What to Expect: Preparing for Plastic Surgery

In plastic surgery, as in most things in life, preparation can make all the difference between achieving a less desirable outcome and a superior outcome. Whether you are undergoing a minimally invasive facial plastic surgery procedure, a rejuvenating breast lift with implants, or a comprehensive body lift, it is important that you are fully prepared for the procedure you are about to undergo. This is why Dr. David Passaretti takes the time to sit down with each patient and discuss the issue of preparing for plastic surgery during consultations at his Fairfield, CT practice. He makes sure that he or she is fully educated about what he or she needs to do prior to his or her plastic surgery treatment, answering all questions and addressing all concerns clearly and honestly.

Ultimately, the success of any plastic surgery procedure depends largely on the willingness and ability of the patient to follow all pre- and post-surgical instructions diligently. Patients who cannot or will not abide by these instructions are not good candidates for plastic surgery, and it is best that they consult with a surgeon who will advise them of this openly.

Are you interested in learning more about body contouring, breast enhancement, or facial plastic surgery? If so, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. David Passaretti today.

The Pre-Surgical Timeline

You will begin preparing for your plastic surgery procedure shortly after your initial consultation, roughly three weeks before your appointed surgery date.

Three Weeks before Your Surgery

At this point, you will want to evaluate your lifestyle and try to make whatever positive changes you can. If you smoke, stop immediately. As you surely know, smoking is highly hazardous to your health, and it also dramatically increases the risk of complications during and after surgery. Plus, it interferes with the healing process. You should consider quitting permanently, as smoking will only compromise the results you achieve through plastic surgery in the long term.

While limited alcohol consumption is not necessarily a bad thing, you will have to give up drinking at this point as well. Alcohol can thin the blood and reduce the body’s ability to clot. This can promote complications during and after surgery, as well.

If you have a regular exercise routine, carry on. If you don’t, try to engage in at least 30 minutes of vigorous movement a day. The better health you are in prior to surgery, the lower your risk of complications.

Two Weeks before Your Surgery

At this point, Dr. Passaretti may recommend that you stop taking any medications that could thin your blood, including ibuprofen. On the other hand, he may advise that you start taking vitamins and supplements that promote healing and reduce the risk of swelling and other post-surgical side effects.

Carry on exercising. Do as much walking as you can manage, as walking will be an important part of your recovery after surgery.

The Week before Your Surgery

Start refining your diet, avoiding foods that are high in sodium. Sodium increases swelling, and swelling is one thing you can do without after surgery. Make any and all arrangements that you need to make in preparation for the big day, including having someone to drive you to and from our office and someone to help you around the house for a day or two after your surgery. Be sure to pick up any medications prescribed by Dr. Passaretti, as well. Continue to do your exercises and eat healthy. Keep your house tidy so that you can rest up in an uncluttered environment.

Learn More about Preparing for Plastic Surgery

To learn more about preparing for plastic surgery, please contact our plastic surgery practice today.