The way you prepare for an upcoming cosmetic surgery procedure helps determine the final outcome of the surgery. Making changes to your habits and lifestyle in the weeks leading up to the surgery will ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Before you schedule any type of procedure, you also want to sit down with the surgeon and have a conversation.

Do: Consult with the Surgeon

A consultation with the surgeon well in advance of any procedure is a must. The consultation gives you a chance to vet the surgeon and to ask any questions or express any concerns. During the consultation, you’ll learn whether or not the doctor is board certified. For example, Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The consultation is the time to learn as much as you can about both the doctor and the procedure. You’ll learn what to expect in terms of results and recovery time. Use the consultation as a time to discuss costs and financing, any concerns you have about risk, and what you can expect from the procedure.

Don't: Keep Up Bad Habits

Your surgeon will tell you to put an end to certain habits a few weeks before your surgery. You should stop smoking. Tobacco makes it more difficult for the body to heal. It increases the risk of complications during a procedure. Ask your doctor about any other habits that you have which might interfere with a procedure.

Do: Adjust Medications as Needed

If you take any medications regularly, tell your surgeon. You might need to taper off of them before the surgery or take a reduced dosage. The same is true of any nutritional supplements that you take, such as vitamin E, which should be stopped in advance of surgery. The surgeon might tell you to start or keep taking other types of vitamins, such as a multi-vitamin or an iron supplement.

Don't: Go It Alone

Before you head into the operating room, have a plan in place for what will happen right after the surgery. If you're getting an outpatient procedure, have someone scheduled to pick you up afterwards. You might also want ask a friend or family member to stay with you for a few days as you recover.

If you are considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure but have not made a decision yet, check out this recent blog entry to find out if plastic surgery is for you.

Posted in: Experienced Plastic Surgery