Going into plastic surgery can be scary and confusing if it is your very first time. You may have many questions about what exactly how you should be preparing your body in the days and weeks before your procedure, what will happen to you during your procedure, and how you can expect to feel upon waking up. The good news is that there are many resources you can use to inform yourself on what to expect before and after your procedure. One of the best sources of information for soon-to-be patients is former patients, who are typically more than willing to connect and share their stories. These former patients have been in your shoes and can relate exactly to the nervousness and excitement you may be feeling. They are also definitive proof that plastic surgery can yield the results you want!
The plastic surgery community is tighter knit than ever before. Groups on Facebook, Instagram, RealSelf and other social platform have sprung out from patients who just want to help others like themselves. At Mia Aesthetics, many of our staff has chosen to have their own plastic surgery procedures done here with our team of top-tier plastic surgeons. Below are some tips and advice they chose to give potential future patients who are considering having plastic surgery:
Have Realistic Expectations
While plastic surgery can be extremely transformative, there are some limitations to what you can achieve. Doctors do not always recommend bringing in “Wish Pics” of your desired results because oftentimes, what we see online or on Instagram isn’t entirely real or indicative of what can be achieved with your specific body type. While you are doing your research, keep in mind what your current look is and what can realistically be transformed. If you are unsure of what type of results you will likely see from plastic surgery, you can book a consultation with one of our surgeons so that they can assess you and give you a better idea of what to expect. Our staff says that as long as you are realistic, you will have a great experience and love your transformation.
Read All Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions
Most of the questions you will have about how to prepare your body for surgery, what to eat and drink, and how to treat your body once you have your procedure, can be answered in your pre-op and post-op instructions, which are provided to you once you book your surgery. If you take the time to study these instructions and plan accordingly, you will feel much calmer and more prepared for your surgery and your recovery period.
Eat as Healthily as Possible
Our staff says that eating healthily before and after surgery is key to achieving the best results possible. Before surgery, eating healthily will help you get your body in the best pre-surgery shape, which will help make your post-surgery results look even better. Additionally, what you eat and how you take care of your body has a direct impact on how your body recovers from trauma. If you are putting lean, protein- and antioxidant-rich food into your body before surgery, you will likely have an easier time healing after surgery. Likewise, eating well after surgery is important to give your body all the essential nutrients it needs to recovery quickly and smoothly.
Whole foods, rather than processed foods, are excellent to eat before surgery and during surgery recovery. For example, an orange would be a whole food. Orange juice, though, would be a more processed version of that food. Chicken breast is better than chicken nuggets, onions are better than onion rings, etc. Aim to obtain most of your nutrition from these whole foods, which is actually a healthy way to eat every day, not just the weeks before and after surgery. Additionally patients should avoid foods that are high in sodium, or salt, before surgery and during surgery recovery. Salt retains water and can increase a patient’s swelling after surgery, which will cause your results to take longer to settle in. To avoid excessive sodium intake, patients should try sticking to whole foods instead of prepackaged foods and avoiding adding too much salt to their meals.
Have a Caregiver to Help You
Members of our staff who are plastic surgery veterans recommend bringing a loved one or close family member along with you for your surgery. There is nothing like having someone who cares about you and loves you deeply by your side during recovery. The support and comfort of a loved one is unmatched and can help you stay calm and comfortable during recovery. Additionally, when you are weak and sore the first week or so after your procedure, they will be able to assist you with feeling more comfortable and can ensure you are eating and drinking enough to speed you along your recovery.
Have all Your Medication Ready Before You Return From Surgery
While each of our staff members had a different experience with pain because every body is unique, they all unanimously agreed that pain medications will be very useful to you during your recovery time. You will want to make sure that all prescriptions have been filled and picked up prior to your procedure. This way, you will be able to manage your pain better after your procedure and won’t have to worry about enlisting someone to go pick them up when you are feeling sore or uncomfortable.
If You’re Having a BBL, come up with Creative Ways to Avoid Sitting
The Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is our most popular procedure, and plenty of our staff members have opted to have theirs done here. But avoiding sitting can be tricky when so much of our lives revolve around it. While sitting directly on your butt is prohibited, you can sit in your car to drive with the help of your BBL pillow. A BBL pillow is a small cushion that goes under your lower thigh area to take pressure off of your buttocks area when sitting. Using your BBL pillow will allow your butt to stay suspended in the air instead of pressing directly on your car seat, preventing excess weight on the area. Working a desk job after your BBL can pose as large of an inconvenience as driving. Luckily, there are various ways you can get around having to sit in your desk all day. Depending on the culture of your workplace, some BBL patients choose to work while laying on their stomachs. If your company is a bit stricter, you can opt for using a standing desk.
Try and Stay Positive
Many people overlook how important it is to mentally prepare ahead of surgery. But our staff says that it is just as important for your mind to be in a healthy place ahead of plastic surgery as it is your body. Although it is sometimes easier said than done, your surgical journey will be much easier and more joyful if you try and maintain a positive attitude throughout. Remember your end goal and the reasons you decided to go through with the cosmetic procedure in the first place. Although the road to recovery will be bumpy at some points, your much-anticipated end results will make the experience worth it!