Looking forward to your upcoming plastic surgery with Dr. Ary Krau? Feeling excited, and perhaps a little nervous? That’s completely normal. Plastic surgery can be a life-changing experience, and it’s common to experience a range of emotions as you anticipate the big day.
One way to minimize anxious or nervous feelings is to properly prepare for your surgery and the recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Ary Krau and our team will provide a written list of instructions for preparing for surgery. By following all of Dr. Krau’s instructions, you increase the chances of healing quickly and as comfortably as possible.
Here are a few general guidelines to help you prepare for plastic surgery:
Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, you need to quit at least two weeks prior to surgery (preferably, a month). Smoking raises the risk of complications during and after surgery. Smoking floods your body with toxic chemicals and constricts the blood vessels. This makes it difficult for the vessels to deliver healthy blood to the treated area as it heals. If need be, speak with your primary care provider about smoking cessation aids or programs.
Nourish Your Body
You want your body to be in peak condition when you go in for surgery. Get eight hours of sleep a night. Exercise regularly. Make sure you eat well-balanced meals and nutritious foods as you anticipate your surgery. Avoid foods that are high in sodium, especially spicy or fatty. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, sources of lean protein and whole grains.
Also, hydrate your body properly by drinking lots of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is good for blood circulation and for flushing toxins out of the body.
You will need to stop taking certain medications, vitamins and supplements (e.g., ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory meds) that raise the risk of complications. Dr. Krau and our team will supply a complete list of these medications, and offer alternatives (e.g., Tylenol is OK as a substitute for ibuprofen).
Make Arrangements for Your Recovery
To help the day of surgery and the subsequent recovery period go smoothly, make the proper arrangements ahead of time:
- Request time off work
- Arrange for help with childcare (if necessary)
- Recruit a loved one to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery
- Prepare your “recovery area” (either bed or couch), making sure that pillows, blankets, liquids and entertainment are within easy reach
- Cover your bed or couch with plastic sheeting if you think you might have fluid drainage
- Stock your fridge with healthy foods that are easy to chew and digest
- Fill your prescriptions
Call or Email Us
If you have any questions about these guidelines, or would like more information about preparing for surgery, please contact Dr. Krau and our team today by calling (305) 861-6881.
