Seven Tips to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Procedure

Preparing for plastic surgery can be scary and even overwhelming. Even when you know the results will look great and improve your quality of life, it is normal to feel some anxiety. When you are ready to have your first cosmetic procedure at Morales Plastic Surgery, you have nothing to worry about! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales and his staff can teach you what you need to know. From your first appointment to the final follow-up, we can take care of you every step of the way. Schedule an online consultation to learn how to prepare for your procedure in Houston, TX. Read on to learn seven tips to prepare for plastic surgery.

1. Schedule plastic surgery procedures when you’re healthy

Whether you choose liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, or a comprehensive mommy makeover, it is important for patients to be in good health. Anyone with an active infection or underlying health condition will have a higher risk of complications. When visiting with Dr. Morales, be prepared to answer questions about your history with certain diseases and conditions. We will also need to know about any medications or supplements you currently take. Based on this information, our clinic can let you know if it is safe to move forward with plastic surgery.

2. Learn what to eat before plastic surgery

Food might be the furthest thing from your mind right now. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet before going under the knife could help you recover faster. A balance of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and nutrients can support healing and fight off infection. Visit with your primary care physician or an experienced nutritionist to learn what to eat before plastic surgery and what foods would be best for your personal health.

3. Stay hydrated by drinking water

When preparing for any procedure, remember to drink plenty of water. Water can improve your tissue health while also sustaining important functions, such as digestion and circulation. On average, individuals should drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water per day to hydrate and cleanse the body. Patients should also keep a bottle of water on hand to stay hydrated throughout their recovery time for plastic surgery procedures.

4. Stop smoking at least several weeks before surgery

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are known to slow down the recovery process. Efficient blood flow is crucial to healing, and smoking can interfere with your ability to supply enough blood to the surgical area. Smoking can also speed up aging, so if your surgery is for cosmetic reasons, you will be able to maintain better results if you stop for good. For all of these reasons and more, patients should plan to stop smoking at least several weeks before and after surgery.

5. Prepare a space to get plenty of rest

Along with knowing what to eat before plastic surgery, patients should also plan out where they rest and sleep. Whether you choose your bedroom or living room, you will want to be in a comfortable and relatively quiet space. Get together everything you might need, including entertainment, like magazines and books, healthy snacks, and the telephone number of Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, in case you need to reach out to our office.

6. Get a support system at home

Make arrangements for a responsible family member to drive you to and from your plastic surgery. That person may need to stay home with you to monitor your progress and make sure that you take any prescribed medications. For the first 2 – 3 days after surgery, you may feel side effects, such as swelling or bruising in the treatment area. A supportive partner can help with any household chores or childcare, or take you to any follow-up appointments if needed.

7. Follow all plastic surgery recovery instructions

Since side effects are likely to occur immediately after your operation, all patients at Morales Plastic Surgery receive complete guidelines about plastic surgery recovery. It is very important to follow all of these instructions to ensure a healthy recovery and eliminate any future complications or risks. For example, we can give you information about wound care to avoid infection or future scarring. Never hesitate to ask Dr. Morales specific questions about the process, including the recovery time for plastic surgery procedures.

What to know about plastic surgery

When people take the time to prepare, cosmetic procedures are well worth the investment and recovery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can teach you what you need to know about plastic surgery so you can look great and feel your best in Houston, TX. It is the goal of Morales Plastic Surgery to offer natural and life-changing results. Learn more about the recovery time for plastic surgery procedures and what to eat before plastic surgery by scheduling an appointment today.