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Prepping for Surgery? 5 Pre-surgery Tips for Self-Care

When you’re getting ready for a surgical procedure like a facelift, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation, there are a few things you can do to ensure your safe healing and increase your chances for optimal results. You don’t have to wait until right before your surgery—you can start making changes today! Taking actions to make yourself stronger and healthier gives you a better possibility for a successful outcome and an easier recovery.

1.     Clean Up Your Diet

Eating a diet full of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables is important to provide the beneficial nutrients a body needs to heal itself. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are key in helping the body reduce inflammation. Avoid processed foods and red meats as these are more difficult for the body to break down.

2.     Get Moving

Surgery causes stress on your body. Having a better fitness level before surgery reduces the chances for complications, speeds up your recovery time, and helps you bounce back into your active lifestyle quicker.

Beginning an exercise regimen in the weeks before your surgery increases your stamina. Start slowly by adding daily aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, jogging, or dancing. These activities help improve your heart and lung strength and are keys to a healthy recovery.

3.     Toss Those Bad Habits

There’s never been a better time to be a quitter! Bad habits like smoking, drinking, or other drugs can affect your surgical outcome, so it’s important to be honest with your physicians to avoid issues following surgery.

Smoking leads to a much higher risk of complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, following surgery. It also decreases blood flow to surgical wounds that could lead to lengthier healing times and potential infections. Staying smoke-free following surgery leads to a quicker recovery.

Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours before any surgical procedure. Alcohol increases the possibility of postoperative bleeding, affecting your recovery. Anesthesia and alcohol are both metabolized in the liver, which means the liver would have to work harder to eliminate the anesthesia’s affects.

Alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs all affect the anesthesia you receive. If you have these substances in your system, higher doses of anesthesia may be required, putting you at higher risk for cardiac events.

4.     See Your Primary Doctor

In the weeks prior to surgery, you should check in with your primary doctor. Your doctor is a great resource for your overall health, so keep them updated about all upcoming procedures. Your doctor may also check that your blood pressure and blood sugar are both well-controlled, ensuring you are healthy enough for the procedure. 

Before your surgery, your doctor may need to confirm which medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking to verify if any adjustments need to be made. Certain medications that impact bleeding, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and anti-coagulants, may need to be stopped prior to your surgery. Some vitamins and supplements may interfere with or interact with pain medications or anesthesia.

5.     Partner with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Last, but certainly not least, you should enlist the help of a highly qualified and board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Kristopher Hamwi of Florida Plastic Surgery and Medspa has trained extensively at some of the world’s most renowned institutions.

In addition to his considerable training and expertise, Dr. Hamwi truly cares about his patients and is dedicated to helping them find confidence through effective and proven aesthetic procedures. Dr. Hamwi will educate you on your options, answer any questions you may have, and never pressure you to make a decision you aren’t ready to make.

Ready to get Started?

See why countless women and men have chosen to begin their aesthetic journey with Dr. Hamwi by calling 941-800-2000 or contacting us online today! We look forward to seeing you soon.