Lining up a few things in advance will give you peace of mind and help your recovery go smoothly.
1. Buy recovery supplies
Your surgeon will give you a suggested list of recovery supplies. Essentials include:
- compression garments and a surgical bra, which they may give you to wear home
- stool softeners (pain medication causes constipation)
- any supplements your doctor recommends, such as arnica to reduce bruising
- supplies to keep incisions clean (bandages and antibiotic ointments)
- loose clothing and button-down shirts that make it easier to dress yourself—particularly when it hurts to raise your arms—and prevent uncomfortable rubbing
- healthy meals to stash in the freezer
2. Line up childcare
You'll need to avoid heavy lifting and overdoing it during at least the first two weeks after surgery, so it's important to have childcare and pet care lined up.
3. Avoid nicotine
At least four weeks prior to surgery (ideally sooner), stop smoking cigarettes, vaping, or using nicotine replacement therapy, which can increase your risk of complications. All forms of nicotine can reduce blood flow to the skin, causing skin necrosis (tissue death).
You’ll also need to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke before and after surgery, adds Dr. Richard Tholen, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
Carbon monoxide poisoning from smoking, according to Dr. Lawton, is an even more significant problem because it prevents the delivery of oxygen to the healing wound
4. Review your medications and supplements
Talk with the nurses about your medications and supplements. Some decongestants, pain relievers, and prescribed medications are not suitable for use before surgery, while others are fine.
If you take opioids for chronic pain, speak to your surgeon and the anesthesiologist to ensure they make adequate adjustments for your medication during surgery and recovery. “It doesn’t mean that you can’t have surgery, but the post-operative pain may be a little more difficult to control,” says Dr. Marie Montag, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska.
