It is very common to feel excited and a bit nervous as you look forward to your plastic surgery — especially if it is your first procedure. Taking steps to properly prepare for surgery can distract your mind from feeling nervous and help increase your chances of a smooth and successful recovery.
Read on as Dr. Abhay Gupta, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, reveals five things you absolutely must do before surgery.
After surgery, you will not have the time or energy to do your laundry or stop at the drugstore for prescriptions or other supplies. Do yourself a favor and prep your recovery space ahead of time. Arrange your bedroom or recovery area with essentials: prescriptions, fresh linens, clean clothes, tissues, chargers and entertainment for the downtime.
Depending on your procedure, you should plan to take one to two weeks off from work. Don’t assume you can work from home immediately after surgery, as you may feel very tired and have little energy for emails and conference calls.
Also, if you have young children or pets, arrange for someone to take care of them for at least a week or two while you focus on your recovery. You will not be able to lift anything heavy (including your children) during your initial recovery, or take your pets on long walks.
Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and other medications and supplements can raise the risk of complications during and after surgery. Dr. Gupta will give you a complete list of medications and supplements to stop taking, and you should follow his instructions to reduce your risk.
Dr. Gupta and our team are here to help you as you prepare for your surgery. We are available to address any last-minute questions or concerns you may have about your surgery. Don’t be shy — we are only a phone call or email away!
Having some nerves or butterflies about surgery is understandable. But try your best to keep a calm and positive perspective in the days leading up to your procedure. Trust that you have selected a qualified surgeon and that your procedure will go smoothly. As long as you have done your homework and educated yourself about your procedure, it is not helpful to research potential complications and procedures gone wrong. Focus on the incredible results you have to look forward to!
For more information about preparing for surgery, please contact Gupta Plastic Surgery today.
Fun Fact of the Month: “May sickness” (gogatsu-byou) is a seasonal affective disorder-like condition that occurs in May in Japan. April is a busy month, as the academic year and fiscal years begin in Japan and many graduates start their first full-time jobs. However in May, many people start to lose their enthusiasm and become tired or disillusioned with their schoolwork or jobs.