Lifestyle Changes to Make before Plastic Surgery

Nov 10, 2016 @ 11:00 AM — by Dina Eliopoulos

Facial cosmetic surgery can reverse the hands of time, revealing a smooth, youthful appearance. Regardless of the type of procedure, making lifestyle changes before plastic surgery helps our Chelmsford, MA patients enjoy improved results and a faster recovery. Schedule a consultation with top Massachusetts plastic surgeon Dr. Dina Eliopoulos for your personalized lifestyle recommendations. In the meantime, consider making these lifestyle changes before undergoing plastic surgery.

Disclose All Medications to Your Surgeon

It's important to disclose all medications to your surgeon before undergoing plastic surgery. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any and all medications, including over-the-counter and prescription, along with any vitamins and supplements you're taking. All of these have potential to cause complications after surgery and may not interact well with anesthesia or pain medications that may be prescribed after surgery.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is dangerous to general health and can even increase the risk of complications after surgery. Smoking interferes with the body's ability to heal, preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching the cells. The longer it takes for incisions to heal, the more at risk for complications and infection a person will be. In order to allow the body time to recover from years of smoking, those considering plastic surgery should stop smoking as far in advance of surgery as possible and be prepared to continue to not smoke throughout recovery.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for general health and can help the body prepare for recovery after surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet ensures the body has enough vitamins, proteins, minerals, and energy to heal itself quickly and to fight infection. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens, grains high in fiber, and lean meats like chicken and fish. Avoid starchy foods, like white breads and potatoes, fried foods, and processed foods high in sodium and fat. Make the switch to a healthy diet as soon as possible to help prepare the body for surgery and recovery.

Regularly Exercise

Regular exercise helps encourage blood flow, keep the heart strong, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which are important for recovery after surgery. Not only does regular exercise help keep the weight down, it also boosts the immune system, essential for reducing the risk of infection after surgery. Also, those who exercise regularly before plastic surgery often see better results, including firmer, tighter skin. Shoot for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity, like swimming, jogging, or brisk walking, a minimum of three times a week.

Make Time to Relax

It's not uncommon to feel stressed and anxious before undergoing surgery. Anxiety and stress can impact the immune system, increasing the risk of complications and infection after surgery. Making time to relax before undergoing plastic surgery can help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. In the days leading up to surgery, consider relaxing in a warm bath, walking in a local park, or reading your favorite book.

Discover Your Plastic Surgery Options

If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery treatment options, or what else you can do to prepare for your upcoming surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Massachusetts board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Eliopoulos.