Surgery: How to Time It Right

There are lots of details to consider before you schedule elective surgery, but the timing is one of the most important things. If the choice is left up to you, it is a good idea to think hard before scheduling the appointment, as this is a major decision in life that will change a lot. Know what to think about before committing to a particular day for your procedure.

If the results of your surgery will be obvious to others, be sure to schedule it at least a few months before a major event for which you need to look good. For example, if you are planning to attend a high school reunion, you might want to get procedures like breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery done at least three to six months ahead of time. This is because you can expect lots of bruising and swelling weeks and even months later. Also, there may be some complications that you notice several weeks into recovery, such as an infection, so leave some extra time to deal with that if necessary. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more time your scars have to slowly fade, allowing you to see the true result without dealing with severe scarring. Of course, if your surgery involves areas that are usually hidden, as in the case of a tummy tuck or calf implants, you may not have to wait quite as long after the procedure.

Another thing to think about before scheduling is whether someone can be there with you. In many cases, you will need general anesthesia, which means you cannot drive home. In fact, you typically need someone to stay with you during the first day of recovery, as you will probably find it hard to get up from the couch or bed. If no one can stay with you afterward, you should at least make sure you have the number of a few friends who can help out if you call them. Keep this in mind when making your appointment.

You will need to also set aside enough time to heal from your procedure. This means taking days or weeks off work and your general daily routine. Ask your doctor how long he recommends for the recovery period, and then request the time off work as soon as possible. You can expect to be barred from working out or doing any strenuous activity for about six weeks in most cases, possibly more, so keep this in mind if your job requires you to be active. You will also probably not feel like going to many social outings while you heal, so do not make any big plans, such as vacations, within a few weeks of the treatment.

If you are not sure of the best date to schedule surgery, you should talk to your doctor. Try to make an appointment for an initial consultation as soon as possible so you can begin planning early. This will help you feel as prepared as possible for the procedure.