The best way for a person to get the speediest recovery from surgery is to start as a healthy patient. I insist that patients are non-smokers and that they have avoided smoke for at least several months. I also think that people with a healthy BMI will have a more satisying result and will also tend to heal faster. My patients all require bloood tests to and patients over 40 require EKG's.
On occassion, people are unhappy that they have been "turned away" if they have health issues that could result in a less than ideal result and / or recovery, but we are thinking about the patient's health and well being. We have had many patients improve their health by losing weight or stop smoking before seeing me in consultation and the change is amazing.
If you have had your pre-operative appt you may all ready have your post operative appts. for the next few weeks. If these appts are not yet scheduled, get them scheduled. Depending on your surgery your plastic surgeon will likelly want you to be seen in the office several times in the first week or 2 after surgery. ALWAYS BE AT YOUR APPOINTMENTS. If during your recovery you have questions or concerns always contact your doctor so he or she is aware of any issues going on.
Please make sure your caregiver understands your needs and limitations and is prepared to help. Always speak to your doctor about how soon you can drive. Even if you feel fine, you may be compromised in a way that could effect driving.
Taking supplements and viatamins can help the recovery process but you mist report all supplements to your physician. Some supplements, herbs or even teas may cause bleeeding or have other effects on surgery or recovery. Garlic, Ginko, ginseng, apsirin containing products and vitamin E are among the supplements many physicians would ask you to avoid.
Before surgery eliminate alcohol and minimize caffeine, processed foods and eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Try to get as much rest as possible before surgery and have your home life and professional life organized as well as possible.
Most importantly, follow all of the guidelines provided to you by ypour plastic surgeon. review your preoperative paperwork with your caregiver and be sure you know what to do and how to contact your plastic surgeon at all hours. Even if you feel great, don't start exercizing, lifting, etc. before your plastic surgeon gives you the Okay.
Best of luck to you.
