Any form of surgery can be traumatic for your body. By taking a proactive approach to surgery preparation, you can speed up post-operation recovery and overall healing. This is especially important with respect to cosmetic surgery. You want minimal scarring and a quick recovery time. To that end, there are certain things you should avoid before going in for cosmetic surgery.
1. Smoking
If you are a smoker, you should make a commitment to quit at least one month before your surgery. Smoking affects your lungs and your heart, and it could possibly lead to complications during or after surgery. Smoking can also make it difficult for the anesthesiologist to accurately dose your anesthesia. While it’s true that quitting even one week before your cosmetic surgery will be beneficial, quitting at least one month in advance gives you enough time to deal with any possible withdrawal symptoms. It also allows sufficient recovery time for your heart and lungs.
2. Certain Medications
There are certain medications that you should stop taking 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery. These medications include blood thinners, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These medications can lead to excessive and prolonged bleeding. You should also avoid Vitamin E and all herbal supplements. If you are taking oral contraceptives, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking them well in advance of your surgery. If you do need to take a pain medication, acetaminophen is acceptable in most circumstances.
3. Eating and Drinking before Surgery
Pre-operation protocol often calls for no food or drink after a certain point before your surgery. The fasting period is usually at least eight hours in length. The reason doctors require you to fast before surgery has to do with the effects of the anesthesia. When you are “put under,” you are unable to perform a number of normal bodily functions, such as swallowing. If there is something in your stomach, there is chance that it could be regurgitated into your airways. This is a very serious problem, and it can be fatal in some instances.
While any surgery is difficult to deal with, there are steps you can take to minimize any discomfort and to accelerate your healing. Avoiding the items on the list above will help ensure that your surgery goes as smoothly as possible. Remember, taking a proactive approach to cosmetic surgery is critical to getting the results that you want.
Informational Credit:
This article was inspired by the Centric Health Surgical Centre in Sarnia, Ontario.
