Plastic surgery offers clients a transformative experience that leads to a sense of rejuvenation, self-confidence, and empowerment. The patient’s proactive approach is an essential component in the journey to reaching the desired destination. 

Quality and qualified plastic surgery clinics like Stratus Plastic Surgery share a collaboration where each is responsible for ensuring effective results. This means being prepared by following the surgeon’s guidelines to set the stage for optimal recovery results.

Before you decide to get any kind of plastic surgery done, you should consider preparing for the procedure. For this, you can take the guidance of your surgeon and follow through with his advice.

Moreover, taking proper measures and preparation for your surgical procedure can ensure that you recover faster. It also ensures that you have a successful surgery done.

If you are wondering what you need to take as preparatory measures for your plastic surgery, here’s a complete guide for you.

Keep reading!

Guidance on How to Have a Successful Plastic Surgery

Getting ready for plastic surgery involves adequate planning and preparation to minimize risks, get the most effective results, and ensure a seamless recovery. Whether you are getting a reconstructive or a cosmetic procedure, the right preparation is key to having a successful surgery.

Here are the tips that you can follow to ensure your plastic surgery is properly conducted.

Distinct Objectives

Before committing to surgery, set distinct objectives that you hope to achieve before meeting with the surgeon for a consultation. When you have specific objectives and goals for your plastic surgery, you can increase your chances of getting a good plastic surgery.

Moreover, your surgeon can help you to develop a proper plan and address your specific needs. This way, he can ensure that you get exactly what you were looking for through your plastic surgery.

For instance, specific objectives would include removing the bags from under your eyes or having a tummy that appears tighter and flatter. Nonspecific goals are to have a tummy that looks better. 

This leaves too much to interpretation and makes it difficult to develop an effective care plan. Also, the doctor can only determine the way to the most realistic result if they understand precisely what you’re looking for.

Become Familiar

Part of the process involves becoming familiar with the procedure to provide informed consent. It’s important to be aware of all options available, how the treatment will be given, and any risks or side effects associated with the procedure.

So, it’s vital to reach out for reliable information as opposed to searching the internet. Researching on the internet can bring confusing and contradictory information from questionable sources. This can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.

The thing to remember is that the media promotes the “horror” stories to gain attention even if these are rare and unusual scenarios. Patients get accurate information from resources like the ASPS—American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the ABPS—American Board of Plastic Surgery.

These websites are of the highest integrity and are readily accessible for clients to address questions and concerns. Visit – How Does Plastic Surgery Work? | Northwestern Medicine – to learn how plastic surgery works.

Plan and Prepare

The first step is establishing a realistic budget that accounts for all the necessary costs and allows for potential complications. Many patients use a line of credit or pay directly with a credit card for the procedure.

Whereas some clinics work with patients to set up a payment plan, enabling them to pay over time, others take immediate credit options for payment.

Once the financing and consultation are in line, the practitioner develops a care plan and instructions for pre- and post-preparation. For many surgical procedures, it’s typical to have a physical exam and blood testing for anesthesia assessment.

So, the surgeon will perform several steps to reduce the potential for adverse effects or complications.

Some common instructions include:

• Refraining from meds that increase bleeding risks.
• Refrain from supplements or herbal products, and vitamins as instructed by the doctor.
• Refrain from unnecessary overexertion prior to the procedure to avoid dehydration.
• Obtain the item needed for recovery before having the procedure to be optimally prepared.
• Ensure your home is ready for your return home with food, comfortable clothing, and someone to assist.
• Have reliable transportation following surgery, someone who can relay instructions to you, since you will be foggy and unable to remember the details.

Pre and Post-Instructions

The surgeon will provide directions in preparation for the procedure and aftercare. These should be carefully followed. You should clarify all your doubts and questions before proceeding with the procedure. And, the outcome of the surgery can depend on the doctor’s performance and the aftercare.

Many of the instructions are relatively simple and straightforward, such as taking a pill, while others need more detail and can be somewhat complex, like recording fluid output in a drain. 

However, this needs to be done properly for an accurate result. Your surgeon will give you clear paperwork to follow with your recovery directives. 

The Follow-up

Aftercare means more than the recovery process. Plastic surgery tends to have a longer list of directives compared to elective procedures. However, some injections and laser treatments need additional post-treatment care. 

Also, stitch removal and its timing vary according to the procedure and the type of sutures. Certain plastic surgery requires a drain. And, the removal timing is a decision for the practitioner. 

For instance, a rhinoplasty, or nose job, might require a splint to be placed over the nose, or material in the nose and these will need to be removed. You need to visit your doctor for such follow-ups.

Most of these follow-up appointments are brief. However, these allow the surgeon to monitor your progress closely for potential complications and keep you on track.

Patience is key

The key to an effective and successful plastic surgery is to have realistic expectations and patience for the full effect to be realized. Some things to remember:

• Establish distinct objectives for what you want from the surgery.
• Consult with a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon, one you feel comfortable and confident with.
• Learn about surgery, the benefits, potential risks, and alternatives.
• Consider the costs and establish a realistic budget.
• Plan and prepare in advance.
• Follow aftercare instructions precisely.
• Follow up with the surgeon.
• Have realistic expectations and be patient.

You won’t see the full effect immediately. You should know that complete healing following surgery takes time, as long as 12 months. 

However, you can return to work and many of your activities much sooner than that. But the scar tissue softening and the reduction in scar visibility can take several months. 

It can be difficult, but patience in these circumstances is crucial. And, with proper knowledge and realistic expectations, you can look forward to a successful outcome for your plastic surgery.