procedures which may take several hours and are considered major. This is applicable especially for those who have no one to drive them home or no one to stay with them at the house for the next 24 hours. Patients are also advised to fill their post plastic surgery prescription before the event itself to avoid the need to go out and buy the medications right after the procedure.