Thinking about having plastic surgery in Phoenix AZ? Planning for your procedure can seem daunting and scary. You may be anxious about the surgery itself and eager to see your post-operative changes. Taking the time to learn as much as possible about your procedure can go a long way to calm your nerves and prepare you for a successful outcome. In this post, we highlight 8 easy steps to effectively prepare for your plastic surgery procedure.
1. Select the right procedure
The first step is to determine what type of plastic surgery procedure you are interested in (check out the top 10 plastic surgeries in 2020). Generally, there are two types: reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstructive plastic surgery procedures focus on addressing physical birth defects or injuries. Women who have had one or both of their breasts removed as part of cancer treatment can also benefit from reconstructive plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery procedures, on the other hand, are conducted purely for cosmetic reasons. Examples of these procedures range from breast treatments such as augmentation mammoplasty to facelifts and buttock augmentation. The right plastic surgery procedure should be determined by your specific requirements. Attending an initial first consultation with your selected is usually a good first step to figure this part out.
2. Choose a seasoned surgeon
Thanks to advances in technology and developments in the field of plastic surgery, most procedures are highly successful. Studies have shown that nearly 90 percent of patients who had plastic surgery were satisfied with the outcome. Still, working with the right surgeon is key. Start your search online to see which surgeons are rated highly in your city or state. Look for certification by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery). Membership with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or other professional membership organizations can also be a good sign. You also want to make sure that the surgeon has significant experience particularly in the specific procedure that you are interested in. Ask to see before and after photos and also get a few contacts to past patients so you can contact them for first-hand feedback.
3. Stop smoking weeks before the surgery
Dr. Tessler and other plastic surgeons require that you quit smoking at least a few weeks before the date of your surgery. This is important because cigarettes and tobacco products can interfere with blood supply and slow down the healing process. You’ll also be asked to take a break from alcohol and stop taking certain types of medication and herbal supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding. It is important that you adhere to these and other recovery instructions in order to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery thereafter.
4. Learn what to eat before surgery
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet in the weeks before your plastic surgery can go a long way to ensure that your body is ready. Experts emphasize that you focus on a diet that is rich in fruits, proteins, vegetables, and nutrients that fight off infections and support healing. Consider consulting both your plastic surgeon and nutritionist for ideas on what specific foods are ideal for your plastic surgery preparation.
5. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is absolutely important when preparing for plastic surgery because water improves tissue health and sustains important functions such as circulation and digestion. Doctors recommend that you take 6 – 8 glasses per day so you can effectively cleanse and hydrate your body. You may replace water with healthy beverages such as homemade smoothies, fruit juice, and fat-free milk.
Get your recovery supplies ahead of time
Keep in mind that following your plastic surgery, you won’t be able to move around and take care of basic chores. For this reason, it is important that you order your recovery supplies ahead of time and prepare a space where you can get plenty of rest. Your surgeon’s office will help you come up with a list of supplies. Common items include ice packs, books, healthy snacks, and extra pillows.
6. Get a support system
It helps to arrange for someone (close family member, friend, etc) to drive you home and help out with basic chores after you are discharged from the hospital. Plastic surgeons ask that you take as much rest as possible especially over the first 48 hours. Having a helping hand around can contribute to peace of mind and help you relax. Staying with someone you can talk to can also help you stay balanced especially at a time when you may be anxious about the outcome of your plastic surgery.
7. Arrange for financing
Health insurers will usually pay for reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction. However, most insurance providers will not pay for procedures that are considered to be elective in nature (cosmetic treatments such as breast augmentation). For this reason, you need to make your own arrangements for financing. Get in touch with the surgeon’s office so you can learn more about the cost of the plastic surgery you are interested in. Usually, an initial consultation visit is needed so that an individualized cost estimate is created based on your unique requirements.
Conclusion
Selecting a highly qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Tessler and adhering to the rest of the instructions in this article can go a long way to ensure that you have a smooth experience during your plastic surgery treatment. Schedule a consultation and ask questions to learn more about what options are available for you.