Congratulations on your decision to undergo your chosen plastic surgery procedure! Having cosmetic surgery to address a bothersome aesthetic concern can be a positive, life-changing experience. Nonetheless, having any type of surgical procedure is a serious undertaking that requires proper preparation. To help ensure you experience an optimal surgical outcome, Dr. Michael F. Bohley shares the following three useful tips about how to prepare for your surgery day.

#1: Make Any Necessary Arrangements

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can recover in the comfort of your own home. However, most procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so you may feel groggy afterward. Also, you may have a limited range of motion or physical ability for a few days following your procedure. For these reasons, it’s best to make any necessary arrangements for your recovery from surgery before your actual surgery day. Things you should do prior to the day of your surgery include:

  • Complete any required lab tests
  • Fill your prescribed medications
  • Arrange to take time off work (how long depends on your specific procedure)
  • Arrange to have a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first night following surgery (longer for certain procedures such as mommy makeover, especially if you have young children that require assistance)
  • Cover your car, couch and bed with plastic sheeting if you anticipate fluid drainage after certain procedures such as liposuction
  • Put ice packs, prescriptions, gauze and any other needed items in an easy-to-access location
  • Keep loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off close by

#2: Eat Healthy Foods (and Stay Hydrated)

Your body needs nutritious foods to heal properly, both before and after surgery. Start focusing on eating healthy foods as soon as possible. Foods high in antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients will help your cells and tissues heal while highly processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt are difficult for your body to digest and will generally impede the body’s ability to heal. Every day, load up on a lot of fruits and vegetables — in every color of the rainbow — and eat some whole grains and lean protein sources and a bit of fatty acids.

Likewise, your body is about 70-percent water, so it is crucial to stay hydrated before and after surgery. Being well hydrated helps encourage good blood circulation and helps flush out any toxins from your body. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

#3: Abstain From Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do before and after your cosmetic surgery procedure. Smoking introduces a plethora of toxic chemicals into your body and robs your blood of the life-giving oxygen needed to support your body’s healing mechanisms. Smoking also causes your blood vessels to constrict, making it difficult to deliver blood to your healing tissues. It can cause serious complications including causing your wounds to reopen. If you are a smoker, be prepared to quit smoking for several weeks prior to and following surgery.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bohley to learn more about your cosmetic surgery treatment options, please contact his practice by calling (503) 253-3458 today.