If you have made the decision to undergo plastic surgery, congratulations! You are probably looking forward to enjoying an improved appearance and better quality of life. However, it is important to remember that you, as a patient, play an important role in achieving the best possible results. By making some changes in your lifestyle and daily routine before and after surgery, you can decrease the risk of complications and encourage a quick recovery after facial plastic surgery and body contouring procedures. In this blog post, Dr. Tracy McCall and the team at Lake Country Plastic & Hand Surgery discuss seven important lifestyle changes you should make before undergoing plastic surgery. Read on, and then contact our Milwaukee, WI practice today to schedule a consultation with us.
1. Exercise
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Before undergoing plastic surgery, patients should exercise according to these guidelines. This is especially important for patients undergoing body contouring procedures such as liposuction or tummy tuck, as patients should be at their ideal weight before undergoing these procedures.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet before plastic surgery. Increase your intake of dark green, leafy vegetables. Reduce your intake of carbs that don’t contain nutritional value, substituting in whole-wheat products. Eat healthy items such as nuts and beans instead of chips and crackers.
3. Limit Sodium Intake
Sodium can increase inflammation, especially after surgery. To prepare your body for surgery, try to gradually minimize your sodium intake in the weeks leading up to your surgical appointment.
4. Discuss Your Medications with Your Doctor
Certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications during and after plastic surgery. During your consultation, Dr. McCall will discuss all of the medications, vitamins, and supplements that you take. If any of these could cause complications, you will need to stop taking them before you undergo surgery. If any medications are medically necessary, you will need to speak to your primary care physician to find out if alternative options are available.
5. Don’t Smoke
Smoking deprives wounds of nutrients and oxygen, which can result in delayed poor wound healing. This increases the risk of infection and scarring. We recommend that patients quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery, and for several weeks after, if not permanently.
6. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can also delay healing, which is why it is important to limit alcohol consumption in the weeks leading to plastic surgery. To be safe, it is a good idea to avoid alcohol altogether the week before plastic surgery.
7. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated improves the skin and keeps the entire body healthy. Drinking at least eight glasses of water each day is an easy way to stay healthy in the weeks prior to plastic surgery.
For more information about how to prepare for plastic surgery, and to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment, contact Lake Country Plastic & Hand Surgery today.
