In order to boost the chances of a safe and effective operation, there are certain precautions you can take prior to surgery. Newport Beach plastic surgeon Richard H. Lee offers several tips to help you prepare for plastic surgery.
Be Honest with Dr. Lee
When you first meet with Dr. Lee to discuss your procedure, he will ask you questions about your health history, certain lifestyle habits and the medications that you take. It’s crucial that you be candid and honest with Dr. Lee about these topics. You may have certain risk factors that affect the operation, and he needs to know about them, no matter how embarrassing or private they may seem. Even if, for example, you don’t consider an occasional cigarette to be a big deal, Dr. Lee needs to have this information to properly assess you.
Undergo Lab Testing
This can vary by case, but in some instances, Dr. Lee will ask you to undergo lab testing prior to your procedure. An example of this is getting a mammogram prior to breast surgery. Lab testing gives Dr. Lee a more comprehensive idea of your current health status.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, it’s imperative that you quit at least two weeks prior to surgery. Smoking can inhibit your post-operative healing and put you at risk for complications.
Adjust Current Medications
During your initial consultation with Dr. Lee, he will ask you about the medications, vitamins and supplements you currently take. As you prepare for surgery, he may instruct you to avoid taking certain drugs — including aspirin and anti-inflammatory meds, which can increase the risk of bleeding. He will give you detailed instructions for which drugs to stop taking and when it is safe to resume taking them after surgery.
Follow Healthy Lifestyle Habits
As you prepare for your surgery, you want to be in the best shape possible. Eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest and avoid alcohol. On their blog Smart Beauty Guide, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says, “Be sure to load up on fruits and veggies in the months before your procedure, as these elements can greatly increase heart and brain health.”
Do Your Research
For the best chances of a successful surgical outcome, educate yourself about the procedure and what it entails. Research the operation, read stories written by other patients who have undergone similar procedures and learn as much as you can about realistic surgical outcomes. Ask to look at before and after pictures of Dr. Lee’s previous patients. The more informed you feel about your procedure, the more likely it is that you will be happy afterward.
Contact Dr. Lee
If you have a question about preparing for plastic surgery, or if you would like more information about a particular procedure, please contact Dr. Lee by calling (949) 548-9312 or sending an email.
