Just like any other major medical procedure, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with your surgeon well before your cosmetic operation is carried out. That first meeting is important for a variety of reasons, and it must usually be scheduled at least a few months before you plan on having any type of invasive procedure carried out. Here is a quick glimpse at just a few of the steps that you can take to get ready for your first consultation as well as your operation.
Conduct Some Research Online
There are countless online resources available to those who are interested in undergoing cosmetic surgery. In addition to taking a skimming through patient reviews and comments, you might also want to head to your surgeon’s website to take a look at their FAQ section. The FAQ section should be able to provide you with most of the data that you are going to need in the time leading up to your first consultation. That includes information such as where the procedure is going to be carried out, how long it takes, and what the recovery is going to be like.
Scheduling Your Initial Appointment
Once you have done a little bit of research on your own, you can then schedule your initial appointment with the surgeon. During that appointment, you will be able to ask your plastic surgeon any additional questions that you might have. You can also explain all of your cosmetic goals so that the doctor can help you come up with a personalized treatment plan. They will need to go over your medical history as well so that they can be absolutely sure you are healthy enough for cosmetic surgery. After the consultation is over, you will most likely be given contact information so that you can ask your plastic surgeon any follow-up questions that you might have leading up to the procedure.
Between Your Consultation and Procedure
Even though you will be given very specific pre-op instructions that must be followed as closely as possible, there are some basic steps that most patients can take to prep for these operations. The single best thing that you can do leading up to your cosmetic surgery is to stay as healthy as possible. Improving your overall health will greatly reduce your risk of post-op complications and make your recovery period much more comfortable. In most cases, patients will be told to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, follow a healthy diet, and exercise as much as possible. Your surgeon is also going to ask you to avoid all tobacco products before and after your procedure.
Final Steps
In the last few days before your operation, there are a few important steps that you will need to take. That includes setting up an area where you can safely and comfortably recover from your operation. Even though modern cosmetic procedures are safer than ever, they are still serious operations that require a recovery period. At the very least, you need to have an area in your home where you can relax for a few days. That area should include a comfortable place to sleep and rest, some type of entertainment, and easy access to food and water. You must also have a loved one ready to spend a little bit of time with you during that period. You will most likely be groggy and sore, and your loved one must help you with most everyday tasks until you get back on your feet.