Planning a cosmetic surgery surgery is not merely choosing the date of your procedure. And over my career that is thousands of patients through this process. All of you can greatly benefit your surgical outcome and post-surgery experience if you put in the proper preparations.
Mental and physical preparedness are important in surgery success. I have noted how better prepared patients show a better outcome and their recoveries are smoother. I would like to describe my detailed strategy of pre-surgical preparation.
Understanding your motivation
I would always start with assisting the patients in scrutinizing their motivation of surgery. Knowing the reason you desire the procedure helps to have realistic expectations. Do you want to resume self-confidence or cope with a certain issue?
I recommend that the patients put in writing their goals and expectations. This practice will assist in making sense as to whether the surgery matched their personal values. Occasionally a patient would realize that he/she requires time to reflect more on the decision.
In my case the external influence of others can hardly produce good results. It should be an internally driven force fuelled by your self-interests. If you are engaged in pressure by family, friends or partners, I would suggest waiting.
Setting realistic expectations
I extensively talk about the realistic outcomes to each patient. These expectations regarding surgical outcomes are usually unrealistic as presented by the social media and celebrity culture. The nature of your anatomy will decide what outcomes can be achieved by you as an individual.
I present before and after pictures of comparable cases in consultations. This enables patients to have a realistic picture of what to expect other than what can be termed as fantasized. Computer imaging may be useful but should not promise particular results.
The recovery intervals also differ majorly among the patients and procedures. I say it is a long process and healing takes weeks and weeks. Early outcomes can always get better as time passes because swelling decreases and tissues level.
Managing pre-surgery anxiety
Needless to say, it is perfectly normal to be nervous about surgery. I would suggest that these feelings are best not to be suppressed and should be acknowledged instead. Anxiety is frequently based on fear of what is unknown or is based on fear of consequences.
I would suggest to patients to explain me their concerns. Through education and clear communication, most of the fears will be dealt with. The reduction in anxiety is usually brought by knowledge of the surgical procedure.
On the pre-operative stress Deep breathing exercises are helpful. I educate the patients on basic approaches that they can apply pre and post-operative condition. Guided relaxation recordings or meditation apps will also be helpful.
Building a support system
I recommend to the patients to organize family/friend support in advance. The first few days after recovery you will require the help in everyday activities. It is imperative to have someone who drops you home after the surgery.
It is as well emotional support as physical aid. Tell close people, friends, and family about the upcoming surgery and make them supportive. It can help by not speaking to those who cause doubt or may cause negativity.
I suggest the organization of assistance in the sphere of household activities such as cooking and cleaning. Rest is needed in the recovery and with the help, proper recovery can be made. Expect that you reach a one-week period of low activity levels.
Physical sealth optimization
I expect that all of my patients maximize their physical health prior to surgery. Good general health advances healing and leads to the decreased risk of complications. This preparation will have to start some weeks before your date of a procedure.
Medical clearance and blood work are done to detect the presence of health problems. I liaise with your primary care physician to deal with concerns. Uncontrolled diseases should be taken care of prior to surgery.
All of the surgical procedures I do insist on smoking cessation. The use of nicotine reduces the efficiency of blood circulation and significantly raises the dangers of complications. I would advise ceasing nicotine products at least a 6 week period ago.
Nutrition and hydration
Healthy nutrition helps healing and immune system during the process of recovery. I would advise to follow consuming a balanced diet with an increased amount of protein and vitamins. Surgery requires additional nutrients so as to repair body tissues.
Wound healing and recovery are particularly dependent on the intake of protein. I would recommend more lean protein weeks before surgery. Plant proteins, eggs, fish and chicken are all very supportive.
Being hydrated enhances eased blood flow as well as the healing procedure. I would advise that the patient takes a lot of water daily in the run-up to surgery. Local damaged tissue properties such as inability to heal should be avoided by neglecting heavy drinking.
Exercise and physical conditioning
By exercising daily before a surgery, you can enhance your recovery process. I would suggest that you stay at the same pace regarding your fitness level in case you work out regularly. Before surgery, do not embark on an intense new regime.
CV fitness aids circulation and general healing ability. Good cardiovascular health can be retained through walking, swimming or bicycling. Good posture in the process of recovery comes with good core muscles as well.
I would recommend cessation of vigorous exercise a week before operation. You have to be in a favorable state and without any current strain. It is possible to take light walks and stretching even up to surgery.
Medication management
I go over any medications and supplements with patients before surgery. There are drugs that are able to derail surgery or raise the risk of bleeding. Antiplotting agents may require first being discontinued.
Unexpected herbal supplement interactions with healing or anesthesia are possible. I advise halting majority of supplements fortnight before the operation. Of particular concern are fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo.
Then do not stop your medications that have been prescribed without consulting your prescribing physicians first. We sync with your other physicians to ensure safe managers. There are other different medications that have to be tapered slowly instead of terminating them abruptly.
Pre-surgery lifestyle modifications
I suggest that you develop healthy sleep schedules before your surgery. Sleep helps regulates immunity and recovery. Strive to get seven to eight hours a night during the weeks prior.
Alcohol use is to be reduced or avoided before your surgery. Alcohol can hinder healings and react with drugs. I advise not drinking alcoholic beverage at least a week before.
It is especially stressful during the pre-operative stage that stress management is important. Extensive stress may be harmful to healing and recovery. Learn and exercise techniques to reduce your stress.
Preparing your recovery space
I encourage people to get their home situation conducive before surgery. Setup a comfortable healing environment where the things required are easily accessible. Prepare grocery, medication, and other comfort supplies in advance.
As far as it is possible, your recovery space should be on the main floor. They are difficult after some procedures and then climbs stairs. Make sure that there is good seating with proper back support.
Wear comfortable and easy but loose proper clothes. Breast or arm surgery is followed well with front-opening shirts. Slip-ons shoes do not require bending of the body when recovering.
Mental preparation techniques
I educate the patients about the visualization techniques to get ready about surgery. Anxiety can be lessened by visualizing a positive process and easy recovering. Visualize yourself recovering and loving your outcomes.
Self-encouragement is the key to keep the process in a positive frame. Instead, formulate positive thinking in place of destructive thoughts. Concentrate on what the surgery should bring you.
I suggest not reading negative troll forums, or horror stories online. These seldom constitute normal experiences and breed up un-called anxiety. Use quality medical sources of information.
Final week preparation
Preparations should be made the week before surgery and I should read through them. Adhere to pre-operative guidelines to the latter to ensure best safety and outcome. Avoid cutting any last minute changes to the medications and routines.
Make sure that arrangements on the day of surgery and the immediate recovery period are all in place. Reduce the chance of transportation being mistaken and be sure that your supporting person knows he or she will be needed. Never leave matters to chance by having the backup plans.
I would advise a person to get time off work, be cautious of important obligations during recovery. Your body should get energy when healing and not when it is doing other things. Organize a step wise resumption of normal practice.
Day before surgery
I give certain instructions in the pre-operative night. This is oftentimes done through fasting of food and beverages past midnight. Follow pre-medications that have been prescribed.
Have a good night sleep when you can but a certain level of anxiety is natural. Wash in time with antibacterial soap as required. Avoid use of lotions, makeup or nail polish.
To the surgery room, one should come in loose, loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. Unfasten jewelry, contact lens, and dentures in advance. Do not forget to carry your identification and insurance cards.
Creating long-term success
Surgical preparation involves preparation not just in the perioperative time. I talk with all the patients about long-term maintenance of the results. Sustainable long-term results are facilitated by further healthy life style choices.
Scheduled visits enable me to live track your improvement and respond to your concerns. Feel free to call my office with any questions regarding recovery. Communication should be transparent in order to achieve the most desirable results.
And remember that cosmetic surgery in Dubai is a trip not a destination. Successful preparation is the baseline of success and your dedication comes in during recovery. My patients who do their homework with preparation find themselves as having the most positive experiences and outcomes.
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