Here's a general guideline to follow when you're preparing to undergo a cosmetic surgical procedure. These are usually referred to as your "Pre-Op" preparations. In the week before your surgery, you'll need to take several steps and follow some detailed instructions.
The Week Of
You should purchase, in advance, any supplies that you may need during recovery. This includes any medical supplies (ointments, cleansers etc.), dressings, compression garments, make-up or special hygiene products. While you're out shopping, you should have any post-op prescriptions filled at your local pharmacy so they're on-hand when you come home and you don't have to worry about them. You're surgeon may have you wash for several days or week before surgery with anti-bacterial soaps and shampoos to help reduce the risk of infection from naturally occurring bacteria on your skin and body. If you're surgeon prescribed any pre-operative medications, make sure you take them as directed.
And speaking of medications, always make sure your plastic surgeon has a detailed account of your medical history, medical conditions and medications you may already be taking. Include any vitamins, supplements or other drugs you may taking as well. All of these factors can affect your surgery, so you will most likely be given instructions on how and when to take your existing medications and which ones you may need to stop.
You will need to find someone to drive you to and from your surgery and someone to stay with you for the first few days following surgery. They may need to help you get around, follow recovery care instructions and bring you basic things. If you don't have anyone who can help you, ask your doctor about post-op care facilities geared towards cosmetic surgery patients.
If you smoke, you should stop smoking at least the night before surgery, if not longer. Smoking can lead to any number of complications including nausea and problems during surgery. Most importantly, smoking is scientifically proven to slow and/or impair the healing process leading to several risks of complication.
The Night Before
The night before your surgery, you'll need to pack a bag with any personal items, medications or essentials you may need. You should pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear after surgery and don't forget your eyeglass or contact lens case - you'll need to store them away safely while in surgery. Leave the valuables at home - don't bring credit cards, wear jewelry or bring anything else valuable to the procedure. Some things you definitely don't want to forget are your insurance card (if necessary), advance directive, living will or medical power of attorney papers.
You'll be given instructions about eating and drinking prior to surgery. Most likely you'll be asked to stop eating or drinking after midnight, if not sooner, the night before your surgery.
Following the pre-operative advice outlined by your surgeon is an important first-step in having a successful and happy procedure.
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