What Should You Do Before Lubbock Plastic Surgery?

Preparation is the key to having success in almost everything we do. From studying for a big test to planning your dream wedding, the amount of prep work you do ahead of time can easily make or break the final outcome. When it comes to plastic surgery, Lubbock patients will also get the best long-term results if they plan ahead. Whether it’s a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a facelift you’re getting ready for, spending a little extra time to prepare now will be beneficial for your surgery, healing process, and results. 

Getting ready for plastic surgery takes more than just a few fun shopping trips for clothes or accessories to show off your new look; it means taking care of yourself and making sure things are in order before your surgery day comes. Doctors recommend taking the following steps to make your Lubbock plastic surgery experience as smooth as possible.

Do Your Homework

Learning all you can about your procedure will put your mind at ease and help reduce stress about the surgery. Doctors and nurses all agree that the best patient is an educated patient, meaning they have done their research and are well informed about the surgery they are having. It can be very calming to know what to expect along every step of the way. A thorough understanding of your procedure also helps to solidify your decision to have plastic surgery. 

There are plenty of sources of information about plastic surgery available, but not all of them are reliable. Many of the things you read on the internet should be taken with a grain of salt, or even ignored completely. Your board-certified surgeon is the first source you should turn to, but if you want to find facts online, make sure they are credible. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are both great resources to check out online for further information about your procedure.

Double Check Your Medications

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on which medications are acceptable before and after your plastic surgery in Lubbock. It is essential that you follow them strictly so you stay healthy and safe. Some common supplements and medicines that should not be taken close to surgery include:

  • Vitamin E supplements
  • Blood thinners
  • Ibuprofen
  • Any medication containing aspirin

Make Your Home Recovery Friendly

  • Food prep: Fill up your refrigerator with healthy snacks and stock your freezer with some ready-to-eat meals. Instead of giving in to the temptation and convenience of fast food, prepare a few frozen homemade meals so you’ll have something nutritious to restore your body’s energy as it heals. Fruits, veggies, lean meats, and healthy sources of protein will help you to heal quickly after Lubbock plastic surgery. 
  • Entertainment: Grab the latest bestselling book and pick out a new TV show to binge on so you can enjoy your downtime while you recover. 
  • Comfort: Gather or buy plenty of pillows and blankets to create a comfortable recovery space. Depending on the type of procedure you have, certain sleeping positions may be off limits so you may need those extra pillows to get a good night’s rest. 
  • Put things within arms reach: Some plastic surgery procedures will limit your ability to reach, carry, or lift things. If you know you’ll need items that are usually kept in high cabinets, move them temporarily to a spot that will be more manageable for you during your early recovery period. 

Take Care of Business

When you get home from your Lubbock plastic surgery, rest and recovery will be the only things on your mind. Be sure to fill prescriptions, get groceries, pay bills, and check off anything else on your to-do list that is pressing before your surgery day comes. That way, you won’t have to worry or stress over your everyday errands and you can focus on healing. 

Enlist Your Family and Friends

No matter the type of plastic surgery, Lubbock friends and family are always willing to help. Ask your dependable loved ones to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first night. If you live alone, consider staying with someone until you feel confident that you can care for yourself. If you have children, you will need extra help since your physical abilities will most likely be very limited for the first week or so.

Quit Smoking Before and After Plastic Surgery 

It’s only natural to focus on the end results of plastic surgery more than the process itself. But without a healthy healing period, the end result may not be what you had in mind. That’s why quitting smoking, at least temporarily, is essential. The addictive ingredient in cigarettes–nicotine–can have detrimental effects on the body and can slow the healing process or even be life-threatening after surgery. Here’s what you need to know when considering a smoking cessation plan for plastic surgery.

Nicotine Constricts the Blood Vessels

Certain surgery procedures can be even more affected by nicotine than others. For example, when getting a tummy tuck, surgeons must cut a portion of the blood supply from some tissue to move it from its original location to another for improving function, appearance, or sometimes both. Nicotine shrinks blood vessels, which limits the flow of blood to the area. This is counterproductive as it can cause destruction and necrosis, or death of the tissue, in some cases.

More Effects of Nicotine

The effects of nicotine don’t end with restricted blood flow. In addition to putting nicotine users at risk of oxygen shortage in the body, patients could also experience blood clots and are at a much higher risk of developing an infection. Patients who smoke also put themselves at risk for improper wound healing. The results from their plastic surgery in Lubbock may not be optimal and their scars are more likely to be red, raised, or prominent.  

Smoking Cessation Timeline

Dr. Jane Rowley recommends her Lubbock plastic surgery patients stop the use of all types of nicotine products (not just cigarettes) for six weeks before surgery and two-to-three weeks after to ensure they are getting the proper blood flow and oxygen necessary to heal correctly. Because nicotine can be so detrimental to the outcome of plastic surgery, Lubbock men and women who smoke should not even use a nicotine patch during this time.

It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. If patients who use nicotine can commit to stopping for the required amount of time before and after surgery, they will more likely see the results they desire. 

Consult With the Trusted Expert for Lubbock Plastic Surgery

Even with a routine procedure, it is wise to prepare your body, your home, and your support system ahead of time. Doing so will reduce your stress level and aid in your recovery. Not only will a little preparation make the plastic surgery process easier, it will help you achieve the cosmetic appearance you want. Dr. Jane Rowley’s recommendations come from extensive medical training and board certification. She also has over 20 years of medical practice, making her the most experienced plastic surgeon in Lubbock. Call today for your no-obligation consultation to discuss your options for plastic surgery in Lubbock and to learn about the expert care you can expect from Rowley Plastic Surgery.

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