Preparation is important for a successful surgical outcome. Your body (and mind) should be in optimal condition when you undergo your plastic surgery procedure. Here, Drs. Gary Breslow and Jordan Farkas share a few lifestyle changes to make in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Following these instructions will help you recover quickly and avoid complications.
Stop Smoking
Smoking raises your risk of serious complications and may affect the way your body heals from surgery. Quit at least four weeks prior to your surgery. (For your health, try to avoid picking the habit back up after surgery.) Also, avoid excessive drinking.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
It’s important to keep your energy and strength levels up as you prep for surgery. Supplement your diet with foods rich in Vitamins A and C, zinc, copper and selenium. These nutrients will promote tissue healing and build up your immune system to reduce the risk of infection. Protein is also helpful in repairing injured tissue during recovery.
Avoid Aspirin
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications can interfere with your body’s normal blood-clotting mechanisms and put you at risk of excessive bleeding and bruising. Certain supplements can react with anesthesia or other medications used during/after surgery. Our team will provide a list of medications/supplements to avoid prior to surgery and offer safe alternatives, if needed (e.g., Tylenol).
Prepare Yourself Emotionally
Emotional preparation for surgery is also important (yet often overlooked). The anticipation of a surgical procedure may provoke stress, and stress hormones can weaken your immune system.
To avoid stress and put yourself in the right mindset, remember that Drs. Breslow and Farkas are experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons. They operate in state-of-the-art, accredited facilities with a skilled support staff. While there are risks involved with any surgery, working with a qualified team decreases the risk of complications.
The next step is to make sure you have reasonable expectations of the surgery and your results. Our doctors will help you understand what is and isn’t likely to happen. This minimizes the chance of you being unhappy with your results or facing a surprise during your surgical journey.
It may also be helpful to practice positive visualization — in other words, imagining or mentally seeing a favorable outcome from surgery. You may try some deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to help you approach surgery with a clear and calm mind.
Contact Our Team
If you have questions about any of this information, or if you would like more tips for prepping for surgery, please contact the North Jersey plastic surgery practice of Drs. Gary Breslow and Jordan Farkas. Call (201) 444-9522 today.
