Plastic Surgery Preparation - YTF Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Network

YTF Cosmetic Surgery Patient Network

Plastic Surgery Preparation

Now is the time for you to freak out, have second thoughts, run around looking for recovery supplies and have your life in an emotional upheaval. For many, this is a very stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. It is perfectly natural for you to experience anxiety now that surgery is a few weeks away. Just following the advice, composed with the help of real patients, and things will go much more smoothly.

The Pre-op Appointment
If you schedule a surgery date you will more than likely schedule a pre-operative visit appointment as well. This will entail another trip to the surgeon's office, as well as to a lab for bloodwork which may include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Prothrombin test (PT, or blood clotting), a pregnancy test (if applicable), and possibly an HIV or Hepatitis C test.

You will also deciding last minute details, although you have up until the day of surgery so don't stress. You will go over your instructions again and what medications you shouldn't be taking as well as the ones you SHOULD take before surgery.

You will also be given (or should be given) a list of medications that you must cease or avoid taking. These medications will mostly be aspirin-containing products and supplements that may inhibit clot formation or cause problems with anesthesia. Please visit the Medication & Supplement List page for more information for an incomplete example, or Click Here to view a Printable List of Medications To Avoid (PDF file)

You may also be given a list of things to buy or have around you in your healing room. Things like frozen peas for icing you down to ease the swelling and bruising. Peas stink when they are frozen and defrosted over and over so be careful with your bags! Trust me. A friend of mine developed a hole on one of her bag-o-peas and green stinky pea juice ran all over her, her bandages and bed linens.

You may be asked to buy an anti-bacterial soap, perhaps Hibiclens or Dial Anti-bacterial liquid soap, for cleansing a few days before surgery to kill Staph and other natural, surface bacteria. You will also need to purchase gauze and other types of dressings to tend to your incision area (if applicable). I have provided a list of tips and suggestions for your convenience below or you may click the link for a printable version to have on hand.

Preparing Your Recovery Area

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You should clean your house a few days before your surgery so that you will have time to relax the night before. This includes laundry, the kitchen, dishes, and the bathroom you will be using.
If you have children, arrange for them to be cared for by a family member if you can. The grandparents may look forward to the visit and you could use the break the first few days.
For your four legged "children", arrange for your caretaker to take care of walks, cat box cleanings, etc. If you cannot have them taken care of, be sure their food is easily accessible. You will more than likely have to bend down, but please do so with caution and bend at the knees carefully. Remember to get up slowly and brace yourself for balance.
If you will not have someone to prepare your every meal, have easy to cook (as in microwavable, or easily heated) meals on hand. Or cook your own and freeze them for heating up later. Choose healthful meals and snacks.
If you can, place all of your needed foods and other items within easy reach, preferably at hip level. Including your silverware and can opener!
Purchase several bags of frozen peas, usually 3 to 4 bags will be sufficient This way you will always have a fully frozen bag when you need it. Remember to place the bags in the freezer at least the day before your surgery.
Make helpful lists which your caretaker or significant other may need. This may include thermostat settings, bill due dates, delivery dates, etc. Things that you can not take care of in advance, but that you usually take care of, may be confusing to others.
Place the toiletries you will need, such as extra toilet paper, within reach so that you do not have to reach, bend over, or climb up to get them.
Have an area set up on your nightstand for your medications, with a medication organizer (with day and time dose compartments), and a written back up schedule/check list.
Place several bottles of bottled water and plain, low sodium crackers on your nightstand.
Place your vomit pail (coffee tub with lid) within easy reach as well.
Place Wetnaps, Kleenex and a roll of paper towels within reach.
Saline nasal spray (non-medicated)
Place a digital thermometer near the bed so that you will be reminded to take your temperature. It is a good idea to assign a time schedule for your readings, for instance before you take your AM and PM medications. Write this on your checklist.
Make sure your remote controls have fresh batteries, or are fully charged.
Rent or download movies, video games, purchase books or magazines, or download digital or audio books in advance so that you will have something to do when you are not sleeping.
Have your cellphone, charger cord, and a power supply nearby as well. You can use your cellphone in an emergency and also to call or text for your caretaker.
Have your MP3 player and earbuds nearby with its charger as well
Set up your bed with plenty of pillows including body pillows or "husband" pillows if you have any. if you have a recliner, you may wish to sleep there instead.
Place an extra blanket or throw easily within reach.
You may want to wear comfortable pajamas or sweats Tops which close via buttons or snaps will be easiest for you so you don't have to risk hitting your face while pulling a top over your head (if you have had facial surgery). If you have had body surgery, you will more than likely have to sleep elevated anyway, and wear very comfortable clothing.
If you wear slippers, make sure they have grip on the soles. If you choose to wear socks without grip, take care when walking on slippery surfaces.
Make sure your laptop is charged and that you have a power supply nearby. Especially if you are going to document your experience for a journal.
Make sure you have your digital camera fully charged and has an empty memory stick (or disposable camera).
Make a list of your emergency numbers for your caretaker, or for you, to find easily in the event that you might need them.

More Preparation PDF FIles

Swelling & Bruising Recommendations
Want help in the swelling and bruising department? Maybe some Arnica Montana or Bromelain. Always ask your doctor before taking anything other than what he prescribed.