Medical Evaluation:

• Complete all required medical evaluations and tests before the surgery date.

• Provide a full list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as some may need to be temporarily stopped.

Medication Restrictions:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil) for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery to reduce bleeding risks.

Dietary Guidelines:

• All surgical procedures require fasting (no food or drink) after midnight on the day before surgery, as general anesthesia will be used.

Smoking and Alcohol:

• All patients must not have smoked within the last 3 months in order to receive a surgery date.

• Avoid alcohol for at least a week prior to the procedure.

Skin Care:

• Follow any specific skin preparation instructions provided by your surgeon, such as using special washes or avoiding certain products.

Day Before Surgery:

• Shower using antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infections.

• Do not eat or drink anything past the time advised by your surgeon, typically after midnight.

• Prepare your home for recovery by setting up a comfortable rest area, ensuring essential items are within easy reach.

Morning of Surgery:

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, if instructed to fast.

• Avoid makeup, jewelry, and nail polish, and wear loose, comfortable clothing to the surgery centre.

Transportation and Support:

• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery center, and if possible, to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours post-operation.

Personal Items:

• Leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items (ID, insurance card, payment, and contact information).

Medications:

• Take only the medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon with a small sip of water.

Consultation and Medical Evaluation:

• Ensure all consultations and pre-operative evaluations are completed as scheduled.

• Disclose your complete health history, medications, supplements, and any allergies to your surgeon.

Medications:

• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications for at least 2 weeks before surgery, as they can increase bleeding risk.

• Discuss with your surgeon the management of your regular medications prior to surgery.

• Avoid herbal supplements and vitamins that may affect bleeding and anesthesia.

Smoking and Alcohol:

• Stop smoking and using nicotine products for at least 4-6 weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications.

• Avoid alcohol for at least one week before your surgery and two weeks after.

Eating and Drinking:

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day before your surgery unless instructed otherwise.

Personal Preparation:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and, if recommended, to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours post-operation.

• Have a recovery area set up at home that is comfortable and includes essential items within reach (water, medications, phone, etc.).

• Prepare and freeze meals ahead of time for a more comfortable and stress-free recovery.

Day Before Surgery:

• Confirm your surgery time and arrival time with the clinic/hospital.

• Take a shower the night before or the morning of your surgery using an antibacterial soap.

• Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, or jewelry, and dress in loose, comfortable clothing.

Health Maintenance:

• Maintain a healthy diet leading up to your surgery to support your immune system.

• Stay hydrated but follow specific instructions about drinking water if your surgery is scheduled early in the day.

Recovering from plastic surgery can significantly vary depending on the procedure, but there are universal tips that can help ensure a smoother recovery process. Following post-operative instructions from your plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving the best outcomes and minimizing the chances of complications.

Here are some beneficial recovery tips:

Prepare Your Home in Advance:

• Making your living space recovery-friendly before the day of surgery can greatly reduce stress and promote a more comfortable healing process. This may include arranging a comfortable sleeping area, pre-cooking meals, and ensuring that essential items are within easy reach.

Follow a Healthy Diet:

• Proper nutrition supports healing. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can aid in your recovery. As suggested, fruit-based popsicles or crackers might be helpful if you find yourself with a diminished appetite post-surgery.

Stay Hydrated:

• Keeping your body well-hydrated is essential after surgery. Water can help flush out toxins, reduce the risk of constipation associated with some medications, and promote wound healing.

Avoid Certain Activities:

• It's important to follow your surgeon's advice regarding activities to avoid during your recovery. This often includes avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and in some cases, specific movements that might stress the surgical site.

Manage Your Pain:

• Your surgeon will likely prescribe medication to help manage post-operative pain. Taking your medications as directed can help you stay comfortable and make it easier to move around or do necessary post-op exercises.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments:

• Post-operative visits allow your surgeon to monitor your healing and address any concerns. These appointments are crucial for ensuring everything is progressing as expected.

Wear Recommended Compression Garments:

• If recommended for your type of surgery, wearing compression garments can help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:

• Smoking can severely impair healing by restricting blood flow, and alcohol can interfere with your body’s recovery process and medication effectiveness.

Stay Mobile (within recommended limits):

• Light walking or gentle movements can improve circulation and prevent blood clots. However, it's important to listen to your body and not overdo it.

Listen to Your Body:

• Everyone's recovery is unique. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out to your surgeon. Prompt communication can prevent complications.