Many people have aspects of their body that they are uncomfortable with. Too much fat on the stomach, sagging skin, or lack of shape. Whatever the issue, there is much that you can do about it. If diet and exercise is falling short of getting you your dream body and tightened skin, then you may want to consider scheduling a visit with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will let you know the work that needs to be done to accomplish your goal, and will send you home with instructions to prepare for the surgery. While some preparation varies between procedures, there are three ways you can adequately prepare yourself for your procedure.
Three Weeks Before
When you are three weeks away from your plastic surgery, you need to cut a few things out of your daily routine. Smoking and drinking are the first two items that need to be discontinued, since your blood flow and ability to heal quickly become compromised with both. Check with your surgeon about any prescriptions you might be taking, to determine if you need to stop using any of them before the procedure.
Two Weeks Before
When you have two weeks to go, speak with your surgeon again about your prescriptions, and check to see if you need to stop using them again, since you are closer to the surgery date. If you are receiving liposuction, make sure your diet includes enough iron. You may also want to invest in bromelain, which can prevent bruising. If you are planning to add any products to your daily regimen, run the supplements or lotions by your surgeon for approval first.
One Week Before
The week before your surgery is an important time for preparation. Reduce your sodium intake at this time, since sodium can increase swelling. Eat a healthy balance of foods, so you can build up your immune system and promote faster healing. By this point, you should have someone lined up to help you get home and care for you on your first full day after surgery. These small steps make the difference between a stressful and a speedy recovery.
The Importance of Preparation
Getting ready for surgery is more than a physical task; you need to prepare both your body and mind for the upcoming procedures. Some patients have a difficult time accepting the new changes to their body, without preparing mentally. By understanding what the end result will be, and conditioning your body for peak physical condition beforehand, you will recover quicker and be ready to show off the new “you.”
