How to prepare your body for plastic surgery

Dr. Luke Cusimano, FACS

How to prepare your body for plastic surgery

May 25, 2023 | Blog

Preparing your body for plastic surgery is an essential step in ensuring a safe and successful procedure. Here are some tips on how to prepare your body for plastic surgery in Baton Rouge:

  • Follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions – your plastic surgeon will provide you with a list of pre-operative instructions. Among other things, you’ll be asked to stop taking certain medications, avoid certain foods and beverages, and refrain from smoking. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
  • Maintain a healthy diet – eating a healthy diet may help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in the weeks leading up to your treatment.
  • Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water helps keep your body hydrated and also promotes healing. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day as you prepare for the surgery.
  • Exercise regularly – regular exercise may help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. However, avoid strenuous exercise in the days before the surgery.
  • Get plenty of rest – getting enough sleep is essential for your body to heal and recover after surgery. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine – alcohol and caffeine may interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Make sure to avoid these substances as you prep for your surgery.
  • Quit smoking – smoking may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before your procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
  • Manage stress – stress may have a negative impact on your body’s ability to heal and recover after surgery. Make sure to manage stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
  • Arrange for support – make sure you have someone to help you with daily activities after your surgery, such as preparing meals and doing household chores. It is also important to have someone to drive you home after your procedure.
  • Avoid blood thinners – certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin, may thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking these medications several weeks before your procedure. Make a point to discuss any blood thinners you are taking with your surgeon before your surgery.
  • Avoid certain herbal supplements – herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginseng, may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking these supplements a couple of weeks before you undergo surgery.
  • Vitamin E – high doses of vitamin E may also increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking vitamin E supplements as you plan ahead for the treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure – sun exposure may cause skin damage and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Make sure to avoid direct sun exposure and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as you prep for the treatment.
  • Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water may help keep your body hydrated and promote healing. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
  • Consider quitting smoking – smoking may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, consider quitting at least several weeks before your procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your surgeon for advice and resources to help you quit smoking.
  • Manage any chronic health conditions – if you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to manage it carefully. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and inform your surgeon of any medical conditions you have.
  • Plan for recovery – after your surgery, you will need time to rest and recover. Make sure you have arrangements in place for someone to help you with daily activities, such as preparing meals and doing household chores.

Remember to always consult with your plastic surgeon before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, and to ask any questions you may have about preparing your body for surgery.