When planning for cosmetic surgery, proper preparation for the before, during and after-surgery phases is essential to ensure an easier experience.
Since most procedures are now outpatient, the patient will be provided with reading material to review and understand the upcoming procedure. It will help one ask questions and clear his/her doubts before the day of the surgery to avoid unwanted surprises. This material will cover the process leading up to the surgery, the procedure itself and post-operative care so the patient has proper awareness of what to expect.
Meanwhile, the patient should inform the doctor regarding any medications or supplements being taken. This is important since minerals, vitamins and herbs could interact with medications and impact their efficacy. Also, if it is an outpatient procedure, an adult attendant should stay with the patient at least for the first night after the surgery.
As most cosmetic surgeries debar eating or drinking after midnight, one must have a nutritious dinner. However, do not eat foods containing high levels of salt or sugar the night before. Since constipation is a common side effect due to the medications prescribed during the surgery period, foods that could potentially aggravate this side effect should be avoided. If constipation is an issue, the doctor may prescribe a stool softener, depending on the person’s normal bowel habits.
Those who smoke should stop doing so for at least a month before the surgery. Smoking could lead to nausea, aggravating the lungs during surgery. As it curbs circulation to the skin, the recovery process will slow down, which could cause major postoperative complications. Therefore, not smoking for at least a fortnight after surgery is recommended.
In this phase, patients must know about the risk of blood-thinning medications, which can lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure and thereafter. Both prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs could possess blood-thinning properties. If the prospective patient is taking such medications or even some herbal and mineral supplements, these must be discontinued one or two weeks before the procedure.
If blood-thinning medications have been prescribed by one’s treating or personal physician to be taken regularly to prevent stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart attacks or for a prosthetic heart valve, the concerned doctor must be asked when the medications can be discontinued and for how long. The cosmetic surgeon should also be informed about these medications so he/she is aware the temporary suspension has been approved by the treating physician.
If there is any sign of a cold or an infection in the week preceding the surgery, the procedure may need to be postponed to avoid any unnecessary complications.
One should arrive punctually before the operation as per the time given by the cosmetic surgeon. This will make sure there is adequate time to prepare for the procedure. One must also ascertain that a family member, close friend or attendant is available with the patient as per the duration recommended by the cosmetic surgeon. When the patient is taken to the designated surgical room, the family member or attendant could wait in the reception lounge.
Also, do not wear any makeup or jewellery on the surgery day. This includes earrings, nose rings and other adornments. But do wear comfortable clothes. Wearing the right clothes is crucial so the surgeon’s work isn’t impeded. For cosmetic surgery of the face, the patient’s top or shirt should not go past the collarbone. This helps the surgeon access the face without any hassle or constriction. In the case of breast augmentation, the garment should have buttons or a front zipper so the patient does not have to lift her arms over the head because chest movement will be restricted. Consequently, removing a t-shirt will be much harder than unbuttoning a garment.
In such a situation, a loose-fitting jogging suit may be ideal, especially for an upper body surgery. Pants having an elastic waistband would also be good as this is easy to slip on or off, particularly since the patient will be drowsy after the surgery. If required, the surgeon may ask the patient to change into a gown provided by the facility or hospital. Socks and undergarments may be worn in the operating theatre if it does not obstruct the surgical area. This will be clarified and approved by the surgeon.
In the pre-operating area, an intravenous drip (IV) will be administered in the patient’s hand/forearm. A nurse will then accompany the patient and be present throughout the surgery in the operating room. Inside this room, the patient will be made to lie down on the table. After this, the surgeon will begin by marking the surgical site. The Anaesthesiologist will now ask the patient to sign a consent form – if this has not already been done earlier – before administering anaesthesia.
The anaesthesia will be given via the IV so the patient begins to relax as soon as he/she lies down. If a person is prone to nausea, anti-nausea medications may also be given through the IV. Soon the patient will lose awareness of being in the operating room. Antibiotics as well as drugs for inflammation and pain may be administered before the person regains consciousness.
Immediately after the surgery, the patient will be shifted to a recovery zone until the surgeon decides the person is ready to go home. Generally, the patient is only expected to stay at the hospital for another one to one-and-a-half hours. Though infrequent, if necessary, the person may be transferred to a hospital recovery room for an overnight stay.
Most patients become fully conscious within 15 to 60 minutes following the surgery but they may not recall much because of the anaesthetic drugs. The nurse will continue to be with the patient during this recovery period. Once the vital signs become stable and the nausea, discomfort, pain and bleeding are minimal, the patient will be ready for release.
The person will be provided specific discharge instructions, the necessary medications and a post-op appointment after a week. The patient is welcome to ask any question at this juncture or later. The follow-up visit will help the surgeon in monitoring the healing process. Also, the stitches, if any, can be removed at this time.
During this period, the cosmetic surgery recipient should be patient and listen to his/her body. If the person feels any pain, discomfort or fatigue, rest is advisable. If necessary, the doctor can be consulted over the phone or in person.
Usually, during the normal healing process, bruising and swelling peak within four to five days after the operation. If required, the patient can take time off from work till he/she feels better and the doctor confirms it is safe to resume normal activities. If any doubts persist, one can call the doctor and clarify the same. Within a week or so, the person can return to his/her normal routine.