9 Plastic Surgery Safety Tips for Faster Recovery

A recent statistics report has revealed that plastic surgery is on the rise across all demographics – women and men, young and old are increasingly seeking plastic surgery solutions to improve their appearance and mental well-being. But regardless of the plastic surgery chosen, a significant concern for many individuals is post-operative recovery and care. 

Although it varies for each patient, generally speaking when individuals adequately prepare for their procedure, their recovery time improves drastically.

If you have an appointment set with your plastic surgeon in a week or a few weeks, we've come up with a few general tips to help you prepare for the surgery for the best outcomes. 

9 Tips to prepare for your plastic surgery safely in Hong Kong

#1. Evaluate medications that you are currently taking

Be sure to let your surgeon know of any medication you are currently taking as some of them can affect your surgery. For example, medications containing aspirin are usually stopped as it poses a risk in your operation. Other medications that you should ask your doctor about are ones for pain, anxiety, sleep and diabetes. 

Usually, your medication should have no significant effect on your surgery. But double-checking with your surgeon is essential, especially as every surgery and every situation is different.

#2. Reviewing your nutritional supplements

Ignoring your nutrition and diet can adversely affect your ability to heal post-surgery, or even worse, make you more susceptible to post-surgical complications. 

Your practitioner may suggest you avoid taking certain nutrient supplements, such as Vitamin E as these are commonly associated with increased bleeding, something that should be avoided during your surgery. Proper nutrition during the post surgery period can also be helpful in wound healing. 

#3. Avoid eating some foods

Besides keeping an eye on your nutritional supplements, you should also consider your intake of certain foods. For example, refined grains like rice, wheat and some cereals are known to promote inflammation. To avoid complications after surgery, your surgeon will usually recommend you avoid drinking and eating anything in the hours leading up to your big day.

#4. Stop smoking and drinking

Smoking increases the risk of severe complications during and after your surgery, such as the inability to cope with anaesthesia. Your surgeon is likely to recommend that you quit smoking before the surgery, as your lungs and heart begin to function better usually the moment you stop smoking. Even quitting just the day before the operation can lower your risk of complications. 

#5. Prepare your family and home

While not all anxiety can be removed, having your family and friends ready for the experience can help you go through the plastic surgery procedure with ease. 

If you're responsible for other beings, such as children or pets, have someone to look after them while you are away. Prepare everything you might need during your recovery and put them in a reachable distance from you. Make sure not to strain yourself too much, as this could impact your healing. 

#6. Prepare how you're getting home

Pre-planning your return home will help you feel less worried and anxious. It's best to arrange for someone to come pick you up after your surgery or take a taxi home, it's not recommended to drive yourself home. Depending on your surgery, it could also be a good idea to have someone available to help you settle in at home for at least 24 hours after your surgery. 

#7. Understand post-surgery care instructions

Be sure to follow post-surgery care instructions. Avoid practices that might prolong the recovery period and adhere to the prescribed medication. Following your surgeon’s advice will ensure the best result after your surgery.

#8. Manage your expectations

At this stage, your surgery date has been booked in. You should have discussed, at length, with your practitioner about your procedure, risks and recovery. Your expectations should be managed and understand that post surgery results take time as your body starts to heal. 

#9. Arrive early

When the day is here, and you have prepared for it, arrive early and have everything set as planned. Arriving early for your surgery prepares you psychologically for the operation and will give you time to see if there are any omissions that you might need to attend to.

All in all, healing takes time. Swelling doesn't immediately go away, and scars usually are pink when they heal. Your expected results may not be evident for weeks or even months. But if you spot anything out of the ordinary, seek your surgeon's advice immediately.

Conclusion

Besides this brief checklist, your surgeon should have provided you with specific advice and instructions. Be sure to follow those as this list is only a form of general counsel; any instructions provided by your surgeon should be the advice that is followed. 

In spite of the general risks involved with plastic surgery, it's a safe procedure in Hong Kong when done through accredited medical professionals. As long as you follow your surgeon's instructions, then having plastic surgery shouldn't be a significant health concern and your recovery shouldn't be an issue. If you still have concerns, make sure you voice those to your practitioner as soon as possible.