Some useful advice to plastic surgery

We provide for our patients here below some useful information before and after their plastic cosmetic surgery. There are a lot of things that a patient should know about the surgery procedure. This pre- and post-operation checklist provides reminders about what to ask the doctor and how to be better prepared in addition to the advice of a qualified plastic surgeon.

At the initial consultation

During the first consultation you have to discuss your goals, expectations and results of the surgery with your plastic surgeon, as well as the size and shape you are looking for, and your feelings about the procedure. You are going to plan the surgical procedure, make decisions about the type of implant, the incision location, and the placement of implant, as well as about the necessary preliminary medical and laboratory examinations and tests.

You have to bring a list of medications, vitamins to the appointment, because medications may interact with surgery or with medications that your doctor prescribes. You have to prepare to review your medical history, providing the names, phone numbers of your doctors, and you have to inform the doctor about any complications that you or a family member have experienced with anesthesia in the past.

Your plastic surgeon?gives you a list of the pre- and post-operative instructions, of certain medications that need to be stopped taking prior to the surgery, of medications that need to be taken prior to the procedure, of hygienic (showering) recommendations after surgery, of the requirement of eating or drinking before and after surgery, of supplies and equipment that you will need after surgery. He will determine the type of support and care offered by the clinic throughout recovery. And he will give you emergency contact phone numbers.

Preparation for the surgery?

• Follow the instructions of the doctor regarding medication.?
• Buy any supplies that you will need for recovery.?
• Make sure that a relative or a friend will accompany you and will drive you home and possibly look after you and stay with you, if required, for the first few days after your surgery.?
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking before surgery and after surgery, because it might slow the recovery process.?
• Pack your suitcase the night before your surgery with your personal items that you might need except for your credit cards, valuables, wallets and any jewellery.?
• Bring with you:?a container to hold your eyeglasses or contact lenses, comfortable clothes to wear after the procedure, your insurance card and other documents.
• Follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon regarding food and drink, because you are not allowed to eat or drink 6 hours before the operation.

Recovery after plastic surgery

The recovery period depends on the type of the procedure, and varies from person to person. There will be both physical and emotional things to consider during the recovery. It's important not to rush the healing process, and let the natural healing process take place. If you suspect a problem contact your surgeon immediately. Some helpful advice for a healthy recovery:?

• Apply ice for reducing swelling following facial surgery. Ask your surgeon how long you should continue this.?
• Be realistic in your expectations. Let's face it, you're going to look worse before getting better. Plastic cosmetic surgery procedures involve bruising and swelling, and the real results won't reveal themselves for a few days!?
• Follow your surgeon's guidelines. Whether it's taking prescribed medication or when to resume regular exercise, or hygiene instructions, your surgeon can provide the best advice for a safe and healthy recovery.?
• Arrange for care, ask for help from a family member or from a close friend for the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Even though you may believe you can resume your normal routines, having someone there to assist you will bring peace of mind and allow the healing process to occur normally.?
• Rehydrate your body often. Surgery of any kind can reduce fluids in your body. Drinking water frequently will help replenish these lost body fluids. Also, eat lightly for the first few days and only food that is easy to swallow and digest.?
• If you've had surgery on your head or neck, keep them elevated for a few days. This will reduce swelling and speed the recovery process without compromising the results.?
• Avoid direct sunlight. Use an UV protection suncream to protect your skin.?
• Don't take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications if not described by your surgeon, because these might interfere with medications that are prescribed by your doctor.

Post Operative Garments

Healing from plastic surgery can take as little as a few days or many weeks. During this time, there are aesthetic options available to make recovery more appealing: camouflage makeup, compression garments, and other accessories. Compression garments and accessories are not merely temporary cover-ups, they are an essential part of recovery in most plastic surgery procedures. Your doctor will have recommendations for the type of compression garment or accessories that must be worn for a specified duration after surgery. Breast surgery patients will also receive specific instructions regarding the type of bra and when it is to be worn in the weeks after surgery. Most garments or bras must be worn continuously (all day and night) for at least a week after surgery. For surgeries such as liposuction, abdominal surgery or breast surgery, the twenty-four-hour use (included showering) of compression garments or bras may be required for months after surgery.