After careful thought and research, you have made the potentially life-changing decision to have a plastic surgery procedure that will transform your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Now that you are armed with knowledge, your next step is to learn what you can do to prepare for your plastic surgery procedure. Taking some simple steps can actually speed your healing and recovery.
Physical Preparation
Your body is an amazing network of systems that, when given proper nutrition and exercise and enough sleep, can have amazing powers of regeneration. Be sure to ask your facelift surgeon what vitamins and supplements you should take leading up to your surgery as well as those that should be deleted from your diet. In general, it’s a good idea to supplement your diet both before and after the surgery with high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper and selenium. These vitamins and minerals will bolster your immune system and reduce the chance of infection.
If you smoke, this would be an ideal time to quit the habit; cigarettes impede the healing process by restricting oxygen and blood flow. Several weeks before surgery, make sure to start drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious, high-protein foods. You will not only be strengthening your body for the procedure to come and enhancing your ability to heal but also starting good habits that can last a lifetime.
Free Up Your Schedule
Whether your procedure is small and relatively uncomplicated or more complex, it is still surgery. Give your body the time and space it needs to recuperate by clearing your schedule of stressful or involved activities. Ask your facelift surgeon to give you an idea of how long you will need to restrict your activities and stay at home.
Make the necessary arrangements for sick or vacation leave from work, and stock up on healthy foods. You might even want to prepare a few meals in advance and freeze them just to make things easier. If you live alone, consider inviting a friend or family member to spend a few days with you immediately following your procedure. This person can provide emotional support, run errands and potentially spot physical symptoms of which you are unaware so that you can contact your plastic surgeon’s office.
Reduce Your Stress
It has long been known that stress plagues the immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to recuperate. With this in mind, do all you can to minimize the things that cause you to become tense and agitated. Make it a point to meditate, listen to music or go for long walks each day in preparation for your procedure. By doing so, your ability to recover and regenerate will be enhanced.
Now that you have made plans to undergo a procedure, you have chosen to embark on an exciting journey of physical enhancement. By consciously taking steps to prepare for your plastic surgery procedure and your environment for the big event, you will maximize your chances for a smooth and quick recovery. In just a matter of weeks or months, the new you will become apparent for the whole world to see.
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
