4 Plastic Surgery Prep Steps

Most patients that have plastic surgery focus on the end result of the surgery. They don’t often think about the steps that are necessary to prepare for the actual surgery itself. While some plastic surgeries require specific steps to prepare for the procedure, there are common steps that can benefit anyone who has made the decision to make a positive change in their appearance through such procedures as blepharoplasty, buttock augmentation, breast augmentation, etc.

1. Learn Everything Possible About The Procedure – The more a patient understands about a procedure, the better prepared he (or she) is for the surgery. Plus, being aware of the pros and cons of surgery helps make it less scary and intimidating when undergoing the procedure.
2. Realistic Expectations Are Important – Some patients think that plastic surgery is a magical experience that can make any of their desired results happen. They do not enter the surgery with realistic expectations and this can lead to disappointment in the final results. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is a vital step in determining the results that can be achieved by the surgery.
3. Choose the Right Doctor – Patients should not make a decision about which doctor to use based on the price charged by the surgeon. A cheaper price does not always equal great results while saving money. Proper research is necessary to find a board-certified doctor who specializes in the procedure the patient is interested in having performed.
4. Follow The Instructions – The surgeon will give each patient a set of instructions to follow in order to properly prepare for the surgery. Following the instructions will help the healing process as well as maximize the results of the surgery. In general, patients will be asked to stop smoking a few weeks before surgery as smoking can delay the healing process. They will also be instructed to stop taking aspirin at least 3-7 days prior to surgery as aspirin can cause bleeding problems during surgery.

For more detailed steps about how to prepare for plastic surgery, patients should check with their doctor during a consultation appointment. An experienced doctor will listen to the concerns and questions of a patient and put their mind at ease before the day of the surgery.

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