Plastic surgery provides a long-lasting way to achieve your cosmetic goals, but results can even be better with the right preparation. A board-certified plastic surgeon can perform incredibly high-quality work, but if the patient does not prepare properly beforehand, it can lead to complications that negatively affect results.

Stop Smoking

Before undergoing a cosmetic procedure, your physical health should be in its best condition. This includes quitting smoking well before the date of your surgery. Smoking negatively affects skin health. This can lead to complications during and after surgery, including a prolonged recovery period.

After smoking, nicotine stays in the bloodstream for 1-3 days, depending on how the body processes the substance. Other chemicals found in cigarettes stay in the body for ten more days after this.

All patients are required to stop smoking for 4-6 weeks before the procedure. This allows time for the skin, heart, and lungs to recover and work properly before proceeding with surgery.

Eat Healthy

Food is the body’s fuel. The nutrients in food support the body’s immune system, and having a strong immune system is vital after a plastic surgery procedure. If the body’s immune system is not nourished properly, it may not be able to fight off infections.

After a surgical procedure, proper nutrition can also provide the correct amount of protein to build new tissues. This is key in the recovery process.

Consult with Your Doctor

There are cases when candidates for plastic surgery have previous medical conditions requiring medications. These can include blood thinners for heart disease and stroke, anti-inflammatory drugs for swelling, and herbal supplements to improve the natural balance of the body.

These medications can interfere with blood clotting when taken before surgery, leading to increased bleeding during the procedure. Before proceeding with your decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure, consult with your doctor to seek professional advice when it comes to medications and supplements.

Request Time Off Work

The results of your plastic surgery procedure will depend in part on how well you take care of yourself during the recovery period. Our body is built with specific timelines for using up energy, healing, and building muscle. The same process goes for recovering from plastic surgery.

You will need to stay home from work after the procedure. Request at least 5-7 days off from work to allow your body to heal properly. The type of work you do may affect the amount of time off required.

Learn About the Recovery Period

Each cosmetic procedure will require different a recovery process. This is due to the varied amount of work done on certain parts of the body.

In general, you can resume light walking soon after the procedure; this is often encouraged to prevent blood clots from forming. Lifting weights, running, and other forms of strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the procedure that was performed.

Soaking in baths is also not allowed in the first 2 weeks of the recovery period. A list of special instructions will be given to each patient to ensure that the correct aftercare steps are taken.

Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle

Skin aging is an unstoppable process. People who are considering a cosmetic procedure should commit to consistent skincare and a healthy lifestyle.

The main reason why people get plastic surgery is to look younger. Don’t waste all the effort you went through by doing activities that speed up skin aging.

Avoid vices like smoking and drinking alcohol. Sleep early, eat nutritious meals, get consistent exercise, and refrain from too much sun exposure.

Living a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain the results of your cosmetic procedure. It can even improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.

Determine Your Eligibility for the Procedure

A surgical procedure will have qualifications for all patients to ensure safety and quality. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will ensure that you are eligible.

Be ready to discuss your complete medical history and take a few lab tests. Anything that can affect the procedure before, during, and after will be evaluated to maintain the gold standard of patient care.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Interested in getting plastic surgery in San Diego? Contact North Coast Plastic Surgery at 760.655.1414 and schedule a consultation. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gregory Park will be available to tell you more about the best ways to prepare for your plastic surgery procedure.