Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery can be a big decision. Even the most ordinary procedure will change your look somewhat, and in some ways, who you are as well. However, the closer your appearance is to your ideal look, the more your confidence will be boosted.
As cosmetic surgery prices become more affordable every day, many people can now choose to change their aspect with an abdominoplasty, liposuction, or face lifting intervention. Nonetheless, surgery is always associated with certain risks. Being prepared in the right way is thus vital to improving your chances of a positive outcome. Let’s have a look at what you can do in practice.
Take other alternatives into consideration
The first question you should ask yourself should be: Do I really need a surgical procedure to achieve my goals? Sometimes, there’s no need to undergo an expensive cosmetic surgery intervention to improve your appearance since there are other less invasive alternatives available. For example, instead of a complex skin bleaching procedure, you can easily solve your hyperpigmentation issues with a good cream.
Or you can avoid a face lifting operation with the right anti-aging product. Highly reputable beauty, health, and skincare websites such as https://okdermo.com/ can provide you can find many top-quality cosmetic products that can easily solve your problems without requiring the help of a cosmetic surgeon.
Know about your surgery
There are many differences between apparently similar cosmetic surgery procedures. For example, liposuction can be done in several ways, using different methods such as by injecting large quantities of anesthetics (tumescent liposuction), using ultrasounds to liquefy the fat (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) or by burning it with a laser (laser-assisted liposuction).
Each procedure comes with its own benefits and disadvantages, and you should know them before understanding which one really suits your needs. For example, you may prefer to receive an injection of wrinkle relaxers rather than of Botox to get a better face-lifting effect.
However, although some research on Google is necessary, do not use the Internet as your main source of information. Always seek proper advice from a medical profession and in a clinical setting, if possible.
Find the right surgeon
Did you know that not every surgeon in the United States received specific training to practice cosmetic surgery procedures? According to the law, in fact, any doctor with general surgery training can perform these operations. Thankfully, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) only provides accreditation to physicians who received proper training and education, and who proved their skills.
Always check who your surgeon is before undergoing a procedure. Look out for info and ask other patients for input. You want to find an expert and skilled professional with some years of residency in plastic surgery rather than a freshman who completed a weekend course in aesthetic surgery. Scour the Internet for photos of his or her previous works to check if you really want to be operated by this specific doctor, also.
Stop smoking
Smoking is a serious risk factor for postoperative complications. It might increase recovery time, slow down your body’s ability to heal, and can increase the danger of severe infections. Your wounds can get infected, take a long time to heal, and there’s a higher risk of scarring, negating any positive effect on your look of the procedure itself.
On top of all that, smoking can cause complications with anesthesia and other heart and lung issues. Quitting smoking can be extremely hard, but at least for a few weeks (or months) before and after the procedure, it is much better to put your cigarettes down. Beware of removing any nicotine source as well, such as gums, patches, and vaping.
Eat well and lose some weight
Healthy dietary habits are critical to ensure the best outcome after a cosmetic surgery intervention. This is the best way to lose some excess weight, in fact. If weight loss occurs after an operation, your breast size or belly may decrease further causing flaps of skin to hang around or implants to not stay in their place.
However, do not restrict yourself to a crash diet beforehand. If you restrict your calories too much, you can weaken your immune system, suffer from nutritional imbalances, or get dehydrated. All these issues will lengthen the recovery process or can even cause serious complications during or after the intervention.
Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid junk food or alcoholic beverages for a few weeks before and after the operation. You want your body to be as “detoxified” as possible to be healthy and strong when the day comes.
Watch out for medications and supplements
Several medications, including many common anti-inflammatory drugs, might increase the risk of bleeding. If you’re undergoing major surgery, the risk of bleeding can be serious, and you want your blood to be able to clot normally. Many of these medications are available as over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, while others are prescription meds whose label explicitly warns you about this danger (warfarin, rivaroxaban, and the other blood thinners).
Stop taking OTC drugs for at least one month before surgery, but do not ever stop any prescription drug before talking with your doctor. This is extremely important! You might risk your life if you do so, so always check your physician’s advice before discontinuing any medication.
Beware that many herbal supplements and foods can also impair your blood’s ability to clot, including ginger, garlic, and Ginkgo Biloba.
Conclusion
Preparing your mind and body adequately before a cosmetic surgery intervention will make the difference. It will improve the overall outcomes, reduce pain and discomfort, and decrease recovery time.