How to Prepare for Cosmetic Surgery: Patient Checklist
Regardless of the procedure, cosmetic surgery is a big step, so it’s important to take the time to prepare mentally, physically and practically. Our care coordinators and surgeons will thoroughly communicate all the details to simplify your experience during the consultation and pre-operative appointment. However, it’s also handy to have a resource you can turn to as a reminder.
With that in mind, we’ve created this simple but comprehensive checklist when preparing for cosmetic surgery. It will help you take all the necessary steps to enhance your recovery, optimise the results and make your life easier before and after the procedure.
How to prepare for cosmetic surgery: finding a surgeon
The first step, if you’ve not already booked your procedure, is to think very carefully about what you want from the surgery and why. You can then look for a surgeon who can deliver it. No matter how urgently you want the procedure, you should take your time, fully assess your options and do plenty of research.
Following these steps will help to ensure you have a positive experience:
- Find out everything you can about the treatment you are interested in and have a clear picture in your mind of the result you want to achieve.
- You can ask your GP if they can recommend a good cosmetic surgeon, ask for personal recommendations from people you know, or look at local providers and clinics near you. Reading reviews of clinics and providers is also helpful. Your surgeon should have extensive experience performing that particular procedure and be on the GMC registered for plastic surgery.
- Never commit to a procedure before you have met the surgeon in person and had a thorough consultation. A consultation at a reputable clinic will always be free. Make a list of all the questions you want to ask and get a realistic understanding of the results they can help you achieve.
- After your initial consultation, take some time to cool off before you commit to anything. You should only proceed if you feel comfortable with the surgeon and do not have doubts about the procedure or the results you can expect.
- The quality of the aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself, so make sure you know what is involved in the aftercare process, who you can contact for assistance and what happens if there are any complications or problems.
How to prepare for cosmetic surgery: before the procedure
Once you’ve found a surgeon you’re happy with and booked your procedure, you can then think about the practical steps you can take to feel prepared, confident and ready for the surgery and recovery phase.
These are the steps to take when preparing for cosmetic surgery.
Book time off work
Most cosmetic procedures require you to take at least a week off work so you can start the first stage of your recovery. Your surgeon will explain exactly how long you’re likely to need for your particular procedure and what each stage of your recovery will look like.
Arrange some help
For the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, it’s beneficial to have someone on hand, such as a friend or family member, who can look after you and help with any essential tasks.
They will need to collect you from the clinic after the procedure as you won’t be able to drive, and accompany you to your follow-up appointment the next day. The recovery process isn’t too demanding for most patients and you can even get a taxi home after the surgery if no one can pick you up. However, it is preferable to have someone with you who you know and trust.
Consider childcare
If you have young children, having some childcare assistance at home will give you more time to rest and recover. You must also think about the practicalities, such as how you’ll get the children ready for school and manage the drop-off and pickup.
Prepare meals in advance
If you’re the main or only cook in the household, it’s worth preparing some meals in advance that you can eat in the first few days after surgery. Make nutritious meals that are high in protein and avoid exerting yourself or standing up for long periods in the kitchen.
Stop smoking, vaping and drinking
You must stop smoking, vaping and taking nicotine replacement products at least four weeks before your surgery date, as it increases the risk of complications and makes it harder for your body to heal. It’s also advisable to stop drinking at least two to four weeks before the procedure to put your body in the optimal state to recover.
Pick up prescriptions
The last thing you’ll want to do immediately after the procedure is pick up prescriptions. At Enhance, we write the prescriptions in advance so you can collect any pain medication, antibiotics or other medical supplies before the big day.
Review our clinical guidelines
We give you documents explaining everything you need to know about the procedure and the recovery process to help you prepare. It’s worth reviewing this information so you know exactly what to expect and understand what the recovery process will look like. If you have any questions about any aspect of the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact your care coordinator.
Prepare mentally
You’ll understandably feel some nerves and apprehension before the procedure, so beforehand, try to keep calm and make time to unwind, relax and engage in activities that enhance your wellbeing.
You are in excellent hands and will soon be able to enjoy your improved appearance and renewed confidence. For many people, cosmetic surgery has a profoundly positive impact on their self-esteem, body image and quality of life.
How to prepare for cosmetic surgery: on the day
Most of the preparations should now be taken care of. However, there are still a few last-minute steps to make sure everything is in place.
Pack your essentials
Most cosmetic surgery is performed on a day-case basis, so you’ll only need a small bag containing a few essentials. That should include loose, comfortable clothing, a dressing gown and slippers, toiletries, a little cash and your glasses or contact lenses. You should also bring something to keep you entertained, such as a book, magazine, earphones and a smartphone. If you’re staying overnight, you’ll also need spare underwear, a change of clothes and some comfortable pyjamas.
Prepare your bed
Before leaving home on the day of your procedure, take a few minutes to prepare your bed so you can lie and sleep in a position that enhances your recovery on your return. You should also ensure snacks, water and entertainment are within easy reach. Your surgeon or care coordinator will discuss the optimal sleeping and recovery position with you before the procedure.
Dress accordingly
On the day, wear loose-fitting clothing you can put on and take off easily. Opt for button-up or front-opening clothing you don’t have to pull over your head, as that can put unnecessary pressure on the incisions. Also, avoid wearing makeup, jewellery, nail polish, false lashes, hair extensions and fake tan, as they can introduce unwanted bacteria into theatre.
Following eating and drinking instructions
Follow your surgeon’s instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure. Having an empty stomach reduces the risk of vomiting under anaesthetic, and eating or drinking anything you shouldn’t could lead to the operation being delayed or cancelled.
Safe, affordable and high-quality cosmetic surgery at Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, we offer a leading range of cosmetic procedures performed by world-class surgeons in state-of-the-art facilities, and you are in capable and caring hands from your initial consultation to your post-operative recovery.
If you’ve already booked a procedure or want more information before making a commitment, our Facebook and Instagram pages can be helpful spaces. There, you can hear patients’ stories, talk to those who have undergone the procedures and explore what happens before, during and after cosmetic surgery.
Alternatively, you can find out more about some of our most popular procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lifts and facelifts, and book a free consultation to start your journey.