.

If you are about to consider cosmetic surgery like a facelift, rhinoplasty or any other procedure, you need to prepare for different aspects. Some of the important precautions and post-operation tips are described here for your guidance. The precautions will help you significantly in minimizing any chances of post-operative complications.

The first precaution is to stop smoking, as it hampers blood circulation and slows down healing. It is safer to stop smoking at least 3 or 4 weeks before the surgery. You should also start taking vitamins daily so as to maintain good health. However, medications that contain ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided during this phase. Drugs containing these substances can lead to bleeding during and after the operation.

Another precaution to be observed before and after cosmetic surgery is to avoid the intake of vitamin E at least 3 weeks before the surgery. And, it has also been found that herbal supplements can cause bleeding during the surgery.

Next, it is important that you are accompanied by someone who could take care of you for the first 2 or 3 days after the operation. You can even hire the services of a nurse for the first day. And, if you do not have anyone else in your home to do the cooking, it would be helpful to prepare your food and freeze it for around two weeks. Prepare quick snacks like soup, protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, frozen dinners, jell-O, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and juice, for which you can buy some flexible straws. Adequate amount of protein should be ensured in the food, which helps in faster healing. You should always keep a number of items handy for use before and after cosmetic surgery. This includes icepacks, moisturizers, eye drops and laxatives.

And, after the surgery you can follow some useful tips in order to reduce the recovery time and speed up the healing. You should consume certain types of foods that will help you to heal faster. Increase your intake of protein-rich foods, as the substance supplies the building blocks that make cells. Even though you can use both plant and animal proteins, it is better to take foods like beans and nuts as they help in faster healing. You can also take multi-vitamin supplements that have high levels of zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C, as these constituents help in fast healing.

In addition, it is necessary for you to give enough time to your body to recover before and after cosmetic surgery. You should try to get the surgery done close to the weekend, which will give you enough time for resting. Your recovery will also be faster if you spend maximum time in your bed and relaxing. And, you should avoid engaging in any heavy physical tasks as it can affect the operated site.

You should know that the time before and after cosmetic surgery can be highly demanding on both your body as well as social life. You will have to stay away from your work for a number of weeks, and in some types of procedures you will be hospitalized for a few days.

 

Any further questions, contact your Plastic Surgeon or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).