{"id":12710,"date":"2020-01-30T15:35:10","date_gmt":"2020-01-30T23:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=12710"},"modified":"2023-02-24T08:22:37","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T16:22:37","slug":"prepare-for-procedure-what-to-do-after","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/prepare-for-procedure-what-to-do-after","title":{"rendered":"Simple Things to Do Before and After Any Procedure for the Best Results"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every procedure on RealSelf comes with a Worth It Rating, as determined by real members with firsthand insight and experience. We’re highlighting the top treatments ranked “Worth It” by our trusted community. This story is part of the 2020 Most Worth It<\/a> campaign to help you make smart, confident cosmetic decisions. <\/em><\/p>

You’ve vetted your doctor, had a consultation, and scheduled your procedure—but the homework doesn’t end there. Prepping for before and after treatment can go a long way in terms of both the results you’re seeking and your recovery time. Follow this checklist to make sure your pre- and post-op routines are as easy as possible. <\/p>

Before your procedure <\/strong><\/h2>

Prepare yourself mentally<\/strong><\/h3>

Even a less invasive procedure can be stressful, so it helps to offset that tension beforehand. “We suggest patients take part in activities that help them to feel at peace, such as yoga and meditation,” says Smithtown, New York, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. James Marotta<\/a>. “Calm, relaxed patients are always the ones that heal the fastest and ultimately have the best outcomes.” If you can, take a day off work before treatment to run any last-minute errands, stock your fridge, and center yourself. <\/p>

Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

Take healthy precautions<\/strong><\/h3>

Now is not the time to order another glass of wine. “It is important that patients follow a healthy lifestyle leading up to and following procedures—including not smoking, [following] a healthy, age-appropriate diet, [getting] daily exercise, and [taking] daily supplements [as needed],” says Glenview, Illinois, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Laurie Casas<\/a>. Your doctor should review any nutrition and exercise regimens to accelerate your recovery and balance them with your age and goals. It’ll help maintain your results afterward too.<\/p>

Related:<\/em> 14 Celebrities Reveal the Cosmetic Procedure They Regret<\/a><\/em><\/p>

Don’t consult the internet<\/strong><\/h3>

Last we checked, Google does not have a medical degree—and what you find online may bring you unnecessary worry. If you’re questioning something, ask your doctor instead. “The internet is a useful tool for researching some things, but surgery is not always one of them, because every procedure, every patient, and every surgeon are different,” says Dr. Marotta. “You’ve chosen your surgeon for a reason, so put your trust in them to care for you, every step of the way.” <\/p>

Check your supplements<\/strong><\/h3>

“Avoid products [that] will increase bruising, for a week prior to surgery,” says New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft<\/a>. The most common offenders include fish oil and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin, and aspirin. If you’re not sure of the status of your supplement, check with your doctor.<\/p>

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